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Your Personal Insurance team, at Northern Insurance Brokers is here to help educate you on the impact COVID-19 has on your personal insurance and to assist you to receive the financial and/or other relief that may be available.
We act as your advocate, working with the Insurers to guide you through the process based on your individual circumstances. Our goal is to continue to focus on your protection and potential impacts during this unusual time.
Each Insurer has a unique relief program and as an Insurer’s approach to relief continues to evolve, we will monitor and update this site.
Additional Rate Relief Measures for Ontario Personal Auto Customers
In an effort to further support COVID-19 rate relief efforts, WA announced a -4% rate decrease effective October 1, 2020, for Ontario Personal Auto customers. This reduction will result in a meaningful return for customers with an overall impact of more than $15 million in additional premium relief.
Travelers Canada is extending their Stay-at-Home Auto Premium Credit Program to provide you with a 15% credit on one month’s premium. This follows the 25% credit they announced in April.
The credit will be applied automatically – you don’t need to do anything. If you pay by monthly installments, you will receive the credit on a future bill. If you have already paid in full, you will receive a payment via a mailed cheque.
If you have questions about your current payment plan, please contact us, your broker, directly. Answers to questions that you may have about this program can be found here.
In an effort to provide additional financial relief, we are pleased to announce that WA will be implementing a rate decrease for Ontario personal auto customers on a temporary basis effective October 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021, for both New Business and Renewals.
WA will be applying a -4% rate reduction for Ontario personal auto premiums in addition to already implemented relief measures. This reduction will result in a meaningful return for customers with an overall impact of more than $15 million in additional premium relief.
No, there isn’t a minimum or maximum payment. Every personal auto customer will receive a one-time payment equivalent to 20% of three months’ premium regardless of what their rates are.
The payment will be the equivalent of 20% of three months’ premium.
For example, if a customer’s annual auto premium as of April 9, 2020, is $1200 on a 12-month policy, then three months’ premium is $300 and 20% of that is $60. So, in that case, the payment will be approximately $60.
Please note that the calculation is not based on a customer’s monthly billing payments. Instead, we’re using the number of days in a policy term to do a more accurate calculation. The Total Policy Premium listed on the first page of the Certificate of Automobile Insurance is the annual premium being used to calculate the payment.
We recognize that because of the pandemic and social distancing mandates, many people are staying home and not driving regularly. Our personal auto premium reduction payment was created to provide some much-needed support for customers during this extraordinary time.
Commercial auto policyholders not using their work vehicle(s) because the pandemic should connect with their broker to discuss possible options including amending their commercial auto coverage.
No, the premium reduction payment applies only to personal automobiles – recreational vehicles are not included.
All in-force personal auto customers as of Thursday, April 9, 2020 will automatically receive the payment by cheque. There are no application forms to submit or any other actions required by brokers or customers.
To provide a premium reduction to our personal auto insurance customers, they will receive a simple onetime payment equivalent to 20% of three months’ premium. The payment will be sent by cheque and will have no detrimental impact to future premiums or coverage.
Yes, Aviva is accepting new business. Please reach out to one of the Sales Representatives or Client Account Managers to discuss further.
Effective July 1, 2020, to September 30, 2020, Western Assurance will be implementing a rate cap for both Auto & Property renewal premiums. Provided your circumstances have remained the same (no claim or conviction) Auto rates will not increase over the prior term. Property insurance premiums (provided there has not been a claim in the previous term) will experience a rate increase of no more than 10 %.
Effective May 5, 2020, if the usage of your vehicle has changed and you are driving less, let us know and you will receive a temporary minimum rate reduction of 15 % per vehicle. This change will apply for 90 days at which time the change in usage will revert back. Check out our Online Form that you can fill out and send to us to have your changes updated on your policy or you can reach out to one of the Client Account Managers at Algoma Insurance Brokers Limited to discuss further.
