FAQs

Diligent effort means seeking coverage from and having been rejected by at least three authorized insurers currently writing this type of coverage and documenting these rejections.

The only exception is in the case of a residential structure that has a dwelling replacement cost of $700,000 or more. In this case, you would only need to seek coverage from and be rejected by at least one authorized insurer currently writing the requested coverage and documenting the rejection.

Surplus lines agents must maintain, as part of each insured’s file, a copy of the retail or producing agent’s documentation of a diligent effort search, if applicable. It is the responsibility of the surplus lines agent to verify that the retail or producing agent has made a diligent effort to place the coverage with an authorized insurer. The surplus lines agent must be able to reasonably rely on the efforts made by the retail or producing agent by taking into account such factors as conducting a program to verify the diligent effort process meets the requirements outlined in F.S. 626.916.