Page is updated as information is received. Last Update 2020-05-01 04:19 PM ET

Acuity

(2020-04-30)

Acuity recently announced plans to discount our personal auto rates to assist customers affected by the COVID-19 crisis. As a refresher, Acuity is creating a COVID-19 Reduced Driving Discount Endorsement that will automatically roll on to policies for 12 months. Our team has been working hard to make this endorsement available as quickly as possible. Listed below are the phases and key dates when customers will see this discount applied to policies.

Phase 1: Current and Future New Business and Renewals
We are pleased to inform you this discount will appear on new and renewal auto policies issued on or after April 30, 2020. The discount will appear as a credit for each unit on Acuity’s quote/application and declarations. Comparative raters will automatically include the credit upon quoting as well.

Phase 2: Apply discount to policies issued since March 11, 2020
Within the next couple weeks, we will begin the process of applying the discount to policies with an effective date between March 11, 2020, and April 30, 2020. This discount will appear as a credit on declarations.

Thank you for all that you do to help our mutual customers through this challenging time. We love you, and stay safe!

As potentially the only recipient of this message for your agency, please share this email and information with all of your office(s) and staff. Thank you.

Andover

(2020-04-20)[Shared by Kerri Rego in summary format]

• Flexible payment options on case by case basis

 

Brethren Mutual

(2020-04-17)

Brethren Mutual has received inquiries regarding its position to issue premium refunds/credits or reduce rates on Personal Auto policies in response to COVID-19. We are aware of recent announcements made by other insurance carriers.

As a regional mutual carrier, Brethren Mutual must remain a financially sound insurance provider to fulfill its obligation to policyholders in the event of a covered loss. It is currently not in the best interest of our policyholders, our agents or our company to offer a premium return program. We are closely monitoring our claims experience during this time and will respond with appropriate rate adjustments as warranted.

Brethren Mutual is in the process of updating its public home page and policyholder portal log-in page to reflect the Company’s current position.



Chubb

(2020-04-30)

NOTE: This is the cover page and Table of contents to a 9-page document that is available here and should be viewed in its entirety]

Guidance for Producers on Billing & Collections Related to COVID

Below are the major themes and questions about billing and collections that we have received from our distribution partners as we’ve navigated together through the COVID-19 pandemic. We have worked, and will continue to work, to provide you with such guidance to address your questions and our mutual Clients’ concerns.

We plan on updating this document to address any additional concerns raised in the marketplace. Please contact your local Chubb representative to discuss any items that are not covered below.

Table of Contents
1. Commercial Lines Voluntary 60-day Cancellation Hold
2. Personal Lines Response to COVID-19
3. Producer Agreements / Payment Obligations
4. Commercial Collections Post Cancellation Hold
5. Commercial Cancellations in Process Prior to
Cancellation Hold
6. Premium Finance Companies Cancellation
Requests
7. New York State Mandate on Installment
Accommodations
8. New Jersey Mandate on Billing and Installment
Accommodations
9. Small Business Support
10. Personal Lines Auto Support
11. Post Moratorium Installment Billing
12. Commission Payments for Installments
13. Post Moratorium Cancellations and Earned
Premium Calculation
14. Electronic Distribution of Agency Statements

 

 

(2020-04-15)

Chubb is providing its personal auto insurance clients in the U.S. with a credit on annual renewal premiums as a result of reduced driving activity.

Upon renewal, clients will receive a credit reflecting a 35% premium reduction for the months of April and May, with additional discounts for subsequent months, as the situation warrants. Across Chubb's portfolio, the average credit is expected to be $110 per vehicle. Clients will not have to request the credit; it will be applied automatically at renewal. All premium and rate adjustments are subject to regulatory approval.

"In these rapidly changing times, we have been thinking about our clients and the challenges they are facing.  We recognize that there has been a reduction in our clients' driving activity as a result of this pandemic," said Fran O'Brien, Division President, North America Personal Risk Services. "This credit reflects our commitment to providing a fair premium adjustment to our clients, while ensuring they continue to receive Chubb's best-in-class auto coverage."

 

Concord Group

(2020-04-20)

[Shared by Kerri Rego in summary format]

• Payment flexibility – clients must call customer service (Personal and Commercial)

 

Donegal

(2020-04-30)

During the COVID-19 pandemic, our first priority is that of our customers, and Donegal is committed to being ”There When it Matters Most” now more than ever.

We are introducing a commercial auto “Lay Up” credit to address concerns arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic. We recognize that some businesses that we insure have been closed or have had their volume of work severely limited during this time, and auto exposures in these cases have been reduced. As a result, we’re offering a credit for those vehicles not being driven during this time. I have attached the “Lay Up Questionnaire” that will need to be signed by the insured and sent in to Donegal. I’d encourage you and your agents to contact Ian Atwood, your Commercial Lines renewal underwriter, to discuss specifics of the credit process.

The guidelines are as follows:

1. The “Lay Up” credit applies to commercial automobiles only and is not applicable to private passenger type vehicles (typically codes 7398 or 7391) on the schedule of vehicles.
   
   
2. The vehicles listed cannot be used during the time frame noted on the endorsement. This endorsement credit is not to be used for vehicles that have been used less frequently during the pandemic.
   
   
3. The “Lay Up” credit will only be issued for a period of 30, 45 or 60 days. The length of time will determine the specific credit amount. Please note on request to Underwriting how many days the vehicle has been off the road or is planned to be off the road. The endorsement will list the dates.
   
   
4. It is our intent to issue only one endorsement. All vehicles to be laid up (meaning taken out of use), should be listed on the original “Lay Up” endorsement. We will not be adding and deleting vehicles to/from the “Lay Up” endorsement after it’s issued.
   
   
5. The “Lay Up” credit applies only to the following coverages and “only if” that coverage is provided for the auto(s) listed in the schedule. The coverages include:
   
   1. a. Auto Liability
   2. b. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists
   3. c. No-Fault/Personal Injury Protection
   4. d. Medical payments
   5. e. Collison
      
      Comprehensive coverage must be maintained on the vehicle. In addition, the “Lay Up” credit does not apply to miscellaneous coverages on the policy (DOC, Silver Series, etc.) nor does it apply to any regulatory fees and surcharges.
6. The endorsement must be signed by the insured. Given the time frame involved, it’s important that the signed endorsement be secured promptly.
   
   
7. The “Lay Up” credit is not a suspension of coverage; as such, the vehicle tag is not required to be turned into any state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
   
   
8. All coverages remain in effect during the 30 day “Lay Up” period. There is no need to reinstate coverage.

If you have any questions, please let me know.

Thank you,

Latest updates on Donegal’s COVID-19 response:
https://donegalgroup-blog.com/donegals-response-to-covid-19/

 

 

(2020-04-24)

Donegal’s Current Position on Personal Auto Premium Refunds Due to COVID-19
Many of you have asked about Donegal’s position in light of recent announcements by a number of insurance carriers outlining their plans to reduce premium rates or issue refunds on personal auto policies. We will closely monitor and assess our claim trends as the year progresses and make appropriate corresponding rate adjustments as warranted.

Our first priority is to make sure that we remain a financially sound insurance provider so that we are “there when it matters most” for all of our customers in the event of a covered loss. We simply do not believe a refund program is in the best long-term interests of our policyholders, our agents or our company at this time.