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Travelers is suspending cancellation and non-renewal of coverage due to nonpayment through May 15, 2020. We will not charge non-sufficient funds (NSF) fees during this period, providing policyholders with extra time if needed to pay their premiums without risking cancellation.
We are committed to working with our brokers and customers through these challenging times. For those who are able to make payments, they should do so as they normally would.
If you have any questions, please contact one of the Client Account Managers at Algoma Insurance Brokers Limited to discuss your specific situation. We will work with the company to find you options.
update April 29, 2020:
Effective immediately, we are extending our billing relief plan through June 15, 2020. The details of the plan remain the same: Cancellation and nonrenewal of coverage due to nonpayment have been suspended, and we will not charge non-sufficient funds (NSF) fees during this period. We will continue to comply with all regulatory orders and monitor and adjust our policies as needed.
Customers who are able to make payments should do so as they normally would. For Broker Bill accounts where your customer is unable to make payments, please contact us so we can work through this together. For Direct Bill accounts please have your customer call our Customer Service team directly at 1-800-268-4543.
RSA Canada is also supporting some of the most vulnerable Canadians through a $100,000 donation to Food Banks Canada. This donation will help purchase food products for those who are living with food insecurities, especially during this challenging time. In addition, we continue to match employee donations to community causes that they care about most, including local food banks as part of our corporate responsibility program.
We have seen firsthand how our broker partners have stepped up and found new and unique ways to be there for their customers in times of need. We continue to be inspired and motivated by these actions, and we are proud to collaborate with you to meet our customers’ needs every day.
Recognizing the unprecedented and widespread impact COVID-19 has had on our customers and communities, Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited, our parent company, has donated over $1 million to Canadian food banks and humanitarian organizations providing relief services to those severely disadvantaged by the pandemic. In addition, Northbridge has donated $100,000 to Food Banks Canada and will match employee donations to this and other charities.
Yes. If you are a participant in Intact’s my Drive program and you are driving less because of COVID-19, savings will be reflected at your next update.
One of the advantages of usage-based insurance is the ability to keep track of, and reflect, your driving record and behaviours.
If the usage of your vehicle has changed, please access our Online Form and one of our Client Account Managers will review and make the changes to your policy. A revised policy will follow.
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Gore Mutal has partnered with CanadaHelps to provide a $2M matching grant to kickstart their COVID-19 cause funds which aim to mitigate the impact of Coronavirus on vulnerable Canadians through healthcare and community Supports.
If the usage of your vehicle has changed, please access our Online Form and we will make the necessary changes. If you want to remove coverage entirely since you are not driving your vehicle at all, you may be able to suspend their personal road coverage during the pandemic. This will be available to customers by adding the Suspension of Coverage Endorsement. Please reach out to one of the Client Account Manager at Algoma Insurance Brokers Limited to discuss further.
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Aviva Insurance is giving $500,000 to the Canadian Red Cross that will:
As of April 6, Aviva Canada has been providing free roadside assistance to police, paramedics, firefighters and healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. They do not have to be Aviva Canada customers to call 1-844-398-2001 for free roadside assistance.
Aviva employees expect to dedicate over 90,000 hours of volunteer hours with organizations supporting the vulnerable and the elderly in our communities so those in self-isolation can continue to stay healthy, safe and connected to their community during this time.
We understand this is a trying time for all and we want to help ease the burden any way we can. Please contact a Client Account Manager at Algoma Insurance Brokers Limited who will approach the company about options.
Echelon is proud to introduce new relief measures for our private passenger automobile customers, who are choosing to reduce their vehicle usage or refraining from using their vehicles, during the pandemic.
Private passenger automobile will need to contact one of the Client Account Managers at Algoma Insurance Brokers Limited to request the following relief measures:
Pledged $5 million to COVID-19 relief efforts to assist families and communities across North America, the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.
$3.5 million to charities that are providing essential services to address urgent, unmet needs, including emergency assistance for hourly workers, food and shelter for vulnerable populations, stability to small businesses and resources to mitigate disruptions in education.
