All of the top 10 largest auto insurers have announced a Personal Auto Relief Initiative. A complete list follows below…
Following announcements from American Family, Allstate, and Liberty Mutual, the remaining top ten Private Passenger Auto Insurers in the United States have all announced various Auto Insurance Refund Programs which will see them credit their personal auto insureds during the current public health crisis. In addition to the top 10 insureds, other top 25 insurers have also announced auto insurance relief programs.
In the interest of helping independent insurance agents understand which companies are offering what type of personal auto relief programs, Agency Checklists has compiled the following list that can be used to reference the programs. Agency Checklists’ will update this list accordingly.
Agency Checklists’ List Of Insurers Who Are Offering Personal Auto Insurance Relief Initiatives
The list of insurers is in order from the largest to smallest personal auto insurer in the United States. The number beside the name denotes what place they occupy with respect to the NAIC Market Share Report. That report can be accessed here: NAIC 2020 Market Share Report: The Top 25 Private Passenger Auto Insurers (U.S.)
#1. State Farm – Good Neighbor Relief Program
State Farm Good Neighbor Relief will return $2 billion dividend to Mutual auto insurance customers
“State Farm is returning value through a dividend to our customers,” said Chairman, President and CEO Michael L. Tipsord. “We insure more cars than anyone and we see from our claims activity people are driving less. This dividend is one of the ways we’re working to help our customers during this unprecedented situation.”
How State Farm’s Good Neighbor Relief Program works
- The Good Neighbor Relief Program will be returning $2 billion in dividends to Mutual auto policyholders with policies in force from March 20th to May 31st.
- Customers do not need to take any action to receive the dividend, which will appear as a credit on their auto policy.
- On average, State Farm Mutual auto customers can expect to receive a credit of about 25 percent of premium for the time period March 20 through May 31; exact percentages will vary by state.
Every State Farm Mutual auto insurance customer will receive credits applied against bills beginning as early as June. We’ll continue to monitor our loss experience and respond appropriately. Access the State Farm COVID-19 Consumer Information Sheet here.
State Farm Consumer Auto/Home/Property Claims Telephone Number: 800-SF-CLAIM (800) 732-5246
#2. GEICO – The GEICO Giveback Credit
Providing $2.5 Billion to Customers Through Policy Credits
“This ongoing crisis has widespread effects that will linger. That is why we wanted to give this credit for at least six months,” said GEICO President and CEO Todd Combs. “Our customers have been loyal, and we are committed to doing all we can to help them.”
How the GEICO Giveback Credit works:
- GEICO is providing a 15 percent credit to its auto and motorcycle customers as their policy comes up for renewal between April 8 and Oct 7.
- The credit will also apply to any new policies purchased during this period. The credit is part of GEICO’s ongoing efforts to assist customers during this unprecedented time.
- The average auto policy has a semi-annual premium of about $1,000 and generally covers more than one vehicle. This means GEICO expects credits to average about $150 per auto policy and $30 per motorcycle policy.
- The company estimates the benefit to its 18 million auto and one million motorcycle customers will be approximately $2.5 billion.
- Current customers can expect to see the discount when they renew. Customers do not need to take any action to receive this credit.
GEICO Consumer telephone number: (800) 207-7847
#3. Progressive – Apron Relief Program
Will provide approximately $1 billion to customers as a result of fewer claims that come with less frequent driving
“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,”said Progressive President and CEO Tricia Griffith.
“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.”
How Progressive’s Apron Relief Program works:
- 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.
- We estimate that the sum of these two credits will total approximately $1 billion.
- Customers will not need to take any actions to receive the benefits.
- The credits will be applied automatically to the customers’ policy and those customers who have paid in full will receive a refund of the credited amounts.
- Providing commercial lines customers with a business owner or general liability policy underwritten by Progressive a 20% credit on April and May monthly premiums
- Providing a full-service claims experience for first responders and health care workers who experience a car accident by providing enhanced roadside service (including transportation to work or home from the accident if needed), expedited tow service and vehicle repairs, pick up and delivery of the repaired vehicle, all while deferring deductibles and providing a rental vehicle if needed
- Expanding coverage for personal auto customers temporarily delivering food or medicine and allowing commercial customers additional coverage options for delivery
- Extending payment leniency, waiving late fees and pausing collections
- Deferring deductibles to help customers who cannot pay out of pocket to get their car repaired
- Providing delivered meals for its for-hire trucking customers, first responders and health care providers
Progressive Consumer telephone number: 1-855-3939
#4. Allstate – Shelter-in-Place Payback Plan
The insurer is providing more than $600 million to auto insurance customers amid pandemic
“Allstate has been helping customers overcome catastrophes for 89 years since our purpose is to make sure they are in Good Hands. We have learned to move quickly and put people first,” said Tom Wilson, Chair, President and Chief Executive Officer.