 

(2020-04-16)

Donegal’s Current Position on Potential Premium Refunds Due to COVID-19

Many of you have asked about Donegal’s position in light of recent announcements by a number of insurance carriers outlining their plans to reduce premium rates or issue refunds on personal auto policies. While the headlines catch attention and the refunded amounts sound impressive, the actual amounts carriers will refund to individual policyholders are modest at best. While we are sensitive to the challenges our customers are facing, we are not currently planning to refund personal auto premiums.

We recognize that there will be a short-term decline in miles driven by many of our insured drivers. We also believe that, in the not-too-distant future, we will begin to see restrictions lifted, many of our insured drivers will start to return to work and pleasure driving will resume to a higher level. We may determine that the annual number of miles driven did not materially decrease as our policyholders return to a more normalized lifestyle.

While the actions of some of our competitors might be viewed as an admirable response to the current crisis, issuing premium refunds at this time is premature in our opinion. We will allow additional time to elapse so that we can determine how the trends actually develop. We will closely monitor and assess our claim trends as the year progresses and make appropriate corresponding rate adjustments as warranted, relying on an actuarially sound assessment of our actual loss experience.

As you know, Donegal is a multi-line writer of both personal and commercial lines products. The current pandemic and economic shutdown will have significant impacts to our customers across our many lines of business. Given all of the current uncertainty in the marketplace and legal/regulatory environment, many of those direct impacts to our customers - and the resulting indirect impact to our company – simply cannot yet be estimated with any reasonable degree of certainty.

 Our first priority is to make sure that we remain a financially sound insurance provider so that we can uphold our promise to all of our customers in the event of a covered loss. With that priority in mind, we simply do not believe a refund program is in the best long-term interests of our policyholders, our agents or our company at this time.

Here are some additional points to keep in mind as you receive customer inquiries around this topic:

If you become aware that circumstances have changed for your customers, you can make appropriate changes to their policy information through our WritePro processing system. Our staff is available to assist you with any questions you might have regarding any changes to a customer’s policy that you believe would result in a fairer representation of the customer’s current risk profile. For example, we will allow vehicles normally used for driving to work to be changed to “pleasure use” while the mandated shelter-in-place restrictions remain in effect.

At times such as these, our insureds often call the company directly to ask about their coverage and premiums. Since we recognize the value independent agents provide as trusted advisors to their clients, we will generally encourage your customers to contact you directly to discuss the rating of their policy and any adjustments that can be made at this time to lower their premiums.

As we announced previously, we have suspended the issuance of notices of cancellation for non-payment of premiums until May 22 and waived all late fees during that suspension period in order to provide more time for premium remittance for any of our insureds who may be challenged to make timely payments at this time (please refer to our website for the most current information on our response to COVID-19, including the specific changes we have made to billing protocols.)

We hope you will understand and appreciate the position we have outlined above. We will continue to monitor this entire situation as it unfolds, and we will communicate any changes should competitive or regulatory pressures require us to alter our position at some future point. For now, we will work with you in any way we can to ensure that we all emerge stronger on the other side of the crisis.

We thank you very much for your front-line efforts in serving our customers during this time.

 

Encompass

2020-04-22

The Shelter-in-Place Payment FAQ has been updated. Among the updates, you will see some customers have received calls asking for their account information - be aware that this is a SCAM, customers should not provide bank or credit card information or money to individuals who call regarding the Payback.

Also, did you know? New Encompass customers after April 1, 2020 are eligible for a May payback based on their auto policy on April 30, provided they have at least liability-only coverage and a payment has been made on their policy.

If you have any questions, please contact your Encompass Sales Consultant.

Shelter-In-Place Payment FAQ

[Note: this is marked "For Agency Use Only; Do Not Distribute To Customers", and is 10-page PDF document]

 

Encova

(2020-04-13)

Policy credit for personal auto insurance

As part of our ongoing efforts to assist our policyholders during this unprecedented time, we will issue a 15% policy credit to more than 80,000 personal auto policyholders for the months of April and May who remain insured as of May 31, 2020.

As you have probably seen and witnessed, data trends show that as fewer vehicles are on the road due to the suspension of nonessential travel, fewer accidents are occurring. Therefore, we felt this was the right decision to make.

We are committed to our associates, agents and policyholders by making responsible decisions during this challenging time.

No additional action is required by policyholders to receive credit. Credit will be applied directly to their bill, or if a policyholder has already paid in full, they will be issued a check. Credits are subject to regulatory approval. In addition, we remain committed to you, and this will not impact your agent commissions.

As we continue to make decisions and provide relief, we will keep you informed. To see our past communications surrounding this pandemic, visit our COVID-19 agency resources page.

We value and appreciate your continued partnership.

Frankenmuth

(2020-04-15)

Frankenmuth Insurance Announces Personal Auto Premium Relief for Policyholders

We have been closely monitoring the industry responses related to the expectation of lower loss frequency due to state executive orders to stay in place. Today we are pleased to announce a premium refund of 15% to Frankenmuth Insurance personal auto policyholders for April and May.

We have carefully modeled the anticipated impact these orders will have on our personal auto performance. We have also consulted with our Agency Council to consider the agents’ perspectives on the approaches other companies are taking.

While every method can be both lauded and criticized, what can be agreed upon is that these are times like we’ve never experienced before.

There is no question the stay-in-place orders, increased telecommuting, and unemployment have reduced the number of drivers on the roads, which will have a favorable impact on loss experience. And while the typical approach for insurance ratemaking is to “look back” at experience and “project forward” the expected impact on rates, for now we are in unique times. With millions losing their jobs or having their working hours or pay cut back, it is difficult for many to make ends meet. As an agent, you have most certainly been hearing from policyholders who are facing these challenges.

In recognition of all these varied but related economic and financial impacts, we will do what is right and appropriate. We will refund 15% of personal auto premium for April and May. Upon regulatory approval, refund checks will be issued for policies in force as of April 30. Vehicles included are automobiles, vans, and pickup trucks. The refund does not apply to automobiles in storage, antique vehicles, motorhomes, motorcycles, trailers, and campers.

Agent commissions will not be impacted. Additional details will be communicated once finalized. There is no action that you or your policyholders need to take to receive the refund checks.

Should these stay-in-place orders be extended and/or additional savings be realized, we plan to incorporate them into future rate indications.

This premium relief plan is in addition to other measures we have already put in place to help our mutual customers, which include:

• Suspending late fees and policy cancellations for nonpayment through May 31, 2020.
• Extending the number of days we will reimburse for a rental car if an insured’s vehicle is at a repair shop that is closed and/or cannot be repaired or returned due to COVID-19.
• Waiving the limit on additional living expenses for homeowners who are unable to live in their homes following a covered loss due to delays in repair because of COVID-19.
• Lifting vacancy clauses due to mandatory closures related to COVID-19.
  Providing temporary coverage for restaurants or establishments now providing delivery as a result of COVID-19:
  • To personal auto policyholders, at no cost, for using their vehicles to provide delivery services.
  • To businesses, on request, for hired and non-owned commercial auto liability coverage for employees using their vehicles for delivery services.
• Extending premium audit timelines as well as phone and virtual audit accommodations.
• Assisting communities by contributing to charities that provide crucial support to those in need through the Frankenmuth Insurance Foundation.

