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Auto Insurance, Corporate Social Responsibility, Insurance Industry

Insurers Respond to COVID-19 (4/17/2020)

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Auto insurance refunds

U.S. auto insurers will return more than $10 billion to their customers nationwide, according to an estimate released on April 11 by the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I).

We’ve listed many of the companies that are offering refunds in a previous post.  This week, several other auto insurers have announced refunds or credits. This is not an exhaustive list, so be sure to check with your insurer to see if they are offering refunds or credits. All premium and rate adjustments are subject to regulatory approval.

Chubb‘s auto insurance clients will receive a credit reflecting a 35% premium reduction for the months of April and May, with additional discounts for subsequent months, as the situation warrants, upon renewal. Across Chubb’s portfolio, the average credit is expected to be $110 per vehicle.

COUNTRY Financial announced that every client with a personal auto insurance policy as of April 1, 2020 will receive a 15% refund for two months of auto premium in anticipation of a decrease in driving activity in April and May.

CSAA Insurance Group is giving a 20 percent refund for two months of auto premiums, March and April 2020.

ERIE has announced that lowering personal and commercial auto rates would be the best option for providing additional relief to customers. The company estimates the total rate reduction impact to be approximately $200 million throughout the 12 states and District of Columbia where ERIE operates.

Ohio Mutual Insurance Group is offering personal auto premium credits on more than 80,000 personal auto policies for an estimated total of $6 million. Ohio Mutual is voluntarily providing a 25% personal auto premium credit that applies to an 11-week period (March 16 – May 31, 2020) for all policies in-force on May 31. Credits will be automatically applied to customers’ first invoice after June 1. Those with a balance less than the credit will receive a refund by check.

The Hanover Insurance Group announced it has created The Hanover CARES Refund, through which the company will return 15% of April and May auto premiums to its eligible personal lines customers, providing financial relief during the coronavirus pandemic.

MAPFRE Insurance announced its Staying Home Refund program, which will return 15 percent of April and May premium to its voluntary personal auto policyholders in Massachusetts, totaling over $30 million. On average, most policyholders will receive a credit of approximately $40.00. A similar credit will be provided to the company’s personal auto policyholders in its other states of operation for the same time period.

Westfield announced a 15 percent policy credit to their eligible personal auto insurance customers for three months.

Supporting communities

Chubb has announced a support program designed to help ease the financial burden of the COVID-19 pandemic on its small business clients in the United States and provide direct support to healthcare workers and other front-line responders.

Chubb’s U.S. small business clients whose policies renew between April 1 and August 1, 2020 will receive an automatic 25% reduction in the sales and payroll exposures used to calculate their premium as well as a 15% reduction in premiums for their commercial auto insurance. In addition, Chubb will purchase $1 million in gift cards from small business clients around the country, which will be donated to healthcare workers and other first responders on the front lines of the pandemic in their communities.

Fundación MAPFRE, a global nonprofit foundation created by MAPFRE, announced it will donate $2.3 million to support urgent medical and community needs across Massachusetts, as the coronavirus continues to spread. The funding is part of a global $38 million aid package by the foundation for medical providers and communities around the world.

Hanover announced customer relief measures and a commitment to contribute $500,000 to nonprofits in local communities to address needs arising from the public health crisis.

State Farm has donated $1 million and partnered with Salesforce to provide one million masks and other protective equipment to healthcare workers in areas of urgent need identified by FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency). Since the start of COVID-19, State Farm has provided about $5 million in neighborhood relief across the country.

Swiss Re Group pledged to donate CHF 5 million to support the needs of people and communities affected by the COVID-19 pandemic around the world. Through its non-profit grant foundation, the Swiss Re Foundation, the funds will be distributed to organizations tackling the crisis, particularly in developing countries.

The Westfield Insurance Foundation is helping communities in Northeast Ohio and across the country by donating nearly $1.5 million dollars to nonprofit partners focused on family stability and disaster recovery. These dollars will help stabilize communities and help those who need economic support. 

