Security First Insurance Helps More Floridians “App-tly” Prepare for Hurricane Losses

Mobile phone apps are tied with social media as the fourth most popular source of emergency information during a disaster, according to the American Red Cross. After a storm, when all other lines of communication are down, smartphones – and their apps – often become a significant communications channel for people impacted by a catastrophic event. Florida-based Security First Insurance Company, the state’s fourth largest home insurance provider recognized this trend and recently launched its Security First Mobile application for Android users to streamline the post-hurricane claims process for its policyholders and provide all Floridians with access to hurricane preparedness tools to protect their homes.

In 2005, when Hurricane Wilma struck South Florida, Androids and iPhones were non-existent.  Today, there are more than one billion smartphone users worldwide.  As a property insurance provider in the state with the greatest number of people and property exposed to hurricane loss in the nation, Security First Insurance understands the importance of providing all Floridians with access to hurricane preparedness tools to protect their homes and families. The company initially launched its Security First Mobile app for iPhone users in June 2009.

“According to International Data Corp, Android accounted for 80 percent of all smartphones shipped worldwide in the second quarter of 2013,” said Locke Burt, chairman and president of Security First Insurance Company. “With Android usage skyrocketing, it was incredibly important for us to develop an Android app that would allow more Floridians to access important hurricane-related resources. We’ve made a promise to our policyholders that we’ll be there for them storm after storm, year after year – and our new app helps us fulfill that promise.”    

The free mobile app includes a helpful “Storm Center” tool, which is available to customers and non-customers alike and provides an interactive hurricane preparedness checklist and storm tracker integrated with Red Cross emergency shelter locations and evacuation routes. In addition, the Storm Center provides helpful hurricane facts and links to emergency and disaster response resources.

Security First Mobile also simplifies the claims process by providing the company’s approximately 180,000 policyholders with instant claim capabilities, policy information, mobile payments and the ability to enroll in paperless billing.  The app also allows users to upload photos of property damage and submit their insurance claims within minutes, directly from their iPhones or Android devices.  Following their submission, policyholders will immediately receive contact information for an assigned claims adjuster and be able to monitor their status.

To learn more about Security First Mobile, visit: www.securityfirstflorida.com/mobile