$1 million to pay the wages and health benefits for eligible third-party contract employees who provide services at the company’s offices, ensuring that these individuals, who would have otherwise been laid off, remain employed.
$500,000 to a special matching program for employees who wish to contribute to causes related to COVID-19. Under the program, the company will match – on a 2-for-1 basis – employee contributions to designated organizations.
Canadian employees can get their contributions matched as well.
Algoma Mutual Insurance will continue to provide coverage for clients making deliveries on a volunteer basis, even when receiving compensation for mileage.
This is not a class of business that Algoma Mutual Insurance writes and your current policy will not provide coverage. If you are using your vehicle for deliveries for restaurants for compensation, you will need to contact one of the Client Account Managers at Algoma Insurance Brokers Limited to arrange coverage with an alternative insurance company.
Algoma Mutual Insurance will continue to provide coverage for clients volunteering to deliver groceries or other necessities.
If your vehicle usage has changed, you have the option to make changes to your policy. Please refer to our online form to update your current information. One of the Client Account Managers at Algoma Insurance Brokers Limited will make the necessary changes and a revised policy will follow.
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AMICO will work with their clients in an effort to find alternative payment arrangements for those struggling with the impact of CO-VID 19. Please contact one of the Client Account Managers at Algoma Insurance Brokers Limited for assistance.
Algoma Mutual Insurance is temporarily waiving NSF fees.
Algoma Insurance Brokers is confident that Algoma Mutual and their dedicated staff will continue to provide excellent claims service in wake of this unprecedented situation. If you are experiencing issues or have any questions, please contact one of the Client Account Managers at Algoma Insurance Brokers Limited, we’re here to help!
The criteria for the seasonal residence or secondary dwelling package with Algoma Mutual requires that the dwelling be entered by a competent person every 60 days. While the company’s preference is to have a competent person enter the risk to minimize the exposure to loss, Algoma Mutual is aware that it may not be possible for some to visit their Seasonal residences. As a result of this unprecedented situation, Algoma Mutual will waive the requirement to enter these buildings until September 1, 2020. Please contact one of the Client Account Managers at Algoma Insurance Brokers Limited to discuss whether or not your current policy has this requirement.
This is an unprecedented time where many of our customers are struggling financially. Algoma Insurance Brokers Limited and RSA Insurance want to do our part to ease that burden by offering flexible payment options to help support those customers. Options may include payment deferrals for those that have been affected through illness or job loss as a result of this pandemic.
Reach out to us to discuss your specific situation.
As always, the Northbridge Insurance Claims team is ready to provide support. If you need to report a claim or have a question regarding an existing claim, please contact one of the Client Account Managers at Algoma Insurance Brokers Limited for assistance.
If customers have had to change their travel plans, flying back to Canada urgently because of the pandemic and leaving their vehicle in the United States, we will allow coverage for that vehicle to continue while it’s located outside of Canada.
Northbridge understands that it might not be possible or advisable for customers to visit their seasonal or secondary properties during the pandemic outbreak. Northbridge does not expect them to visit these properties if you are unable to do so due to travel restrictions or health issues during the emergency period.
Many customers are temporarily working from home during the pandemic. Incidental office use and business property on their home premises are automatically covered under our Personal Lines policies, subject to the policy sublimit.
Coverage varies by policy type, so please contact a Client Account Manager at Algoma Insurance Brokers Limited to discuss further.
Northbridge understands there is currently increased demand for delivery drivers. If our existing customers are providing delivery services using their private passenger vehicle, we encourage them to understand if coverage is available through the business or delivery service with whom they’re contracted then we won’t change a vehicle’s rating if its change in use is temporary and applies only for the duration of the declared pandemic outbreak.
If you, the customer wishes to continue providing delivery services after this period, you should contact us about this change in exposure or if the existing business does not have coverage for this new exposure, then please contact one of the Client Account Managers at Algoma Insurance Brokers Limited to discuss further.