While some carriers are beginning to extend premium relief to commercial auto policies, we are working closely with each of you and your customers to reduce premiums through vehicle layup requests. For those businesses with vehicles still on the roads, we are seeing, in some cases, increased usage. As you are all aware, the commercial auto market has been a significant challenge, and we are being flexible and accommodating to reduce exposures and premiums.

As always, our approach at Frankenmuth Insurance is to do what is right and reasonable. We’re not trying to outdo the competition and we’re not trying to resist doing our part to help mitigate the effect this pandemic is having on our communities, our states of operation, our nation, and the world. We are fully committed, prepared and able to continue servicing your agency and our mutual customers, and to bringing peace of mind to those who may be facing financial challenges due to COVID-19.

Please continue to make the health and safety of your employees, families and yourself the highest priority. And, together, we will get through these trying times.

To learn more about our response to COVID-19, please visit our website for more information.

 

(2020-04-09)

Frankenmuth Insurance Announces Intention to Offer Premium Relief to Personal Auto Policyholders
As a result of the shelter-in-place orders related to COVID-19, we expect a decrease in drivers on the road, fewer miles driven, less accidents, and lower loss costs. We are evaluating this impact and, in the coming days, expect to announce a premium relief plan to pass these savings on to our mutual customers.

In the meantime, should you receive inquiries from your Frankenmuth Insurance personal auto customers, please inform them we are developing this plan and it will be communicated once finalized.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your field manager or underwriter.

To learn more about our response to COVID-19, please visit our website for information.

 

Goodville Mutual

 

(2020-04-23)

I’ve heard from many of you in response to our COVID-19 communication released yesterday. Thank you for your prompt feedback including questions, concerns and support of our approach.

To allay some of your concerns, let me address a few of the common themes conveyed by email and phone:

• There is no need for you to proactively reach out to your clients as a detailed letter will be sent directly to all personal auto policyholders next week.
• Members can request a premium credit by going to the Goodville website, or through a dedicated 800 number.
• The amount of the premium credit will be included in the member letter along with a formula for calculating the credit.
• Additional support and information will be provided to agents prior to the release of the member letter, including an email that you can forward to your clients containing the details and options available.

Below is a draft version of the frequently asked questions (FAQs) that will be included in the member letter which should further clarify the process. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Q: What do I need to do if I want to allow my credit to be used to support charities addressing needs in our communities? 
   A: Nothing. If we do not hear from you by June 15, 2020, your credit will be added to the fund for charity automatically.
   
   
2. Q: Why isn’t Goodville just sending out credits or checks rather than go through this process? 
   A: We recognize that not all members are experiencing this situation equally. Some are continuing to work and receiving their full income, while others are experiencing significant hardship. The credit is calculated based on reduced risk for the group, but we are offering to distribute it based on need if a member is able to help others.
   
   
3. Q: Where will my credit go if I choose to let Goodville distribute it? 
   A: Until we know how many dollars will be available we cannot provide exact numbers, but 100% will be returned to members or to charity. Once complete, we will provide more information on our public website.
   
   
4. Q: What else is Goodville doing to provide relief to people who are struggling with the impact of COVID-19? 
   A: Since the outbreak began we have instituted numerous steps to provide short term assistance. Those include suspension of all policy cancellations for non-payment, waiving NSF fees, and other appropriate adjustments to commercial policies upon request.
   
   
5. Q: If I request a credit how will the amount be calculated? 
   A: Each member is eligible for a credit of 15% of the normal auto policy premium for the months of April and May. This amount will vary depending on your coverages, but the average amount is approximately $34 per policy.
   
   
6. Q: How will COVID-19 and Goodville’s response impact my auto premiums in the future? 
   A: Goodville has always taken a long-term view regarding rates. Any reduction in claims will be included in our loss calculations as we consider future rate filings, so any reduced risk will be factored into those rates going forward.
   
   
7. Q: When will my credit be applied? / When will I receive my check? 
   A: Details are not 100% final, but we expect credits to be applied and checks to be mailed during the month of June.
   
   
8. Q: Does this credit require Insurance Department approval? 
   A: This return of premium strategy has been filed with all states, approved in several, and is pending in the remaining states. As these states review and approve, we will adjust our strategy based on any specific state requirements.

We will communicate with you throughout this process and the Goodville staff is available to you for help and support. As mentioned in my initial communication, the Goodville COVID-19 strategy is different than many of our competitor’s responses to the crisis and may create a little more work for us, but the principle of mutual aid and our desire to help those in need makes this a worthwhile journey. 

As a representative of the Goodville brand, we are counting on you to support this unique message as you communicate with members. We believe this is a critical opportunity to demonstrate compassion and care for each other and for our communities! 

 

(2020-04-22)

After careful consideration of how best Goodville can support our members and their communities through and beyond this crisis, we’ve looked to our company’s roots to guide us forward.  Goodville was founded on the principle of bearing one another’s burdens and being socially responsible.  Our compassion and desire to help those in need has brought us to a conclusion that we are proud to share with our agents and members.

Goodville has established a fund of $2 million, that we pledge to spend on our members and communities facing financial hardship during and after the coronavirus pandemic.  Rather than issuing a small refund check to all auto policyholders and move on with running our business, we would rather focus on those truly in need and carry through on the principle of mutual aid.  Any funds not claimed by our members, or used to help members in financial distress, will be gifted to charity – caring for others in our communities who are impacted by this crisis.

We recognize that our approach to providing financial relief during this crisis is different from our competitors, so we are asking our members and agents to support us as we attempt to support those in need.  We must all look for opportunities to pay it forward. 

How do your clients claim a credit from Goodville?

If a member is fortunate enough to be charitable, we encourage them to leave their money in the fund to help other Goodville members impacted by this crisis. 

However, if a member has reduced their driving activity and requests a credit, we will apply a 15% premium credit to their auto premium for April and May.  The credit will be applied to the next installment or refunded by check, depending on the current payment options selected by the member.  A request can be submitted online, by phone or through their agent.  Details will be shared with members and agents via a member mailing next week.

 Funds not claimed for premium credits will be applied equitably to help other members currently struggling to stay current with their premium payments.  Remaining funds in the pool will be gifted to charities within the communities we serve.  

As agents representing Goodville, we appreciate your support over the next several months to truly help those in need.  Guiding and directing your clients through this process will ensure our mutual success.  Sure, this approach is different but we’re a different kind of insurance company.  Thanks for helping us demonstrate our company values of love, justice and integrity!

 

(2020-04-15)

The COVID-19 crisis has caused all of us to modify our lives and daily interactions.

We appreciate how our agents have adapted to the new normal and how you’ve supported Goodville and our members during this difficult time.

In addition to the steps we’ve already taken to support our members, we have carefully considered a number of different options for providing rate relief for auto policyholders affected by stay-at-home mandates.

Ultimately, we have determined that providing rate relief through a rate discount was the best option. Specific details on the credit and how it will be applied will be shared by the end of this week.

When requested, we will also consider giving credits on commercial policies for vehicles not in use.

As a reminder, these are the measures we already have in place to help support our members through the COVID-19 pandemic:

Suspending notices of cancellation for late payment for an indefinite period of time.
Waiving all non-sufficient funds and/or late fees for members
For Workers Compensation, initiate a mid-term payroll adjustment, for any business experiencing a reduction in payroll.
Waive the additional premium to add Non-Owned and Hired Auto Liability coverage for in-force Commercial Auto policies, for the period of April 1, 2020 through July 1, 2020, for businesses who have adapted their operations and are now making deliveries to support their communities.
With your help and these accommodations Goodville’s commitment to serving members and agents with compassion, excellence, and integrity remains unchanged.

