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This page offers all of Delaware Public Media's ongoing coverage of the COVID-19 outbreak and how it is affecting the First State. Check here regularly for the latest new and information.

Dept. of Insurance helps Delawareans connect with COVID-19 auto breaks

Delaware Public Media

Auto insurers throughout the country are offering consumers breaks on their policies because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Delaware Department of Insurance is making residents aware of what insurance providers are doing for residents as vehicle use drops during the crisis.

The state listed on its website the various rebates, reimbursements, and reduced insurance rates that each company is providing.

"All across the country just about every company decided that the right thing to do is to give some money back," said Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro. "So we strongly encourage people to reach out to their auto insurer."

And Navarro especially encourage people to contact their insurance provider if the company has promised breaks and they haven’t received any yet.

"I'm sure most of them are doing it automatically. They are not waiting for people to contact them," said Navarro. "However, if you're having some sort of rebate or discount on this scale there's always glitches."

Navarro adds if you don’t need the financial help during the pandemic, it is probably best to not accept any breaks because you’ll have to pay the difference in the end.

Navarro says those who are experiencing financial hardship due to income changes related to the pandemic and can’t pay their premium should contact their insurance company to discuss assistance.

Here are the companies and the assistance they are providing:

  • Allstate: Issuing refunds equal to 15% of March and April auto premiums. A total of 19,155 Delaware Allstate customers will be refunded well over $1 million.
  • American Family: Distributing a one-time check payment of $50.00 per covered vehicle.
  • Amica Mutual: Crediting 20% of the policyholder’s monthly auto premium.
  • Chubb: Renewing customers will receive a discount equal to 35% of their April and May costs, an estimated $110 per vehicle.
  • Cincinnati Insurance: Refunding policyholders 15% of their April and May premium.
  • Electric Insurance: Distributing a payback equal to 15% of three months of the policyholder’s premium, an estimated $72 per policy.
  • Encompass: Issuing refunds of 15% of March and April auto premiums. Approximately 2,835 Delaware Encompass customers will be refunded about $168,882.
  • Esurance: Issuing refunds equal to 15% of March and April auto premiums.
  • Farmers: Discounting April premiums by 25% discount or providing 25% refunds to customers already paid in full.
  • GEICO: The GEICO Giveback Credit will discount renewed or newly purchased policies between April 8 and October 7, 2020 by 15%. Customers can expect to save an average of $150 on their next auto policy and $30 per motorcycle policy.
  • Goodville Mutual: Issuing a Safe@home premium credit of 15% on two months of new or renewal premium. Members can choose to waive their credit and request that it be donated to local food banks, first responders, or international relief. Goodville Mutual will match donated funds up to $100,000.
  • Hartford: The COVID-19 Personal Auto Payback Plan will credit customers 15% of April and May auto premiums.
  • Horace Mann: The Teacher Appreciation Relief Program will credit customers 15% of two months of premiums.
  • Liberty Mutual: Providing a 15% refund on two months of annual premiums.
  • Mercury: Refunding 15% of monthly premiums paid in April and May.
  • MetLife: Crediting 15% of monthly premiums paid in April and May.
  • Nationwide: Applying a one-time payment of $50.00 to each policy.
  • Next Insurance: Discounting April premiums by 25%.
  • NGM Insurance: Distributing a Relief Payment of $50.00 per each insured vehicle. In Delaware, approximately 899 private passenger vehicles insured will generate a total refund of $44,950.
  • Progressive: Crediting back 20% of April and May premiums.
  • State Farm: Refunding about 25% of April premiums.
  • Travelers: The Stay-at-Home Auto Premium Credit Program will issue a credit of 15% to April and May premiums.
  • USAA: Crediting approximately 20% on two months of premiums.
  • 21st Century Insurance: Discounting April premiums by 25% discount, or providing 25% refunds to customers paid in full.

 

Joe brings over 20 years of experience in news and radio to Delaware Public Media and the All Things Considered host position. He joined DPM in November 2019 as a reporter and fill-in ATC host after six years as a reporter and anchor at commercial radio stations in New Castle and Sussex Counties.