If the usage of your vehicle has changed, please access our Online Form and we will make the necessary changes. If you want to remove coverage entirely since you are not driving your vehicle at all, you will be able to suspend their personal road coverage during the pandemic. This will be available to customers by adding the Suspension of Coverage Endorsement.
Please reach out to one of the Client Account Manager at Algoma Insurance Brokers Limited to discuss further.
Please be aware that if coverage is reduced to comprehensive only, customers will not qualify for the premium relief rebate.
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Northbridge Insurance will work with their customers on a case-by-case basis where they’re facing challenging circumstances and have requested a one-month payment deferral.
Please contact one of the Client Account Managers at Algoma Insurance Brokers Limited to discuss your specific situation.
If you have customers on Broker Bill, the rebate will be processed by Algoma Insurance Brokers Limited and returned to you.
Customers who have paid in full will receive a one-time rebate in June. They will receive this rebate in the same method that the premium was paid to Northbridge.
For customers on monthly or variable pay, there will be an adjustment to future payments over the remainder of the policy term. We have taken this approach as it’s our quickest way to support our customers.
All Northbridge in-force personal lines policyholders with third-party liability personal vehicle coverage as of May 31, 2020, will receive an automatic 15% premium rebate for the months of April, May and June. No application is required, and the rebate will be processed beginning June 1, 2020. Due to the high volume of transactions, we expect it will take a few weeks to process all rebates. This rebate applies only to private passenger vehicles.
Intact Insurance claims teams are mobilized and ready to help you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Contact one of the Client Account Managers at Algoma Insurance Brokers Limited for assistance.
If you are an existing customer whose livelihood has been directly impacted by COVID-19, Intact will provide flexibility for those who are using their cars during the crisis for different purposes like making deliveries.
Please contact one of the Client Account Managers at Algoma Insurance Brokers Limited to discuss further.
If you recently received a renewal notice with a premium increase, you can contact one of our Client Account Managers at Algoma Insurance Brokers Limited to discuss your individual situation and circumstances further.
Personal driving habits have changed for many customers. Intact Insurance is providing two ways to save on their personal auto premiums:
Please visit our website to access our Online Form and one of our Client Account Managers will amend the information. A revised policy will follow.
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Intact understands this is a difficult time for individuals, families and businesses. Theirs and our priority are to be there for our customers.
We are focused on supporting individuals and businesses who have been significantly impacted by COVID-19; including people who are ill, elderly or who have experienced job loss.
This could include providing relief measures such as flexible payment options (including waiving of missed payment fees or payment deferrals) and offering suggestions for a premium adjustment to reflect your current circumstances.
Reach out to one of the Client Account Managers here at Algoma Insurance Brokers Limited to discuss further.
At Intact, our commitment to helping people goes beyond our promise to provide an outstanding customer experience.
In addition to focusing on the well-being of our employees and customers, we are committed to helping our communities be resilient during this challenging time.
IFC is also providing more than $2 million to target the immediate needs of individuals and families who are most vulnerable to the social, health and economic effects of this pandemic, including a CAD$500,000 donation to Breakfast Club of Canada’s Emergency Club Fund; and, US$500,000 to Feed America and local charities in 22 communities across the United States where we do business.
Updated on June 22, 2020
While we are slowly recovering from a difficult time together, we’re still looking at ways to provide relief. That’s why we have allocated $500,000 to the Sainte-Justine Foundation to support critical research underway to develop and test a treatment using the antibodies of people who have recovered from COVID-19.
Where necessary, with claims already underway and for policyholders that are unable to have their car or home repaired due to vendor closures, or parts and materials unavailability, Wawanesa Mutual Insurance is extending car rental and additional living expense coverage until the property is fully repaired and usable.
If a policyholder is working remotely as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, their personal insurance policy provides coverage for personal liability. It also provides up to $5,000 in coverage for a home-based business on your premises that is not insured under another policy.