Hanover

(2020-04-10)

Delivering on our promises. Being there when it matters most.

At The Hanover, we have been doing this for generations, working in partnership with you and all of our agent partners, to provide innovative insurance solutions that meet our customer's changing needs.

With so many of our customers feeling stress and financial pressure related to the current public health crisis, we are committed to do what we can to help them manage through these difficult times.

With this in mind, early this afternoon, we will announce our intention to introduce several relief efforts, including:

• Returning 15% of April and May auto premiums to personal lines customers through The Hanover CARES Refund. This will not impact commission payments to your agency
  Offering flexibility on bill payment options for those experiencing financial hardship, without any penalties and fees, including placing a 60-day hold on cancellations and non-renewals for non-payment
  
  
• Extending personal auto coverage to individuals delivering food, medicine and other essential goods at no additional charge
  
  
• Considering a covered premises as "occupied" while mandatory closures are in effect, addressing concerns with vacancy clauses
  
  
• Waiving the limit on additional living expenses for homeowners who are forced from their homes following covered losses, such as a fire, to pay for delayed repairs and the added costs associated with temporary living arrangements
  
  
• Extending the number of days we will reimburse a customer for a rental car if an insured’s vehicle is in the shop and cannot be repaired or returned
  
  Accelerating the release of your commission payments to assist with cashflow as part of enhancements to our commission system.

These steps are designed with you and your customers in mind. Additionally, our agent COVID-19 resource center offers more details about these and other actions we are taking.

Together, we will weather this storm
The governmental stay-at-home orders have resulted in fewer drivers on the road and, in turn, fewer accidents. We look forward to a time soon when we see a decline in the spread of the virus. Please know that our teams have two priorities right now – responsibly responding to the coronavirus pandemic in a timely manner and planning how we will help you get back to business quickly when this is over.

Our company and our industry have a long history of weathering storms and emerging stronger. The coronavirus pandemic will test us for sure, but at The Hanover, we are confident that, together, we will get through this time.

Mapfre

(2020-04-20)

[Shared by Kerri Rego in summary format]

• Not presently considering auto discount for CL insureds 
• Call customer service to discuss payment needs on a case by case basis
• 15% credit for April & May PL auto policies

 

MSA/NGM

(2020-04-20)

• 20% premium credit for all BOP and contractor insureds for the months of April and May for policies in force as of 3/31/20

• One-time full payment of $50 per vehicle on PL auto policy as of 3/31/20 – checks to be distributed within 60 days (Personal Lines)

 

Mutual Benefit

 (2020-04-22)

MBG PROVIDING STAY SAFE IN PLACE PREMIUM REFUND

Like many of our competitors, Mutual Benefit Group believes private passenger auto policyholders should receive some premium relief as they comply with shelter-in-place recommendations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

We are announcing our Stay Safe in Place Premium Refund, a $50 refund for each active private passenger auto policy in effect as of April 30, 2020. Please feel free to share this information with your insureds.

Eligible insureds will receive a letter explaining the refund; we have attached a copy of the letter to this email. We will announce the refund on the homepage of our website at www.thembg.com, where we will also post a list of FAQs that your insureds can review for additional information. Our social media pages will include announcements concerning the refund as well.

Neither you nor your customers need to do anything regarding the processing or receipt of the refund. MBG will identify qualifying policies. Our billing department will apply the $50 as a credit to any outstanding balance on auto policy premium payments, and installment payments will be adjusted accordingly. Insureds who have paid in full will receive a check for $50 through the mail. Please note that policies in cancel pend status are still considered active.

Your agency will see no change to commission as a result of the refund.

If you have questions about the refund, please contact your marketing representative. We thank you for your continued support and representation during this unprecedented time. Stay safe and well!

 

Nationwide 

(2020-04-23)

Hope all is still well. There have been several questions on how the $50 refund will be issued. Please see below for clarification. We are also sending out emails advising of the refund, method, and timeline. See below for an example. Harleysville platform customers are also receiving the $50. Their process is a little different. Harleysville platform customers will receive physical checks only as their refund. See below for more details. 

We are pleased to be able to do this for customers during this difficult time.

 ---

How will customers receive the refund? Do I need to take any action?

Customers don't need to do anything. Refunds will automatically be credited to the customers' most recent method of payment (e.g., automatich withdrawal, credit card, personal check) within the next 30 days.

Most Recent Payment Method		Refund Method
One Time EFT		Refund via check
One Time Bankcard		Refund via check
Other Payment method		Refund via check
Recurring EFT		Refund to account
Recurring Bancard		Refund to card
Signup EFT Refund		Refund to account

 

Specifically for Harleysville customers:

• Will Harleysville Personal Auto policyholders receive the one-time $50 refund?
• Yes for all Personal Lines Auto policies in effect on 3/31/2020

• How will the refund be sent?
• Physical checks will be issued for Harleysville policyholders.  Processes to refund payments to bank accounts and credit cards are not currently in place on the HV systems.  Reference in other communications to refunds via other methods do not apply to HV.  

• When will checks be mailed?
• Checks will be mailed from Grove City with a target date to have all checks mailed by the first week of May. 
• Mail will display the Harleysville 355 Maple Avenue location as the return address. 
   
• Will communication be sent to policyholders?
• The issued check will include a message to policyholders on the printed section above the check stating “COVID-19 rapid relief for auto policy customers”. 
• That memo will serve as the communication.  No additional marketing insert will be included. Any reference to member emails is not applicable to Harleysville.  Policyholder email addresses are not currently captured and stored on the HV systems. 
• Issued Press release links -

Agent note: 
http://pages-nationwide.com/scpreview?eid=20683

Refund Release on Nationwide.com Newsroom:
https://www.nationwide.com/personal/about-us/newsroom/press-release?title=040920-nationwide-covid-19-refund

Refund announcement on Blog: 
https://blog.nationwide.com/news/nationwide-covid-19-refund/

Refund FAQ on Blog: 
https://blog.nationwide.com/news/nationwide-covid-19-refund-faqs/

Kirt Walker Blog: 
https://blog.nationwide.com/news/nationwide-continues-to-actively-monitor-coronavirus/

Amy Shore Blog: 
https://blog.nationwide.com/a-message-from-chief-customer-officer-amy-shore-about-the-coronavirus/

• Who can I contact to find out if a check has been issued, cashed or if we need to stop pay and reissue?
• Customer Service will have access to reports of checks issued and whether or not they have been cashed. They can facilitate stop pays and reissues if needed.

• Will the HV policy systems show the $50 refund?
• No, in an effort to get refunds to our members as quickly as possible, they are being issued outside of the policy systems.

• Will policies be documented to show refund issued?
• No, policy remarks will not be documented since this applies to all PL Auto policies.   

