Homeowners Insurance Questions

I've been in the process of purchasing my first home in the area and I'm required to get insurance quotes to lender. Rates are clearly high across the city and my best offers right now from reputable carriers are around $8,000 including flood insurance.

During my last phone call after a 3 hour marathon, I received a quote from a broker for about $2,000 less and I immediately jumped on it. Over the weekend though I did more research as to how they're able to offer this rate and I'm concerned. They're called "surplus" agencies or something for two companies out of Florida that are not regulated by the state via some loophole. They're very new and have good reviews, but all of those reviews are customers saying how happy they are with their lower rate. No actual comments about claims experience.

I'm concerned that if something catastrophic does happen I am much more likely to be shafted with these carriers.

So – should I take the low rate or should I pony up the cash for someone I've heard of?