“This crisis is pervasive. Given an unprecedented decline in driving, customers will receive a Shelter-in-Place Payback of more than $600 million over the next two months. This is fair because less driving means fewer accidents. We are also providing free identity protection for the rest of the year to all U.S residents who sign up since our lives have become more digital.”
How Allstate’s Shelter-in-Place Payback Plan works:
- On average, personal auto insurance customers will receive 15 percent money back based on their monthly premium in April and May.*
- Allstate will automatically deposit money back to the bank or credit card account used for payment, or apply credits to accounts, depending on customer preferences. Please check your payment information to make sure it is up to date.
- Customers can get payment faster through the Allstate Mobile App. And, since our lives have become more digital, we are providing free identity protection for the rest of the year, also through the App. Payments for the Shelter-in-Place Payback will occur during the months of April and May for our auto insurance customers.
- Allstate Identity Protection helps protect people from identity theft and financial fraud, while giving them more control over the private information they share through online accounts.
- U.S. residents can receive the Allstate Identity Protection product free for the rest of the year when they sign up in April or May, regardless of whether they are already an Allstate customer or not, by accessing https://allstateidentityprotection.com/.
- Access to the free Allstate Identity Protection service will end on 12/31/2020. A credit card is required for enrollment, but consumers won’t be charged. You will have the option to elect into a paid subscription before your free service ends.
- Allstate auto, home and powersport insurance customers facing financial challenges can request a special payment plan that delays payments for 60 days with no penalty.
- Allstate will automatically cover customers who use their personal vehicles to deliver food, medicine and other goods for a commercial purpose during the COVID-19 emergency period. Standard personal auto policies typically exclude such coverage. This additional protection will be added to policies in all states and will be in effect while a COVID-19 emergency order is in place in your state. No action is required on your part.
Allstate Consumer telephone number: 1-877-810-2920
#5. USAA – Shelter-in-Place Program
The insurer estimates that it will returning approximately $520 million to members
“We understand the impact this pandemic is having on our country, and especially our military community and their families, many of whom also are working on the front lines of the crisis. Returning premiums provides timely help for our members,” said USAA President and CEO Wayne Peacock. “USAA has been facilitating the financial security of military members for nearly 100 years, and this is another way we can serve them well.”
How USAA’s Shelter-in-Place Program works
- Every member with an auto insurance policy in effect as of March 31, 2020, will receive a 20% credit on two months of premiums in the coming weeks.
- In total, USAA states this will be returning $520 million to its members.
- Members will automatically receive a credit applied to their bill. They do not need to call, and no additional action is required.
- Special payment arrangements are available to assist members experiencing financial difficulties. USAA will not cancel members’ auto or property insurance policies or charge fees due to late payments on USAA auto and property insurance coverage through June 17, 2020.
- Expanded auto insurance coverage for members who use their personal vehicles to deliver food, medicine and other goods for commercial purposes.
- USAA Bank is offering special payment assistance programs for eligible members including a 90-day credit card payment deferral, a 60-day payment extension on consumer loans, and special mortgage and home equity line of credit payment assistance.
- USAA Life Insurance Company is offering special payment arrangements on life and health insurance policies, including a 60-day extension to the 30-day grace period.
- USAA Life Insurance Company is waiving and reimbursing deductibles and co-payments for coronavirus-related testing received on or after Feb. 4, 2020, for members who have USAA Medicare Supplement plan.
- USAA Investment Management Company is reducing managed portfolio fees 50% (effective April 1 through May 20‚ 2020).
USAA Consumer telephone number: 800-531-USAA
#6. Liberty Mutual Group – Personal Auto Relief Fund
The Boston-based insurer says it will return approximately $250 million to Liberty Mutual and Safeco personal auto insurance customers
“For more than a century, we’ve made it our goal to be there for people when they need us most,” said Liberty Mutual Chairman and Chief Executive Officer David Long. “Today, more than ever, we recognize the uncertainty and financial challenges our customers are facing. We remain dedicated to serving our customers during this unprecedented pandemic, and we hope our premium relief and other actions we have taken offer support and help to alleviate some of their worries.”
How The Personal Auto Customer Relief Refund works (Liberty Mutual & Safeco Insureds)
- 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.
