Carrier Vacancy Positions
Last Updated 2020-04-10
Page is updated as information is received. Last Update 2020-04-24 8:28 PM ET
CNA
(2020-04-24)
Vacancy Accommodations for First-party Commercial Property Policies
CNA understands that our policyholders may be affected by government orders and directives to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We recognize that adherence to such orders may temporarily change the way insured locations are typically utilized, and that some locations may not be occupied or may have reduced occupancy.
First-party commercial property policies issued by a CNA underwriting company may contain a “vacancy” provision that limits or precludes coverage for certain perils where the property has been vacant for a specified period of time, typically 60 days, as set forth in the policy.
In an effort to address concerns about the application of the vacancy provision occasioned by such temporary changes in operations, CNA will not consider a building to be vacant (as that term is defined in our policies) for the days during any period of occupancy where such occupancy changed solely as a result of a government stay at home order or similar directive relative to COVID-19.
This accommodation is applicable only to CNA Paramount® (including all WorldPass® and Passport®), CNA Signature, and CNA Connect® commercial first-party property policies and will be considered effective through the earlier of the expiration of any applicable government order or directive or June 1, 2020.
Please understand this notice is not a representation that coverage does or does not exist for any particular claim or loss under any such policies. All terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the policies remain in effect.
We are committed to staying connected to you during this time. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to your Property underwriter with any questions.
Visit our COVID-19 page on cna.com for more information
Encova
(2020-04-10)
Our commercial vacancy clause in commercial property and businessowners policies
Encova Insurance continues to monitor developments related to COVID-19. Due to government orders in many states, businesses have been required to cease or reduce operations to achieve social distancing. We want to provide clarity on the vacancy condition in a commercial property or businessowners policy.
In most instances of government-ordered business closures or reduced operations during COVID-19, the building is still rented, used or has business personal property inside, and the space is ready to resume operations when the order is lifted. In these situations the buildings are not considered vacant, and buildings under construction or renovation are also not considered vacant.
Coverage applicability depends on the facts and circumstances at the time of loss. If your insured encounters a unique situation regarding vacancy during this challenging time, please contact your agency manager.
Share these tips with your policyholders to help them protect their building and property during this time.
Goodville Mutual
(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.
Nationwide
(2020-04-15)
Commercial lines updates regarding COVID-19
All states
Learn about important updates related to vacant property, billing and service, restaurant and retail exposures, and more.
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Commercial lines updates regarding COVID-19
All states
We know this is an unprecedented time for you and your customers. As you navigate questions and concerns as a result of COVID-19, Nationwide stands ready as your partner. With sound financial discipline, a Fortune 500 ranking and nearly 100 years of business experience, Nationwide is continuously finding more ways to help you protect and support customers with extraordinary care. Please contact your underwriting team with any questions.
Coverage for customers:
Vacant property
For the purpose of applying policy vacancy or unoccupancy limitations, Nationwide will not count the days that a building is closed solely because of a governmental order affecting the use or occupancy of the described premises. However, if a building was already vacant prior to the COVID-19 closure, the days would continue to be counted, beginning on the day the building became vacant and not the date of the COVID-19 closure.
Find more information here.
Restaurant and retailer exposures
Nationwide will provide coverage for existing restaurant and retailer exposures who now engage in food and pharmacy delivery due to COVID-19 restrictions. We have different coverages available to meet the needs of your customers and keep them protected as they move into new business models.
You can find more information here.
Coverage for you:
Billing and service
During this unprecedented time, we understand you may have experienced longer wait times on calls into our Commercial and Farm Service Center. We know your time is valuable, and we've been activating new ways to provide the same level of service you've come to expect without waiting on hold.
We're making CLService@nationwide.com available as an additional option for you and your customers to contact us. Please use this email for the same types of requests you would normally make over the phone, including:
- Billing questions
- Policy inquiries
- Requests for billing leniency or deferred payment
Please note that we cannot accept payment information over email. Customers can make payments through our phone system, the mobile app or on nationwide.com.
Nationwide resources
While you focus on the needs of your business customers, we recognize that you are running a business, too. Here are some resources to help you during these uncertain times.