The number of cars on the road has decreased. Wawanesa Insurance & Algoma Insurance Brokers Limited do not want our policyholders paying for protection they don’t need during the crisis.
In a growing number of cases, mandated physical distancing requirements as a result of COVID-19 have made claims-related repair work challenging. For Gore Mutual customers that are experiencing supply chain disruptions, we’re offering the Quick Cash option for fast settlement.
Speak to your adjuster about this option.
With many of our customers unexpectedly working from home, Gore Mutual will provide personal liability and business property coverage up to $5,000 on all existing personal property policies. Gore Mutual will not charge any additional premium and coverage will be effective immediately until Friday, July 31, 2020.
To provide a premium reduction to our personal auto insurance customers, you will receive a simple one-time payment equivalent to 20% of three months premium. The payment will be sent by cheque and will have no detrimental impact on future premiums or coverage. All in-force auto customers as of Thursday, April 9, 2020, will automatically receive the payment. There are no actions required by you, the customer.
We support customers who are helping their neighbours during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their auto coverage will not be affected in this situation.
You will need to contact a Client Account Manager at Algoma Insurance Brokers Limited to confirm that there’s a valid purchase agreement or signed ownership form as evidence of ownership by you, the named insured on the policy. You will need to make sure you registered the vehicle once the provincial office has reopened. Also at that time, we will require a copy of the ownership now registered in your name for our files.
In some situations, the Ministry of Transportation may provide an extension for customers whose sticker has expired. In addition, licence plate sticker renewals can be completed online in many provinces. In the first instance, you should contact the provincial Ministry of Transportation for the most up-to-date information.
Our claims team is carefully reviewing every situation and making accommodations based on the specific claim file. Please contact the claims adjuster on your file and they’ll work towards a solution.
If the student intends to return to school after the pandemic, then keep the discount on the policy. If the student does not intend to return to school after the pandemic, then the discount should be removed.
Please contact one of the Client Account Managers at Algoma Insurance Brokers Limited to discuss further.
Typically this would not be covered by a standard personal auto policy. However, specifically during the COVID-19 pandemic, if you are now driving your own vehicle to deliver food or medical supplies to those in need, we’ll review this on a case-by-case basis. In these situations, please contact a Client Account Manager at Algoma Insurance Brokers Limited and we’ll do our best to find a temporary solution to help you. Please note: carrying passengers for compensation is not included in this temporary allowance. Also, if the usage continues once the crisis is over, your policy would need to be amended and your coverage changed to reflect this change in usage.
In most provinces, customers can order these documents online and they’ll be mailed directly to their home. If you are unable to obtain your driver training certificate online, contact one of the Client Account Managers at Algoma Insurance Brokers Limited to discuss further.
For existing customers only, we can accommodate vehicles outside of Canada for longer than 180 days (including Lifestyle policies). Please contact one of the Client Account Managers at Algoma Insurance Brokers Limited and we will work with you to find a solution.
Aviva Insurance understands that it might not be possible and/or advisable for customers to visit their seasonal/secondary properties during the COVID-19 pandemic. Aviva doesn’t expect existing customers to visit these properties if they’re unable to due to travel restrictions and/or health issues during the emergency period. This applies to all property policies, including Secondary Homeowners and our Cottage/Seasonal (RetreatLife) program.
Check out our Online Form that you can fill out and send to us to have your changes updated on your policy or you can reach out to one of the Client Account Managers at Algoma Insurance Brokers Limited to discuss further.
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We recognize that each customer situation is unique. Therefore, we don’t think a “one-size-fits-all” approach is the best option. Some customers aren’t using their vehicles at all, while others continue to drive the same kilometres each day, and their biggest concern is their ability to make their next payment. We believe we have a range of solutions that will allow each customer to be treated as an individual, in order to meet their specific needs.
Supporting the communities where our policyholders, brokers, and employees live and work, is one of our core values. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve donated $100,000 to food banks in Canada and the United States.