Liberty Mutual Consumer telephone number: 1-888-752-5644
Safeco consumer telephone number: 1-800-332-3226
#7. Farmers Insurance Group – Farmers® Cares Initiative
Farmers® and 21st Century® Branded Automobile Customers Will Receive a 25% Reduction in Their April Premium
“We are committed to helping customers during this unprecedented time. Building on our Farmers® Cares initiative to assist customers, all Farmers auto customers will receive a 25% premium reduction for the month of April,” said Jeff Dailey, chief executive officer of Farmers Insurance. “As we continue receiving updated information in the coming weeks, we’ll assess additional ways to take care of our customers.”
How The Farmers® Cares Initiative works:
- Farmers and 21st Century customers will not need to take any action;
- Additionally, for new business and existing customers, Farmers is making their usage-based insurance tool, Signal®, available to immediately save 5% to 15% more on their auto insurance premiums. Signing up for Signal will also allow customers to long term move their rates toward the risk they represent.*
- With many small businesses struggling as a result of customers staying home, Farmers is providing additional relief to more than 115,000 of its business insurance customers under its Farmers Cares initiative. Business customers in the restaurant, office, retail and service sectors across the country will receive a 20% monthly credit on their Business Owners Policy (BOP) for the next two months on their upcoming premium notices.
- Mindful of the pandemic’s impact on customers, Farmers made adjustments to allow extra time for insureds to pay their policies. The organization temporarily paused cancellations, allowing customers more time to pay their premiums until May 1, 2020.
- Farmers temporarily modified its Farmers branded auto policies to extend a customer’s existing personal auto and motorcycle insurance coverages when delivery drivers use their personal automobile or motorcycle for the delivery of food, groceries, pharmacy and medical supplies.
- Farmers is providing continuing support to local non-profit organizations that are responding with community-based COVID-19 initiatives.
Farmers’ Consumer telephone number: 1-888-327-6335
#8. Nationwide – Auto Rapid Relief Fund
The refund is equivalent to an average savings of 15 percent for two months and is on top of existing discounts customers already earn.
“As a mutual company devoted to protecting people, businesses and futures with extraordinary care, 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,” explains Nationwide CEO Kirt Walker, adding its simply the right thing to do.
How The Auto Rapid Relief Fund works:
- Nationwide is offering a one-time premium refund of $50 per policy for personal auto policies active as of March 31, 2020.
- The refund will arrive in the next 30 days, subject to individual state regulatory approval.
- It will be returned to customers in the last form of payment they have made, whether electronic or paper.
- The refund is equivalent to an average savings of 15 percent for two months and is on top of existing discounts customers already earn.
Nationwide Consumer Telephone Number: 1-877 On Your Side (1-877-669-6877)
#9. American Family Insurance Group – Auto Insurance Premium Relief Payment
AmFam says it will return $200 million in premium to auto customers
“American Family Insurance is doing this out of responsibility to our customers. They are driving less and experiencing fewer claims. Because of these results, they deserve premium relief,” said Telisa Yancy, American Family chief operating officer. “Our customers are at the center of everything we do. We are financially strong, and in a position to provide these payments to our customers at a time when it makes a meaningful difference.”
How the Auto Insurance Premium Relief Payment works:
- This was the first company to announce an Auto Insurance Relief Payment to its insureds.
- American Family customers will be receive a one-time $50.00 payment for each personal automobile insured with the company through its premium relief payment.
- The typical American Family household with auto coverage has two vehicles, meaning the average relief check will be $100.
- Overall, American Family Insurance will return approximately $200 million to its auto insurance customers.
- We will print and mail checks for customers in your state after receipt of regulatory approval.
American Family Consumer Telephone Number: 1-800-MYAMFAM
American Family Online Chat link
American Family Contact Page
#10. Travelers Group – Stay-at-Home Auto Premium Credit Program
Personal auto insurance customers will receive a 15% credit on April and May auto premiums, expanding the company’s COVID-19 relief efforts
“Our customers are doing their part to stay at home and help stop the spread of COVID-19,” said Alan Schnitzer, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Travelers.
“Our new program recognizes their contribution to the effort we all need to make to protect our health and safety and the resulting decrease in miles driven and auto claims. We are committed to standing with our customers, agents and brokers, and this is one more step we’re taking to help ease some of the financial burden many are experiencing.”
How Travelers’ Stay-at-Home Auto Premium Credit Program works:
- Personal auto insurance customers will receive a 15% credit on April and May auto premiums, expanding the company’s COVID-19 relief efforts;
- Also provides billing relief for all U.S. customers, including suspending cancellation and nonrenewal of coverage due to nonpayment through May 15, 2020 (no interest, late fees or penalties will be charged);
- Adjusting the claim inspection process to rely more heavily on state-of-the-art digital and virtual tools.