Auto Insurance, Business Insurance, Insurance Industry, Specialty Coverage, Workers Compensation

CORONAVIRUS WRAP-UP: PROPERTY AND CASUALTY (4/14/2020)

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Automobile Insurance
Auto Insurers Issuing $10.5 billion in Coronavirus Refunds
CA Orders Insurers to Pay Back Premiums Due to Virus
Business Interruption
FL Restaurant Files Class Action Seeking Virus Cover
Trump Suggests Insurers Should Pay Virus Business Interruption Claims
Trump Pressures Insurers Over Coronavirus Business Coverage Gray Area
GOP Senators Urge Trump to Protect Insurers From State Legislation
Pandemic Insurance/Catastrophe Bonds
Pandemic Insurance Has Yet to Pay Out to Poor Countries
World Bank Pandemic Cat Bonds and Swaps Not Triggered for Payout Yet
Workers Compensation
OSHA backtracks on recordability of COVID-19
KY Extends COVID-19 Workers Comp to Grocery Workers
IL expands COVID-19 Comp Protections to Most Frontline Workers
New Workers’ Comp Rule Slammed by Business Groups
Have You Considered COVID-19’s Workers’ Comp Implications for Frontline Workers?
MN Legislature Passes COVID-19 Workers’ Comp Bill for First Responders
CA Boosts Worker’s Comp, Insurance Benefits for COVID-19 Diagnosis
Health Strategy Associates Surveys Workers’ Comp Payers on COVID-19
Coalition Against Insurance Fraud: Rapid National Response Urged to Head Off Coming Wave of COVID-19 Insurance Scams

Auto Insurance, Insurance Industry

Triple-I: U.S. Auto Insurers to Return $10.5 Billion to Customers

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U.S. auto insurers will return more than $10 billion to their customers nationwide, according to an estimate released on April 11 by the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I).

“Insurers are again fulfilling their role as economic first responders by providing financial relief to customers when they need it most,” said Sean Kevelighan, CEO, Triple-I. “If the rest of the nation’s private-passenger auto insurers are as generous as the companies the Triple-I knows about, we project insurers will be giving customer refunds, discounts, dividends, and credits totaling $10.5 billion.”

The Triple-I’s $10.5 billion estimate is based on its analysis of 14 U.S. auto insurers who announced this week premium refunds, discounts, dividends, and credits totaling $8.1 billion.  These insurers cited reduced policyholder mileage and the receipt of fewer claims amid the COVID-19 crisis as the reasons they were able to make these decisions.

Given there are hundreds of companies that sell private-passenger auto insurance in the U.S., the Triple-I looked at the industry’s cumulative market share and estimated an additional $2.4 billion in refunds, discounts, dividends and credits were forthcoming. The Triple-I has updated its Fact Sheet, Insurers Offer Forward-Looking Solutions For COVID-19 Recovery, to reflect the latest steps taken by the nation’s auto insurers.

“These are challenging financial times for millions of Americans, and the country’s auto insurers are making it easier for their customers to get through this extraordinary time in U.S. history,” Kevelighan stated.

The Triple-I estimates the typical U.S. auto insurance customer spent $1,113 in 2019 to cover a single private-passenger vehicle. 

Auto Insurance, Corporate Social Responsibility, Insurance Industry

Insurers Respond to COVID-19 Wrap-Up (4/10/2020)

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Auto insurance refunds

Auto insurers are giving refunds to their customers as people are driving less due to coronavirus shut-downs. No action is required by customers to receive credit in most cases, but Sean Kevelighan, Triple-I CEO, urged customer to reach out to their insurers. “We always recommend the customer contact the insurer and explain their individual situations. Insurers are always happy to look at individual situations and work with the customer,” he said in a Weather Channel interview.

Here are the refunds some of the major auto insurers are offering:

Allstate customers will get “Shelter-In Place Paybacks,” adding up to $600 million over the next two months. “This is fair because less driving means fewer accidents,” Tom Wilson, the company’s chair, president and chief executive officer said in a statement.

American Family will return approximately $200 million to its auto insurance customers.

Farmers auto customers will receive a 25 percent reduction in their April premiums. “We are committed to helping customers during this unprecedented time,” said Jeff Dailey, the company’s CEO. “As we continue receiving updated information in the coming weeks, we’ll assess additional ways to take care of our customers.”

The Hanover Insurance Group will return 15% of April and May auto premiums to its eligible personal lines customers. The company also announced additional customer relief measures and a commitment to contribute $500,000 to nonprofits in local communities to address needs arising from the public health crisis.

The Hartford announced its COVID-19 Personal Auto Payback Plan, which will provide customers with a 15 percent refund on their April and May personal auto insurance premiums. Over the next two months, the company will distribute approximately $50 million to its customers.