Nationwide self-service
For the fastest service 24/7, encourage customers to sign up for online account access. To sign up, commercial lines customers can visit NWsignup.com. For more information, visit nationwide.com or call 1-888-508-8622.
Social support
Nationwide's Agent Social Media Program provides free social media content to attract and retain customers, deepen relationships and grow your business. For questions or to enroll, contact social@nationwide.com.
Additional resources
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention: COVID-19
- 6 Ways to Prevent a Virus from Disrupting your Business (Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety)
- What You Should Know About the Coronavirus (Nationwide's My Loss Control Services®)
- Learn about the steps Nationwide has taken to be ready
- Nationwide Foundation is making $5 million in contributions
While the full impact of COVID-19 remains to be seen, it is certain that customers will look to you to guide them through these turbulent times. We are here to help. We remain dedicated to protecting people, businesses and futures in any way we can.
Thank you for all that you are doing to support the success of our business community. We wish you good health and brighter days ahead.
April 15, 2020
PERSONAL LINES PRODUCT & UNDERWRITING
Usage-based auto programs can help manage cost of insurance
All states
We understand many customers are especially conscious of their budget during this time. Our usage-based insurance programs—SmartRide and SmartMiles—can help them manage the cost of insurance.
GENERAL SALES
New ad highlights the important role you play in your community
All states
Nationwide works with the best agents to offer the best protection—even in Peytonville. Our latest national ad shows the important role you and Nationwide play in protecting people, businesses, and futures with extraordinary care. Watch the ad and visit Marketing Central and Hearsay for campaign assets.
FARM & AGRIBUSINESS TRAINING
Introducing new online training to help you sell food accounts
All states
We’re offering an online, self-guided introductory course on food processing and manufacturing for agents.
PERSONAL LINES MARKETING
Loyalty rewards campaign to promote benefits for valued PL customers
All states
To support your retention efforts and strengthen customer relationships, on April 28, policyholders in closed companies (does not apply to new business) with auto or home policies will start to receive communications about special perks and rewards available to them. You’ll get a preview of the policyholder message on April 23 and can learn more about the Loyalty Rewards program here.
More news from Nationwide:
Smart Home helps protect homes and offers valuable discount
IA, TX, VA, VT, WA
Nationwide revises dates for personal lines policy transfer from @ccessHarleysville to PolicyCenter
DE-Harleysville, NJ-Harleysville
Selective
(2020-04-16)
We understand that the various COVID-19-related shelter-in-place governmental directives have required many businesses to alter or close their operations and locations. To address the changing needs of our mutual customers, Selective has agreed to a limited suspension of the Vacancy Condition in Selective’s Standard Lines Commercial Property coverages, including the CPP, BOP and COP. Selective agrees that payment of any otherwise covered claim will not be denied or limited based upon the Vacancy Condition, where the “vacancy” began on or after March 1, 2020 and was caused by or related to the COVID-19-related governmental directives.
Selective’s claims representatives will thoroughly investigate the facts and circumstances of each claim, including establishing the cause of the vacancy. Our decision to suspend the Vacancy Condition on our Standard Lines policies is not a waiver of any rights, nor does it alter any other terms or conditions of our policies. Suspension of the Vacancy Condition will remain in effect until further notice.
We appreciate your continued partnership, and remain committed to supporting you and our mutual customers during these challenging times.
Travelers
(2020-04-16)
We understand that the various COVID-19-related shelter-in-place governmental directives have required many businesses to alter or close their operations and locations. To address the changing needs of our mutual customers, Selective has agreed to a limited suspension of the Vacancy Condition in Selective’s Standard Lines Commercial Property coverages, including the CPP, BOP and COP. Selective agrees that payment of any otherwise covered claim will not be denied or limited based upon the Vacancy Condition, where the “vacancy” began on or after March 1, 2020 and was caused by or related to the COVID-19-related governmental directives.
Selective’s claims representatives will thoroughly investigate the facts and circumstances of each claim, including establishing the cause of the vacancy. Our decision to suspend the Vacancy Condition on our Standard Lines policies is not a waiver of any rights, nor does it alter any other terms or conditions of our policies. Suspension of the Vacancy Condition will remain in effect until further notice.
We appreciate your continued partnership, and remain committed to supporting you and our mutual customers during these challenging times.