- Conducting virtual premium audits for an extra measure of safety.
- Providing telemedicine options for injured employees through workers’ compensation, including a temporary telerehabilitation program for those who are concerned about or unable to attend physical therapy visits in person.
Has also announced a program to help its agents & brokers as well
In addition to its Stay-at-Home Auto Premium Credit program, Travelers also announced an innovation initiative to help its agent and broker partners stay afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic. For those interested in reviewing that program, please refer to Agency Checklists’ article entitled, “Travelers Offers Innovative Approach To Help Its Agent And Brokers Keep Afloat During COVID-19.”
Travelers Billing & Policy Service Questions Telephone Number: 1-800-842-5075
#12. ERIE Insurance Group – Personal & Commercial Auto Rate Cuts
Announces $200 Million in Personal and Commercial Auto Rate Cuts to Provide Financial Relief to Customers
“For 95 years, ERIE’s promise to our customers has remained the same: to be there when they need us most,” said NeCastro. “Now, more than ever, we are centered on the Golden Rule and committed to providing near perfect protection and near perfect service at the lowest possible cost.”
Erie Insurance has announced that it will reduce rates for personal and commercial auto insurance customers in 12 states and the District of Columbia. While some auto insurers this week announced short term auto insurance rebates, ERIE’s decision to lower rates is designed to offer more impactful relief to customers — now and in the future.
How ERIE’s Personal & Commercial Auto Rates Decision works:
- Pending regulatory approval, actual rate changes for customers will vary by state and also be based on individually purchased policies and coverage options.
- Once approved, premium adjustments will take effect at the time of new policy initiation or renewal.
- ERIE agents can help customers with updating coverages. Agents and ERIE’s Customer Care teams can also assist with delaying payment dates, adjusting installments, changing pay plans and waiving penalties and fees.
Erie Customer Telephone Number: (800) 458-0811
#13. Kemper Corp Group – Kemper Premium Relief Program
The two premium credits it is offering customers total approximately $100 million
“This crisis deserves everyone’s attention and we all have a responsibility to do our part,” said Joseph P. Lacher, Jr., Kemper’s president and CEO. “Kemper has always been there to help our customers through the tough times and now is no different. Our policyholders have committed to practice social distancing and are driving less, and that deserves recognition through financial relief, a critical area of support to our customers as we move together through this situation.”
How the Kemper Premium Relief Program works:
- Kemper’s personal auto customers who have a policy in force as of April 30 will be credited 15% of their April premiums in May, and personal auto customers with a policy in force as of May 31 will be credited 15% of their May premiums in June.
- The two premium credits will total approximately $100 million and are subject to approval from regulators. The credits will be applied directly to the policyholder’s policy.
- If a customer has paid in full, they will receive a refund of the credited amounts. Customers will not need to take any action to receive the benefits.
Kemper Customer Telephone Number: (866) 860-9348
#17. Mercury Insurance – Mercury Giveback Program
Company Plans to Return more than $65 Million to Customers
“We want our customers to know we’ve got their back,” said Mercury Insurance President and CEO, Gabriel Tirador. “For nearly 60 years, Mercury has provided best-in-class protection at an affordable price. And during these uncertain times, we’re going even further by giving back more than $65 million to our customers.”
How the Mercury Giveback Program works:
- We recognize that the COVID-19 crisis has altered driving patterns, resulting in fewer accidents and claims, so we are giving back 15% of monthly auto insurance premiums to Mercury customers in April and May;
- Subject to regulatory approval, we will automatically credit customers’ accounts, providing much-needed relief during this time.
Mercury Insurance Consumer Telephone Number: (800) 503-3724
#18. MetLife – MetLife Auto Premium Relief
In Response to COVID-19, MetLife Auto & Home® Helps Customers with Premium Credit and Payment Leniency
“For 152 years, you have depended on MetLife and the promises we’ve made to help you recover and rebuild from local, national and global disasters. This time is no different. Around the world, we are taking the necessary steps to make sure our employees are safe and able to deliver the support you need from us,” said Michel Khalaf in a letter on the insurer’s website.
“Being there for our customers when they need us the most is the promise MetLife delivers on every day,” notes Darla Finchum, president, MetLife Auto & Home®. “People are struggling, through no fault of their own, and we can help.
How the MetLife Auto Premium Relief works:
- Active MetLife Auto customers who are paid to date will receive a 15% credit for April and May based on their monthly premiums.
- No action is required by customers to receive the credit. MetLife Auto & Home® will apply a future credit to the customer’s account.