 

We’re sharing important information and tips to support customers and your business during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Nationwide’s response to coronavirus: Stay up to date on the steps Nationwide is taking and ways to protect yourself and customers. We’ll keep this page updated so you have the information you need to navigate the current climate.
• Pausing collections for our members through June 30: In response to the financial impacts of many Americans due to COVID-19, Nationwide has paused its CL and PL internal and external collection efforts through June 30. During this time, the premium is still owed, but Nationwide won't actively pursue collections and we won't report collections to the credit bureaus.
• Free economics webinar: Join us on Wednesday, April 29 at 1–1:45 p.m. ET for a free webinar where the Nationwide Economics team will share information and insights about the changing economic landscape followed by a Q&A.
• Talking points to support personal auto premium relief inquiries: Use these talking points to respond to customer inquiries related to the personal auto premium relief and how they will receive their payment.

We continue to stand by you and are here to help. Please reach out to your sales manager with any questions or needs.

 

(2020-04-13)

Here are important pieces of information and tips to support you and your customers and your business.

• Rate cap for renewals: In response to COVID-19, to mitigate larger premium increases for customers and call volume for agents, we will implement a 10% rate cap for renewal conversion premium increases in Pennsylvania effective July 1, 2020 for auto and homeowners products.
  
  
• PL livery coverage extension: For losses occurring on and after March 23 through April 30, Nationwide will waive application of the delivery exclusion and extend coverage to some restaurant and pharmacy employees delivering food or medicine/essential needs on behalf of the restaurant or pharmacy. This coverage extension demonstrates the extraordinary care that Nationwide is providing customers during this COVID-19 pandemic.
  
  
• 60-day policy hold: If a personal lines customer or their immediate family member has been impacted medically or financially by COVID-19 and they are unable to pay their bill on time, we are able to place the impacted billing account on a 60-day hold. To have an impacted account placed on hold, please email PLService@nationwide.com.
  
  
• 24-hour claims hotline: Nationwide has taken steps to ensure we are there for customers. If customers need to start a claim for their business, they can call our 24-hour claims hotline at 1-800-421-3535 or visit nationwide.com.
  
  
• Free resources for small businesses: Digital ad credits, videoconferencing services, cybersecurity tools and more — check out the free resources collected in this article for small businesses impacted by COVID-19. Via Inc.
  
  
• Improve your social selling skills: It’s not too late to register for the free webinar on Apr. 17 to learn how to leverage Nationwide’s agent social media program, featuring Hearsay, and its free social media content to attract and retain customers, deepen relationships and grow your business.
  
  
• Rapid relief for personal auto customers: To get relief in the hands of our customers quickly and simply, we are offering a one-time premium refund of $50 per policy for personal auto policies active as of March 31, 2020. Customers don’t need to do anything. Refunds will automatically be credited to the customers’ most recent method of payment (automatic withdrawal, credit card, personal check) within the next 30 days. The premium refund and timing are subject to individual state Departments of Insurance approval. Agency commissions won’t be impacted by this refund. Read the communication.

We continue to stand by you and are here to help. Please reach out to your sales manager with any questions or needs.

 

2020-04-10

On Thursday (4/9), Nationwide announced that we are offering a one-time premium refund of $50 per policy for personal auto policies active as of March 31, 2020.

If we have an email address on file for a Member, they would have received a communication directly about the credit. It outlined that refunds will automatically be credited to the most recent method of payment (for example, automatic withdrawal, credit card, etc.) within the next 30 days, subject to regulatory approval. Nationwide is offering this rapid relief at a time when many drivers are making the right choice to stay off the road and remain home to help "flatten the curve."

This email also provides guidance to contact their agent to learn more about Nationwide’s usage based driving discounts – SmartRide and SmartMiles.

• SmartRide, a usage-based insurance program, gives personalized feedback to help make even safer driving decisions.
  • Members earn an instant 10% discount at sign up, and the safer they drive, the higher the discounts they could get – up to 40%.
  • The 4 driving factors measured by SmartRide include miles driven, idle time, hard braking & acceleration, and nighttime driving.
  • Visit https://www.nationwide.com/personal/insurance/auto/discounts/smartride/ for additional information and an overview on the 2 ways to participate in SmartRide
• SmartMiles - a pay-per-mile car insurance program for low-mileage drivers.
  • Same great coverage as a traditional Nationwide auto policy, but with a flexible monthly rate that's based on how many miles driven
  • Rate consists of two parts – a base rate and a variable rate (cost per mile)
  • Visit https://www.nationwide.com/personal/insurance/auto/discounts/smartmiles/ for more details

The following link is to a blog post from Amy Shore, Chief Customer Officer. It details everything Nationwide is currently doing across our organization, and in our communities in response to COVID-19. Please take a moment to look through it, and let me know if you have any questions.

https://blog.nationwide.com/a-message-from-chief-customer-officer-amy-shore-about-the-coronavirus/

In trying times like these, relationships like yours matter even more. I truly thank you for your partnership, and I’m here if you need anything.

 

(2020-04-13)

Life has changed, for you, for me, and for our members. As much of the country has moved to staying at home, customers with our innovative, usage-based auto insurance products will soon see their rates reflect the changes in their driving behaviors.

To ensure as many people as possible have access to these products, we’re rapidly expanding the number of states where members can take advantage of them.

Through products like Smart Miles and Smart Ride, usage-based insurance customers are seeing the benefit of rates reflecting the mileage they drive. As you talk with customers, we encourage you to discuss the benefits of these offerings designed for their specific situation.

We realize that not all of our customers can make the pivot to usage-based insurance right now, yet many customers are currently experiencing hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. To get relief in the hands of our customers quickly and simply, we are offering a one-time premium refund of $50 per policy for personal auto policies active as of March 31, 2020. Customers don’t need to do anything. Refunds will automatically be credited to the customers’ most recent method of payment (automatic withdrawal, credit card, personal check) within the next 30 days. We are offering this rapid relief at a time when drivers are making the right choice to stay off the road and remain home to help “flatten the curve.” The refund applies to all personal auto policies including Private Client. The premium refund and timing are subject to individual state Departments of Insurance approval. Agency commissions won’t be impacted by this refund.

We will be sending a communication to all personal auto customers later today. If you’d like to send a communication to your customers sharing this news you can use this link for a template.

In addition to the auto premium refund, given our concern for the current situation our customers are facing, since March we’ve been extending payment terms for members experiencing hardship, providing immediate relief for customers looking for ways to make ends meet. To provide support to impacted communities, the Nationwide Foundation made $5 million in contributions to local and national charities to support pandemic response efforts. I’m proud of the many ways we are protecting our customers and communities during this time.

Taking the long view has helped see Nationwide and our members through challenging times for 94 years, and together we’ll get through this one as well. Thank you for your continued partnership.

 

Penn National

(2020-04-13)

We are returning premiums to assist our Personal Auto policyholders during the Covid-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant disruptions to our normal routines and unimaginable losses to some of our friends, family members and local communities. Social distancing policies have required restaurants, offices, small businesses and schools to close. These closures along with government mandated stay-at-home orders for non-essential travel have resulted in a decline in vehicle use and miles driven. It is estimated that there will be significantly fewer miles driven during the months of March and April nationwide.

Pending regulatory approval, a credit of 15% will be applied to two months of premiums for those policies in force as of April 30 in recognition of the temporary reduction in vehicle miles driven. 

The credit will automatically be applied to the policyholder’s next premium balance or refunded if paid in full. Premium returned benefits our 165,000 Personal Auto customers. The returned premiums will not impact agency commissions.

While the full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic remains uncertain, we know customers are driving less and the fewer accidents are reflected in our return premium.