Liberty Mutual will return approximately $250 million to customers. Personal auto insurance customers will receive a 15 percent refund on two months of their auto premium.

MetLife Auto & Home customers will receive a 15% credit for April and May based on their monthly premiums. The company is also 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. Additionally, MetLife Auto & Home is offering identity protection coverage to its customers.

Nationwide is giving a one-time premium refund of $50 per policy for personal auto policies active as of March 31, 2020.

State Farm announced an up to a $2 billion dividend that will go to its auto insurance customers. Customers do not need to take any action to receive this 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.

The Travelers Companies is giving U.S. personal auto insurance customers a 15 percent credit on their April and May premiums. Travelers will continue to assess the program as more information comes to light about the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the driving environment and auto claims.

USAA is set to return $520 million to its members for driving less during the COVID-19 shelter-in-place orders. The company said in a statement that the payment is a result of data showing members driving less during the “Stay Home, Work Safe” orders across the country.

IICF’s Children’s Relief Fund

The Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF) has launched a national industry-wide fundraising campaign to benefit vulnerable children. Funds raised through the COVID-19 Crisis: IICF Children’s Relief Fund will help support children at risk of food insecurity, educational disruption, family homelessness and other circumstances exacerbated by the crisis. To make a donation and support children in need, please contribute here.

The Allstate Foundation

The Allstate Foundation together with Allstate employees and agency force members, will donate resources across the nation to support communities during the COVID-19 crisis.

The Foundation is contributing $5 million to accelerate relief and recovery for domestic violence victims, youth in need, first responders and communities at large.

“It’s incredibly inspiring to see people finding ways to take care of each other,” said Elizabeth Brady, Allstate chief marketing, customer and communications officer and trustee of The Allstate Foundation. “For 68 years, The Allstate Foundation has delivered on Allstate’s promise to serve as the Good Hands – especially in a moment of need.”

The Nationwide Foundation

The Nationwide Foundation is making $5 million in contributions to local and national charities to support medical and economic response efforts.

“As communities experience impacts related to the pandemic, many non-profit organizations stand on the front lines, providing basic necessities, wellness services and support to those in need,” said Nationwide CEO and Nationwide Foundation Chairman Kirt Walker.  “Finances, staffs, programs and resources are being stretched as these non-profits not only serve their communities but feel the impact themselves. During these challenging times, we each have a responsibility, when we can, to lift those around us.”

Business Risk, Emerging Risks, Insurance Industry

Coronavirus Wrap-up: Property and Casualty (4/8/2020)

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An article in Claims Journal: Anticipated Coronavirus Claims Scenarios Across Major Coverage Lines discusses the wide range of insurance lines in which claims could rise, whether as a direct result of the pandemic or of social, institutional, and governmental reactions to it.

The Financial Times reports on two shareholder lawsuits relating to coronavirus that have already been launched in the United States, one against Norwegian Cruise Lines, the other against a pharmaceutical company called Inovio.

And, in a new publication, Allianz Global Corporate and Specialty (AGCS), Coronavirus: Safety Measures for Businesses Forced to Temporarily Close Their Premises, AGCS experts provide an overview of general security and prevention measures to help avoid physical damages.

An NBC6 (Miami) report highlights actions that some major insurers are taking to provide relief to their customers who are facing financial difficulties due to the coronavirus pandemic. Said Sean Kevelighan, CEO of Triple-I, “In the insurance community, we refer to ourselves often as financial first responders and you’re really starting to see that kick in right now.” Some companies are allowing customers to delay payments without penalties or initiate a personal payment plan. A few are offering relief in the form of paybacks to customers.

Other recent articles related to coronavirus from a property and casualty insurance perspective:

Auto

A New York Daily News article describes the rebates auto Insurers are offering to their customers due to coronavirus-induced driving lull. Liberty Mutual, American Family and Allstate are among the companies offering refunds.

Triple-I’s CEO Sean Kevelighan was quoted in a Los Angeles Times column and appeared in a Miami NBC affiliate segment about economic relief for drivers.

A Winknews report discusses the assistance available to customers during the coronavirus pandemic and includes an anecdote from a policyholder who was told by his insurer that he couldn’t get an extension. Triple-I’s Mark Friedlander says this customer’s experience is not the norm.