- Many of MetLife Auto & Home® auto insurance policies already provide coverage for people using their personal vehicles for delivering medicine or food.
- MetLife Auto & Home® is extending coverage under all personal auto insurance programs at no additional charge while customers are making deliveries in response to the crisis, effective March 20, 2020, through May 1, 2020.
- MetLife Auto & Home® is extending its existing cyber security services through CyberScout to immediate family members of current customers through August 2020*.
- MetLife Auto & Home® is available 24/7 to respond to customers’ claims needs. As the health of our customers and associates remains our highest priority, MetLife Auto & Home® claim adjusters will only conduct contactless reviews to reduce person-to-person contact during these times. Customers can file claims by contacting MetLife Auto & Home® at 1-800-854-6011.
- *Extended cybersecurity coverage for MetLife Auto & Home® customers’ family members including: adult children (26 years of age or older), parents (including stepparents and legally adoptive parents), sisters and brothers (including step-siblings and legally adoptive siblings)
MetLife Customer Telephone Number: 1-800-METLIFE
#20. The Hartford Fire & Casualty Group – Personal Auto Payback Plan
Company supports auto customers during this uncertain time with a 15 percent return on two months of their premium
“We are pleased to provide this relief and hope it will alleviate some of the financial burden our customers are facing,” said The Hartford’s President Doug Elliot. “We are experiencing a truly unprecedented time that is impacting our lives in many ways, including how we live, work, interact with one another and drive. As we practice physical distancing, we are spending less time on the road and believe our customers should benefit from the reduced risk of auto accidents. For 210 years, The Hartford has helped customers navigate through many global crises, including multiple recessions, two world wars and the 1918 influenza pandemic. Together with our customers, partners and communities, I am confident we will prevail through this crisis as well.”
How The Hartford’s Personal Auto Payback Plan Works:
- The Hartford will be offering a 15 percent refund of two months’ worth of premium.
- All of The Hartford’s personal auto insurance customers who had an active policy on 4/1/2020 are eligible.
- We are working with state insurance departments to approve these credits and pay customers as quickly as possible. We plan to issue payments to customers within two months.
- If your policy is currently paid in full, you will receive a credit based on your last payment method.
- If you paid by credit card, we’ll apply a credit back to the same card
- If you paid by EFT, we’ll credit the same account
- If you paid by check, we’ll mail you a check for the amount of the credit
- If you currently have a balance due, we’ll credit your account so that it reduces your next premium payment.
- We are also waiving late-payment fees and cancellations for non-payment until May 31 for all auto and home customers who are experiencing financial hardship. State guidelines may apply to any billing grace period.
The Hartford Consumer Auto Insurance Telephone Number: 877-896-9320
#23. Amica Mutual Group – Auto Premium Relief Program
“As our nation continues to band together in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19, we know that many aspects of everyday life have changed significantly. One that most of us have in common is that we’re driving less than we did before. This has resulted in fewer auto claims in recent weeks. Today, we’re announcing the COVID-19 Auto Premium Relief Program. Every Amica customer that had an automobile insured with us on April 1, 2020, will receive a 20% credit on their auto premiums for April and May, pending regulatory approval.”
How Amica’s Auto Premium Relief Program works:
- Every Amica customer that had an automobile insured with us on April 1, 2020, will receive a 20% credit on their auto premiums for April and May, pending regulatory approval.
- There is no action that needs to be taken on your part to receive the credit.
- The credit will be issued in two installments, one in May and one in June.
- This premium credit applies to automobile, motorcycle and RV policies.
- Customers must have had their auto policy with us as of April 1, 2020. They must also remain insured with us on the dates the credits are issued. Customers that purchased auto policies after April 1, 2020, do not qualify to receive the credit.
- The amount of the credit will be 20% of the premium for the month. For example, if your annual premium is $2,400, your monthly premium would be $200. 20% of $200 is $40. You would be credited $40 in May and $40 in June for a total of $80.
- For a six-month policy with a premium of $1,200, your monthly premium would be $200. 20% of $200 is $40. You would be credited $40 in May and $40 in June for a total of $80.
- For customers who have a balance on their policy, a credit will be applied to the balance owed, once in May and once in June.
- Customers who have paid their policy premium in full, or have no remaining balance, will receive a refund check equal to the premium credit for April and May.
- Customers who have a balance owed that is less than the refund will receive a credit to their account and a refund check for the remainder.
- Customers on AutoPay through Amica do not need to take any action. The credit will be applied to reduce your bill.
Amica Consumer Telephone Number: 800-242-6422