Helping support our policyholders and our community
In addition to providing refunds and premium credits to policyholders, we continue to support our customers and the greater community in a number of ways.

• Flexible billing – We are providing an extended 30-day premium grace period to allow customers more time to pay before cancellation notices are sent. We are waiving late fees and reinstatement fees. Our Customer Contact Center representatives also have the authority switch a policyholder to a more convenient payment plan.
  
  
• Uninterrupted customer support – Thanks to our technology and business continuity preparations, we continue to be available during normal business hours. Also, our customers can report claims 24/7
  
  
• Support for front-line healthcare workers – We recently donated over 19,000 respirator masks to Geisinger Holy Spirit Healthcare. We appreciate the tireless work of all healthcare professionals and will continue to look for ways to support them.

We will continue to keep you informed of new developments.

 

Progressive

(2020-04-09)

Progressive returns $1 billion in premium to customers

Today we announced that we’re providing credits of approximately $1 billion in premium to Progressive personal auto customers as a result of fewer claims that come with less frequent driving.

Subject to approval by state regulators, Progressive personal auto customers who have a policy in force as of April 30 will be credited 20% of their April premiums in May and personal auto customers with a policy in force as of May 31 will be credited 20% of their May premiums in June. We estimate that the sum of these two credits will total approximately $1 billion. We may offer additional credits in the upcoming months.

Customers will not need to take any actions to receive the benefits. The credits will be applied automatically to the customer’s policy and those customers who have paid in full will receive a payment of the credited amounts. Please be assured that this action will not affect commission payments. Customers will see it reflected in their accounts within a few weeks after month end.

If they have a balance on the policy, we’ll apply the credit directly to the remaining balance. And if they’ve already paid in full, we’ll return the money to the payment account we have on file—please make sure your customers’ payment details are up to date.

Progressive CEO Tricia Griffith explained, “We understand how difficult and uncertain people’s lives are right now. While auto insurance might not be the most pressing topic on everyone’s mind, we know that finances could be. For our customers who have trusted us to be there in their times of need, we’re fulfilling that promise. We want them to know how much we care. Always guided by our core values, doing the right thing is vitally important to us. We know that by sticking together and taking care of one another during these difficult times, we’ll come through this stronger. We want our current customers to remain our future customers.”

We’ll continue to monitor the effects of the coronavirus situation and share updates as needed as we look for additional ways to help agents, customers, and our communities move forward. In fact, we’re finalizing plans on a number of initiatives designed to help you, our agent partners, during this time—look for additional information next week.

In the meantime, be well and stay safe. Thank you for partnering with Progressive.

 

PURE

(2020-04-15)

The attached link will be sent to PURE members later today outlining PURE's approach to the reduced driving resulting from our country pulling together to fight the spread of COVID-19. 

Understandably, consumers are expecting the simple act of fairness that if losses are materially less than expected, they should see some relief or reward. From the beginning, this promise has been integral to PURE's business model. At the end of each year, we look at the cost paid by our membership against actual losses and expenses and allocate the gains back to the membership through Subscriber Savings Accounts. When the 2019 allocation is approved by regulators, we will have passed $100,000,000 in SSA grants. 

Recognizing that these are exceptional times, as you will read, we have further introduced a program to make a refund of auto premiums. While I am confident that this program reflects a fair solution for these unique times, I do encourage you to think about the power of our model, especially after this period of time is in our rearview mirrors. We have lived this commitment to aligning interests with policyholders since the beginning and we will maintain this commitment for years to come.

 

Safeco

(2020-04-21)

COVID19 Update and Resources

This week's highlights

• Community grants expanded to $1 million – apply now
• Help your customers get service with an online account
• Personal Auto Customer Relief Refund - see answers to the most common customer questions

[Captured from the above link]

A message about how we’re supporting our customers during the Coronavirus

En español

At Safeco, the well-being of our customers and employees is always our top priority. We recognize the uncertainty and financial challenges many of you are facing as the nation bands together to slow the spread of coronavirus. To help our customers, we have taken the following actions:

Personal Insurance Customers:

Personal Auto Customer Relief Refund

Fewer drivers are on the road, which means fewer accidents. With this in mind, we are announcing our Personal Auto Customer Relief Refund, which will return approximately $250 million to our customers. Here’s how it works:

• Personal auto insurance customers will receive a 15% refund on two months of their auto premium, based on your premium amount as of April 7, 2020.
• We are planning to issue the refund in the manner you made your most recent payment or by check.
• We will begin issuing refunds in the coming weeks, after we have approval from state insurance regulators.
• Your refund will happen automatically, and you do not need to call us to get your refund.

Relief Refund FAQs

Payment Flexibility Options

We have automatically stopped charging late fees and have temporarily paused personal auto & home coverage cancellations due to non-payment from March 23 through June 1, 2020, or later as directed by your state.

We are also extending payment dates if needed. Please contact us if we can be of assistance.

Download Our Mobile App Now to See Your Refund or Update Your Billing

We understand it’s a challenging time. That’s why the Safeco mobile app makes it easy to confirm you've received your refund and update your billing preferences, like changing your payment date, if you need to.

 
Delivery Coverage Expansion for Auto Policies
We have proactively expanded all our personal auto policies to cover customers who use their personal vehicles to deliver food, medicine, medical supplies, or medical equipment for a commercial purpose. This accommodation does not apply to drivers completing deliveries for a transportation network company or online only delivery platform. This additional protection is already in effect for all personal auto policies in all states for losses occurring from March 16 to May 22, 2020, and reported by July 1, 2020. Additional limitations apply, please contact us for more details.

Changes to Auto & Property Claims Process to Protect Customers and Employees

• We’ve stopped all in-home damage inspections effective immediately except in emergency situations, such as water damage with an active leak or threat of mold, to avoid having employees entering homes. Whenever possible, we will do in-home inspections through RealTime Review video chat or other video collaboration tools. We will ask customers for their approval before using these tools.
• Our adjusters will continue to do outside property inspections outside the home with customer permission. Our property adjusters will be following CDC Guidelines, including social distancing and following sanitation guidelines.
• Auto appraisers will not be visiting customers’ homes or auto body shops except in emergency situations and will follow CDC guidelines. You can submit photographs of vehicle damage online and through our app, including using our new assisted-photo tool which will show you step-by-step how to take damage photos.
• All other claims employees are working from home to handle claims as quickly as possible. For faster claims processing, we strongly encourage you to file new claims online, to manage claims online, and to use our digital tools including RealTime Review video chat and guided photo capture.
• We are suspending our Claims Valet Service until further notice except for emergency situations.
• We’re instructing any vendors who provide services to Safeco to follow the same guidelines.

Online Options for Personal Insurance Customers

For fast service, you can always go online at any time or use our app to:

• View your coverages
• Submit and manage a claim
• Make a payment
• Change payment frequencies or method

Find state-specific personal/casualty lines insurance information regarding Covid-19

Visit the dedicated COVID-19 page for additional updates and resources.

 

 

(2020-04-07)

Taking care of our customers, employees and agents is a top priority for Safeco. We recognize the uncertainty and financial challenges many of our joint customers are facing as the nation bands together to slow the spread of the coronavirus. To help Safeco customers, we have taken the following actions:

Personal Auto Customer Relief Refund

Fewer drivers are on the road, which means fewer accidents. With this in mind, we are announcing our Personal Auto Customer Relief Refund, which will return approximately $250 million to our Liberty Mutual personal lines and Safeco auto customers. Here’s how it works:

• Personal auto insurance customers will receive a 15% refund of two months of their annual auto premium as of April 7, 2020, pending regulatory approval.
  