Business Interruption

Triple-I CEO Sean Kevelighan was quoted in Washington Examiner and Santa Rosa, Calif. Press Democrat articles on business interruption coverage.

Artemis published this interview with PCS’s Tom Johansmeyer on silent pandemic risk.

The Financial Times reported on the growing controversy over how much companies can claim from their business interruption insurance policies related to the coronavirus pandemic.

Cyberrisk

Cyber Perspectives on Coronavirus – Audio panel on the PLUS Blog

The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) and the Cybercrime Support Network (CSN) announced they are partnering to educate online users about scams surrounding COVID-19, and what consumers need to watch out for when surfing the web, working online, or e-learning from home.  NICB and Cybercrime Support Network Partner to Warn the Public About COVID-19 Scams

Additional resources:

Flood

As local, state and federal agencies scramble to react to the public health needs of COVID-19, cities and towns must also keep one eye on the weather forecast and river levels, according to this Chicago Tribune article.

Workers Compensation

The Minnesota Legislature passed a workers’ compensation bill Tuesday to cover first responders, health care workers and daycare workers. The legislation is effective April 8 and is in place until May 1. Minnesota to Ensure Workers Comp to Responders With COVID-19

Triple-I’s Daily newsletter covered many of the preceding stories this morning. To subscribe to the Triple-I Daily contact daily@iii.org.

Emerging Risks, Insurance Industry

Helping customers, employees and the community: Insurers respond to COVID-19

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We’ve been following the initiatives launched by insurance companies to alleviate the impact of the coronavirus crisis (see Insurers Respond to COVID-19). Here are several more examples of insurers’ commitment to helping their agents, employees, customers, and the broader community weather the pandemic.

The Hanover has taken several steps to help ease the burden for customers, including:

  • Considering a covered premise as “occupied” while mandatory closures are in effect
  • Extending rental car days if a policyholder’s vehicle is in the shop and cannot be repaired or returned
  • Paying additional living expenses to homeowners who are forced from their homes following a covered loss
  • Offering flexibility on bill payment options for those experiencing financial hardship
  • A 60-day hold on cancellations and non-renewals for non-payment
  • Permitting business use of hired, non-owned autos for delivery purposes at no additional charge and extending personal auto coverage to individuals delivering food, medicine, and other essential goods at no additional charge

The company is also investing in  relief efforts, including $500,000 to local non-profits to provide pandemic-related assistance to people and organizations across the country; donating critical medical supplies and masks to health professionals; and collaborating with corporate teambuilding company Cheeriodicals to deliver “cheer-up” gift packages to local hospitals to show  appreciation for health care providers.

Liberty Mutual has created a $4 million fund offering low-threshold, immediate grants of up to $10,000 for 450 community partners – with priority given to groups providing healthcare or serving the homeless, elderly, and other populations deemed at highest-risk.

Liberty Mutual employees continue to be able to make online charitable donations that are supported further by company gifts.

The company has also enabled employees to work remotely and reports no impact to normal customer service operations.

The MetLife Foundation announced on March 31 that it is committing $25 million to the global response to COVID-19 in support of communities impacted by the pandemic.

The grant funding from MetLife Foundation will span all regions where MetLife operates and address both short- and longer-term relief efforts. 

“Supporting and protecting people is at the core of who we are and what MetLife stands for – in our business and in the Foundation’s giving,” said MetLife President and CEO Michel Khalaf.

Initial grants will support communities and people with urgent needs for food, healthcare, childcare, and direct financial support.

As part of this commitment, MetLife Foundation and other MetLife entities have already pledged $4 million to relief efforts in Asia, EMEA, Latin America, and the United States, including $1 million to U.S. food banks to help them deal with increased demand for their services as a result of coronavirus.

State Farm is donating millions of dollars to relief efforts, including Feeding America, American Red Cross, and the Illinois COVID-19 Response Fund. Additionally, the company has also donated hundreds of masks and other supplies to local hospitals and teamed up with the Atlanta Hawks to help provide meals to vulnerable populations and healthcare workers in Atlanta.

State Farm has also transitioned most employess to work from home arrangements and has set-up a matching-gift program in which employees donations to qualified nonprofits can be matched by the State Farm Foundation.

State Farm customers who are experiencing financial hardships are encouraged to call their agents to discuss assistance options.