Yes. Please contact one of the Client Account Managers at Algoma Insurance Brokers Limited to discuss and to provide assistance.
RSA adjusters will be monitoring Loss of Use (LOU) closely during this period. On an individual case basis, RSA may be willing to pay above LOU limits where there is evidence that delays were due to COVID-19. RSA does not expect claim service levels to be impacted in the short term but will continue to monitor the situation.
As always, both RSA & Algoma Insurance Brokers Limited is ready to assist. Please contact one of the Client Account Managers for the next steps.
Please contact one of the Client Account Managers at Algoma Insurance Brokers Limited to discuss further.
We will approach RSA Insurance to discuss your specific situation and look into your options.
No. Helping neighbours as a volunteer is a wonderful way to assist the community and you will continue to have auto coverage when doing so. However, food delivery on a commercial basis (ie. UberEats, Foodora, Skip the Dishes or any other delivery service performed for any business including the grocery store or pharmacy) is not covered under the personal auto insurance policy.
If you need to amend your policy to reflect this change in usage, please contact one of the Client Account Managers at Algoma Insurance Brokers Limited to assist.
Travelers Insurance is extending auto coverage for customers whose temporary job responsibilities include using their personal vehicles to make food, grocery, pharmacy and medical supply deliveries. This does not include vehicles participating in a commercial delivery network.
Please contact one of our Client Account Managers at Algoma Insurance Brokers Limited for further assistance.
25% credit on one month’s premium to our Canadian personal auto customers. This credit is automatic and there is no action required by you. It’s our way of supporting our customers, and we hope it helps ease some of the financial burdens you may be experiencing at this time.
Customers will receive the credit automatically either on a future bill or via a mailed cheque.
The number of cars on the road has decreased. Travelers Insurance & Algoma Insurance Brokers Limited do not want our policyholders paying for protection they don’t need during the crisis.
No additional coverage or endorsements are needed. Temporarily performing office work from home due to COVID-19 restrictions, when a policyholder normally works in another location, is not considered business use. The Incidental Office Use or Home Business endorsements do not need to be added to the policy, and additional premium does not apply.
If your vehicle is stored/located outside of the province or country for more than six consecutive months due to COVID-19, please contact one of the Client Account Managers at Algoma Insurance Brokers Limited to discuss and provide all the necessary details. We’ll review on a case-by-case basis.
Yes. Your Monthly Payment Plan or our Chieftain Recurring Credit Card payment plan, will continue as scheduled.
Please contact one of the Client Account Managers at Algoma Insurance Brokers Limited to discuss further.
RSA can still accommodate these risks. Please contact one of the Client Account Managers at Algoma Insurance Brokers Limited to discuss and provide assistance.
No. If the student is intending on returning to school, the discount can remain on.
However, if the student is not returning to school (i.e. has graduated or will graduate and will not be returning), then the discount should be removed. If you are unsure if the student will return to school, the discount should be removed and can be re-added at a later date if the student will return to school.
Please contact one of the Client Account Managers at Algoma Insurance Brokers Limited for assistance.
Yes. Please contact one of the Client Account Managers at Algoma Insurance Brokers Limited to discuss and to provide assistance.
No. Helping neighbours as a volunteer is a wonderful way to assist the community and you will continue to have auto coverage when doing so. However, food delivery on a commercial basis (ie. UberEats, Foodora, Skip the Dishes or any other delivery service performed for any business including the grocery store or pharmacy) is not covered under the personal auto insurance policy. Commercial auto coverage is required even for short term ventures of this nature. If the usage of your vehicles now includes this exposure, you will need to contact one of the Client Account Managers at Algoma Insurance Brokers Limited for assistance.
We here at Echelon want to make things a little easier and take one less burden off of your mind. We are pleased to announce that we have advanced numerous Accident Benefit payments to eligible insureds in Ontario.
Our Claims Team is on standby and ready to support you. Please note that due to possible mail disruptions, our Claims representatives may encourage customers to submit documentation by email, where possible.