  
• The refunds will begin in April and will be issued either by check or in the manner the customer made their most recent payment.
  
  
• The payments will happen automatically. Customers do not need to call Safeco to receive the refund.
  
  
• Safeco agent commissions WILL NOT be affected by this 15% customer refund.

Payment flexibility options

• Late fee charges have been automatically stopped and cancellations due to non-payment have been temporarily paused for personal auto and home customers from March 23 through at least May 22, 2020. 
  
  We continue to work with individual customers to extend payment dates if needed and provide personalized support.

Delivery coverage expansion for auto policies

• All personal auto policies have been expanded to cover customers who use their personal vehicles to deliver food and medicine. Standard Safeco personal auto policies typically exclude such coverage.
  
  
• This additional protection is in effect for all personal auto policies in all states for losses occurring from March 16 to May 22, 2020, and reported by July 1, 2020.

For more information on all of the information above, customers can visit www.Safeco.com/Covid-19.

The well-being and support of our customers, agents and employees remains our primary concern during this critical time. I really appreciate the work you are doing to support our shared customers, and I thank you for your continued partnership.

 

Safety

(2020-04-20)

Shared by Kerri Rego in summary format]

• Not presently considering auto discount for CL insureds 
• Payment flexibility provided on case by case basis, call customer service

Personal:

• 15% discount on PL auto premium for April & May
• Insureds must have made at least one payment on their policy and maintain continuous coverage
• Credits will be applied automatically
• New business policies are eligible
• Policy holders that have paid in full will receive a refund

 

Selective

(2020-05-01)

In mid-April, we shared news of Selective’s COVID-19 credit program. With a number of our customers sheltering-in-place and helping to flatten the curve of the pandemic, we felt it was appropriate to credit a portion of their premium.

As a reminder, here are a few highlights of our COVID-19 credit program:

• We’re offering a 15% credit to both personal and business auto policyholders.
• Customers with an inforce personal and/or business auto policy as of April 30, 2020 and May 31, 2020 will receive 15% of their monthly premium for April and May applied to their account.
• Credits automatically will be issued without action required by them.

Customers should see the credit from their April period applied to their account by 5/15, with no additional action required by them. If they paid in full, a refund check will be issued to them in late May.

Please note, for Agency Bill customers, any credits or refund checks must be dispersed by your agency. We will be sending you, under separate cover, details about those impacted customers and the associate refund procedures.

The process will be replicated in early June for the May time period.

This situation continues to evolve, but our commitment to our agents, customers, and employees remains constant. The entire Selective team is here, ready to support you, as we work through this challenge together. Thank you for your business.

Wishing you, your families, and your colleagues continued good health

 

(2020-04-17)

The COVID-19 situation has affected us all, and many of our mutual customers are looking for ways to adjust to the financial impact they may be facing. To help address this, Selective has, among other things:

• assisted customers with payment plan modifications to defer payments or find a payment plan that works for their unique situation, and
• created a program, outlined in this press release, to provide a 15% premium credit to customers with an inforce personal and/or business auto policy as of April 30, 2020 and May 31, 2020.

These actions are being undertaken in compliance with state regulations and do not put our customers’ coverage at risk.

To that end, we would like to remind you of state laws pertaining to the removal of auto liability coverage. All states within Selective’s Personal Lines footprint have laws – excepting Rhode Island which grants limited permission for seasonal liability coverage removal – that require all registered vehicles to have and maintain certain minimum liability coverage limits.

To remain compliant with these state laws, minimum liability coverage limits must remain in place for all registered vehicles unless the policyholder can provide proof of sale, title transfer, or the vehicle’s plates/tags have been surrendered. The removal of the required liability coverage limits can result in claim denial, potential fees and suspended licenses for policyholders, and agency errors and omission exposures.

Comprehensive and collision coverages can be removed, as they are not mandated by state law. Please remind your customers, however, that comprehensive losses may still occur for parked or garaged vehicles. In addition, if the vehicle is being financed, removal of collision and/or comprehensive coverage may be contrary to the terms of the financing.

As always, we’re here to support you and our mutual customers. Please feel free to reach out to your Selective underwriter if you would like to discuss a particular customer account.

 

(2020-04-13)

Everyone has been impacted by COVID-19, which has required us to rethink where and how we work. But we have both met the challenges – and through our strong partnership – we will continue to work together seamlessly to deliver the service and support our customers need.

Our customers have made changes as well. Many have been sheltering-in-place, doing their part to help flatten the curve of this pandemic. Our auto customers are driving less and reducing their exposure, so we believe it is appropriate to credit a portion of their premium. This action, along with other COVID-19-related considerations to help customers keep their coverages in place, are just a few of the ways we’re helping our mutual customers at this difficult time.

Here are a few highlights of our COVID-19 credit program:

• We’re offering a 15% credit to both personal and business auto policyholders, unlike many other carriers who are restricting their refunds to personal auto only.
• Pending regulatory approval, customers with an inforce personal and/or business auto policy as of April 30, 2020 and May 31, 2020 will receive 15% of their monthly premium for April and May applied to their account.
• Credits automatically will be issued without action required by you or the customer.
• Your agent commissions will not be impacted.

This credit, along with the adjustments in pay plans and grace periods, are just two of the many ways we’re helping our customers and distribution partners deal with COVID-19’s impact. To read more about Selective’s COVID-19-related actions, including what we are doing for our employees, please read our press release and the Q&A available on selective.com.

This situation continues to evolve, but our commitment to our agents, customers, and employees remains constant. The entire Selective team is here, ready to support you and our customers, as we work through this challenge together. Thank you for your partnership.

Wishing you, your families, and your colleagues continued good health

 

State Auto

(2020-04-21)

 

We hope this message finds you, your loved ones, and your colleagues safe and well. This is certainly a challenging time for us all, including our mutual customers, some of whom are experiencing financial hardship because of the COVID-19 crisis.

Today, we're introducing our In This Together plan to help all of our customers save on their Personal Auto insurance, not just for the short-term, but for the months ahead.

Watch this video message from our President & CEO Mike LaRocco to learn about how we plan to support our customers during this difficult time.

In this Together Customer Savings Plan
Our approach to helping our mutual customers save on their Personal Auto insurance includes offering a one-time 5% discount for the entire next policy term for every State Auto customer with a Connect or Legacy personal auto policy in force as of June 1, 2020.

We're also offering every State Auto Connect Personal Auto policyholder the option to enroll in our State Auto Safety 360® telematics program, which includes an immediate 15% discount.

Customers can earn up to 50% off their premium at renewal by demonstrating safe driving practices. Our Safety 360 program also rewards drivers who drive less, which means drivers can earn discounts even while staying at home during the COVID-19 crisis.

We'll notify your Connect Personal Auto customers about our In This Together plan tomorrow and encourage them to contact you or our Customer Service team to enroll in the Safety 360 program.

Additionally, we’ll continue to work with customers who need flexibility when it comes to payments and payment plans.

How Much Can Customers Save?
Here’s how our In This Together plan will benefit a Connect Personal Auto customer with $1,800 or $1,000 in annual policy premium with all vehicles on their policy enrolled in the Safety 360 program.