Westfield Insurance is providing billing options for financial hardships and suspending all policyholder cancellations until May 31, 2020, or as directed by each state.  Extended payment plan may be offered to those policyholders. As of March 20, 2020, late fees also will be waived through May 31, 2020, or as directed by each state.

Westfield will contribute nearly a million dollars toward nonprofit partners, including the Akron Canton Foodbank, Cleveland Foodbank, United Way of Cleveland, Feeding Medina County, and Feeding America.

Westfield’s foundation is matching employee donations to their local foodbank or United Way dollar for dollar up to $50. The company is also working with agency partners across the country to distribute Legacy of Caring grant dollars for them to donate to nonprofits in their community who are challenged because of COVID-19.

As a regulatory/government solution, trade groups representing insurers have voiced support for the proposed COVID-19 Business and Employee Continuity and Recovery Fund. It would be financed by the federal government and provide essential funds to impacted employers and employees.

Tell us how your company is contributing to the pandemic relief efforts: communications@iii.org.

Emerging Risks, Insurance Industry

Insurers respond to COVID-19 with host of relief initiatives

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Insurance companies are working to alleviate the impact of the COVID-19 crisis by supporting their employees and distribution partners, donating money to global relief efforts and easing the financial burden on their customers.

Triple-I has published a fact sheet, Insurers Offer Forward-Looking Solutions for COVID-19 Recovery, which outlines how the industry is easing its customers’ financial burdens, working with government to create a COVID-19 Recovery Fund, and making sure it has the resources to pay future claims from events such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and wildfires.

Here are a few examples of what individual companies are doing:

Allstate will automatically cover customers who use their personal vehicles to deliver food, medicine and other goods for a commercial purpose. Standard personal auto policies typically exclude such coverage. This change will allow customers to serve those who depend on their services and support.

Allstate also announced a special payment plan to provide customers financial relief. The plan gives auto and homeowners policyholders the choice to delay two consecutive premium payments with no penalty. In addition, Allstate is pausing policy cancellations due to nonpayment during the declared COVID-19 state of emergency. This includes Allstate Business Insurance policies. 

Ninety percent of Allstate’s global workforce is working remotely. Allstate will continue to pay employees (full or part time) who can’t work remotely and have shelter-in-place orders during their normal work hours. Well-being services like telemedicine, prescription home delivery, and emotional and financial support lines are available to Allstate’s U.S. employees.

American Family Insurance along with the American Family Insurance Dreams Foundation, announced more than $4 million in support for COVID-19 pandemic relief and other non-profit efforts. Additional support from the Steve Stricker American Family Insurance Foundation is expected to push the total support to more than $6.8 million.

“The pandemic has left many struggling to meet basic needs while at the same time adapting to a new and unsettling normal,” said Maggie Pascaly, American Family community investment manager. “We want to help meet short-term needs of individuals, families and communities, while also addressing longer-term effects.”


The company’s employees and agency owners can support local organizations of their choice by using a 2:1 foundation match offered during a six-week time period beginning March 31. The foundation will match donations totaling up to $250,000, for a maximum additional investment of $500,000. Organizations that provide pandemic relief will be suggested for consideration.

Chubb announced that it is committing $10 million to pandemic relief efforts globally.  The support will go to people and programs providing emergency frontline services and for assistance to the most financially vulnerable members of the community who have been impacted the hardest by the pandemic. 

The company also announced that it will not conduct any layoffs of its employees while in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic health crisis, and has added employee benefits such as additional sick days.

“We are committed to supporting people, business and communities most impacted by this global crisis,” said Evan G. Greenberg, chairman and chief executive officer.  “Our $10 million commitment will add to the urgent efforts required to meet the immediate health and nutrition needs of those most affected. Concerning our no-layoff pledge, we want our 33,000 employees around the globe to be assured that their jobs are secure at this difficult time.”

Travelers has initiated a distribution support plan to accelerate more than $100 million in commission payments to eligible distribution partners.

“As so many are facing a significant financial burden due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we want to show our agent and broker partners, many of whom are small business owners, our support at this challenging time,” said Alan Schnitzer, chairman and chief executive officer of Travelers. “Independent agents and brokers not only provide invaluable counsel and care to our customers but also play a critical role in the U.S. economy, and we are committed to standing by them.”

