COVID-19 Premium Relief Response

​COVID-19 Response 

​Many of our companies are trying to ease the financial strain that COVID-19 is presenting by giving relief to their customers. Companies are handling this in a variety of different ways. If you are facing financial hardship due to the pandemic, please reach out to your local Cornerstone Insurance Group agent to see what options may be available. 

Farmers Mutual of Nebraska
We (Farmers Mutual of NE) have been analyzing our Automobile loss experience on a weekly basis throughout this pandemic and have noted a consistent downward trend in both “non-storm” losses and claim counts for the past eight weeks. This has provided us with the necessary data to conclude that we are in fact experiencing a sustained reduction in our “non-storm” Automobile loss costs that we believe will continue for many months into the future. 

As a result, we are decreasing our Automobile rates 10% on all new and renewal business with an effective date on or after July 1, 2020, subject to regulatory approval.


Travelers
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.

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.


Nationwide
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.


Progressive
Subject to approval by state regulators, Progressive personal auto customers who have a policy in force as of April 30th will be credited 20% of their April premiums in May and personal auto customers with a policy in force as of May 31st will be credited 20% of their May premiums in June.

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. 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.

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North Star Mutual
Auto Premium Discount - North Star Mutual, in response to a decrease in automobile usage and to support our customers during these unprecedented times, will be implementing a 1 year “Stay At Home Discount” on all personal and commercial auto policies. Current customers will automatically receive a 10% premium discount on policies renewing June 1st, 2020 through May 31st, 2021. This discount will also apply to new business during the same time period. These changes are pending approval from insurance regulatory departments.

North Star is providing this discount for several reasons:

• To recognize reduced driving and automobile loss trends.
• To provide premium relief to customers, who may be struggling financially in the months ahead.
• To support agents by providing more competitive auto rates and encouraging policyholder retention.
• To eliminate the expense and potential shortfall of one-and-done refund checks.

Liberty Mutual Businessowners Policy (BOP) Refund
Today, we’re announcing a 15% refund on two months of premium for all Businessowners policies, including those that are written as part of a specialty program. 

Here’s what you can expect:
• Small commercial customers will receive a 15% refund of two months of their annual BOP premium for policies in-force as April 1, 2020, pending regulatory approval.  
• The refunds will begin in the upcoming weeks and will be issued by check.
• The payments will happen automatically. Customers do not need to call Liberty Mutual to receive the refund.

Payment flexibility options
• Late fee charges have been automatically stopped and cancellations due to non-payment have been temporarily paused for small commercial customers from March 23 through at least June 1, 2020. 
• We continue to work with individual customers to extend payment dates if needed and provide personalized support.