$1,800 Annual Premium Savings: Safety 360 15% enrollment discount: $270 At next renewal: In this Together one-time 5% discount: $90 + Average 20% Safety 360 discount: $360 Total savings: $720

$1,000 Annual Premium Savings: Safety 360 15% enrollment discount: $150 At next renewal: In this Together one-time 5% discount: $50 + Average 20% Safety 360 discount: $200 Total savings: $400

 

We believe this plan is the best way we can support our mutual customers during this challenging time as it provides long-term, substantive savings. 

There’s no way to know how long the COVID-19 crisis will continue to impact our lives, but you can be assured that you and our customers have our ongoing, unwavering support — we’re in this together!

Disclaimer: Discounts are subject to filing approval; the timing of discounts will vary by state. Safety 360 renewal discount will be based on actual driving behavior.

​​

 

 

Travelers

(2020-04-16)

Easily Notify Your Customers with toolkitPlus

Dear Agency Partner,

We know that many of your customers are doing their part to help stop the spread of COVID-19 by staying at home. Travelers has launched the Stay-at-Home Auto Premium Credit Program, which automatically gives customers a 15% credit on their April and May premiums. 

To better help you make sure your customers are aware of this credit please use this email with a link to commonly asked questions.

We hope you and your customers are staying safe and healthy.

Send it Now

 

(2020-04-08)
We know that many of our customers are doing their part to help stop the spread of COVID-19 by staying at home. That means many of them are driving fewer miles, resulting in a decrease in auto claims.

With that in mind, we have launched the Stay-at-Home Auto Premium Credit Program, which will automatically give U.S. personal auto insurance customers a 15% credit on their April and May premiums. It’s our way of supporting our customers, and we hope it helps ease some of the financial burden many are experiencing. Please note that these credits will have no impact on the base commission associated with the policy.

We will continue to assess the program as more information comes to light about the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the driving environment and auto claims.

Customers who pay by monthly installments will receive the automatic credit on future bills. Customers who have already paid their billing account in full will receive a direct payment. We are working with regulators to obtain all the necessary approvals.

Answers to questions that customers may have about this program can be found here.

Separately, we continue to provide auto coverage for customers across the country whose job responsibilities now include using their personal vehicles to make food, grocery, pharmacy and medical supply deliveries. (This does not apply to those who are working for transportation network companies.)

The Stay-at-Home Auto Premium Credit Program is among several initiatives we have launched to provide relief during this challenging time. These include suspending cancellation and nonrenewal of coverage through May 15 – there will be no interest, late fees or penalties charged during this time. We are also accelerating more than $100 million of commission payments to eligible agents and brokers. And we have pledged $5 million to COVID-19 relief efforts to assist families and communities across North America, the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.

We appreciate your partnership and hope you stay healthy and safe.

 

Utica

(2020-04-16)

Utica

Utica has a COVID 19 HUB for Agents on our website that links you to all of our latest info.

You can access this by logging on to Utica National, @ Your Service homepage. The link is at the top of the page.

I can tell you that yes, we are allowing for mid-term exposures changes.

We are also offering a suspension credit or fleets, I have attached a copy of the form here.

You will also need to send that to me with the following info-

• In order to process the suspension of coverage, the attached form will need to be completed and signed by the insured.  The wording of this document is binding.
• This is a 100% credit for liability and collision during the layup time, which is set at 60 days.
• We will make a decision before the 60 day time frame is up on if we’re going to extend this
• The 60 day timeframe starts from the date selected, not from the date we process this.
• The schedule of vehicles with the date of suspension must be completed
• Keys should be stored and locked up in a secure area.
• License plates should be removed from the vehicles and secured.
• A note or sign stating the vehicle is out of service should be placed on the driver seat or steering wheel

Lastly we are offering grace periods on billing, you can work directly with the billing dept for that. Contact info is below.

How are we helping our policyholders with billing?

• We are granting a 30-day grade period on payments that are due - agents should call 800598-8422 to discuss any accunts where this is necessary. For policyholders that receive a grace period, we will work with them to spread the amoount owed across their remaining payments.
• We are waiving lae fees for all policies.
• We are no longer charging a fee to take payments over the phone with a customer service representative
• We will be increasing our limit on credit card payments from $10,000 per payment to $500,000 per payment.

Remember, we offer electronic billing, take electronic band and credit card payments through our agent portal, @your.service, and take payments over the phone on our automated phone system.

We're hoping that by taking these measures, it will help pour policyholders manage their insurance payments during this time. 

 

VT Mutual

(2020-04-20)

[Shared by Kerri Rego in summary format]

• No credits presently available for CL insureds
• Payment flexibility when insured calls customer service

Personal Lines:

• Payment deferrals
• All Late and NSF fees waived
• Rate changes deferred until September 2020
• Premium relief program pending

 

Westfield

(2020-04-16)

Westfield provides premium relief for personal insurance auto customers
Life changed, and the country and our customers made changes to keep families and our communities safe. Staying home and off the roads means fewer auto accidents, and that’s a good thing. At Westfield, we believe one good turn deserves another - customers are driving less, so, during this unprecedented time, we think they should pay less for their personal auto insurance. 

Premium Relief for Personal Insurance Auto Customers
Westfield Personal Auto customers will receive a 15 percent credit of their eligible monthly auto premium* for the months of April, May, and June 2020. Customers with an active Personal Auto policy as of April 30, 2020, will receive the full credit to their account in the month of May 2020. We’ll take care of the paperwork; agents and customers won’t have to do a thing.

In addition, Westfield will:

• Continue to offer flexibility for payments from customers facing difficulties from COVID-19 pandemic and has suspended all cancellations and late fees from March 20 through May 31, 2020. 
  
  
• Provide coverage to customers with a Personal Auto policy who are engaged in delivery of essential goods, including food delivery. Any personal auto policy language that excludes coverage for delivery of goods will be temporarily modified through June 30, 2020. 
  
  
• Waive the limit for Additional Living Expenses for customers who have experienced a claim that requires them to relocate from their residence where repairs are delayed as a result of business closures and other servicing difficulties associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent state shut down orders. This limit will be waived for claims occurring through June 30, 2020.
  
  
• Waive the limit for rental reimbursement for customers who have an insured vehicle in for personal auto repairs as a result of a claim and repairs are delayed as a result of business closures and other servicing difficulties associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent state shut down orders. This limit will be waived for claims occurring through June 30, 2020.
  
  
• Reassess this timeline on an ongoing basis, in the event of a prolonged period of state mandated shutdowns.

Providing Options and Support for Commercial Customers
Since each business is being impacted differently as a result of the pandemic, our teams are working directly with you to provide options and solutions to help commercial customers. We are also offering flexible billing solutions and have suspended the current term endorsement activity on sales/payroll changes as the result of prior term audits to help during this time.

Partnership for a strong tomorrow
The Westfield Insurance Foundation is helping communities in Northeast Ohio and across the country by donating nearly $1.5 million dollars to nonprofit partners focused on family stability and disaster recovery.

Find more details regarding the premium relief effort: Personal Auto Premium Relief Fact Sheet. As always, you can find the most current updates and answers to your coronovirus questions on our COVID-19 Agency Resource Page>>

Thank you for your continued engagement, support and partnership with Westfield. We will get through this together!

*pending regulatory approval