Bob Rusbuldt, president and chief executive officer of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America, said: “Travelers has always been the premier supporter of independent agents and brokers, and the Travelers Distribution Support Plan takes that support to a whole new level. We want to thank Travelers for their continued industry leadership.”

The commissions being accelerated were accrued in the ordinary course of business during the quarter ended March 31, 2020, and accordingly, this program will not have a significant impact on the company’s results.

MAPFRE, an insurance company based in Spain, is allocating 54 million euros to support customers and suppliers. This is in addition to 5 million euros recently donated to accelerate COVID-19 research in Spain.

More than 90 percent of MAPFRE’s 34,000 employees worldwide are working remotely to reduce the risk of contagion and to guarantee service to customers, who in Spain are being offered a free advisory service to learn how they can take advantage of the support that is on offer.

Tell us how your company is contributing to the pandemic relief efforts: communications@iii.org.

Business Risk, Insurance Industry

Triple-I: Insurers Offer Solutions For COVID-19 Recovery

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U.S. insurers are meeting the challenges faced by their customers, communities, and employees amid the COVID-19 crisis, according to a fact sheet released April 3 by the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I).

“The nation’s insurers continue to work actively on immediate and forward-looking solutions that will assist its customers and communities in recovering from COVID-19,” said Sean Kevelighan, CEO, Triple-I.

The fact sheet, Insurers Offer Forward-Looking Solutions for COVID-19 Recovery, outlines how the industry is easing its customers’ financial burdens, working with government to create a COVID-19 Recovery Fund, and making sure it has the resources to pay future claims from events such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and wildfires.

Immediate Customer Solutions: Insurers are offering payment relief and extending coverage to customers who are in financial distress while at the same time keeping its employees on the job to serve these same customers, the Triple-I notes.

Government-Backed Solutions:  Trade groups representing insurers have voiced support for the proposed COVID-19 Business and Employee Continuity and Recovery Fund. It would be financed by the federal government and provide essential funds to impacted employers and employees.

Facing Challenges Head-On: Workers compensation insurers in multiple states are covering the healthcare workers and first responders who face exposure to COVID-19 while auto, home, and business insurers are setting aside the resources needed to pay the claims arising out of future natural disasters even as insurer investment portfolios have faced their own headwinds. A Triple-I non-resident scholar predicted yesterday the likelihood of an ‘above-normal’ Atlantic hurricane season. 

Insurers have also contributed financially to food banks and organizations providing medical supplies.

RELATED LINKS:

Triple-I Presentation:   The Impact of COVID-19 On P/C Insurance

Triple-I Publication:     A Firm Foundation: How Insurance Supports the Economy

Triple-I Blog:                COVID-19 coverage
 

Careers and Employment, Insurance Industry

Resources for Conducting Successful Insurance Internship Programs During the COVID-19 Lockdown

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By James Ballot, Senior Advisor, Strategic Communications, Triple-I

Gamma Iota Sigma Steps Up to Help Insurers and Students Stay Connected

In response to the Covid-19 crisis Gamma Iota Sigma (“GIS”), the insurance industry’s premier collegiate talent pipeline, will host a webinar, Delivering A Successful Virtual Internship Experience on Monday, April 6, 1:00pm-2:00pm (Eastern).

Through this interactive online session and its accompanying digital resources, GIS is stepping up in support of insurers’ efforts to conduct internships remotely at a time when physical workspaces are shuttered to facilitate social distancing.

The companion guidebook to this event, Virtual Internships A Guide for Employers, explains the tremendous value of remote internships and offers tactical guidance on how to rethink and rework internship programs to better suit today’s candidates for tomorrow’s workforce. The accompanying sample internship syllabus gives a practical framework for how to effectively and efficiently organize and administer remote internships.

GIS developed this campaign in response to disruption and dislocation created by the Covid-19 pandemic. By retaining and enhancing internship programs while college and corporate campuses are closed, organizations can get a head start in:

  • Entering an expanded talent pool that’s optimized to succeed
  • Finding candidates that can work independently, face a wide range of challenges and “think on their feet”
  • Building increased flexibility into existing programs to attract highly qualified candidates who otherwise would not be able to participate
  • Reducing costs associated with on-site internships
  • Positioning their brand and corporate values for future success in on-campus recruitment

But perhaps most the most important reason to do this: The 18-25 age cohort already learns, works, socializes and lives primarily online. Teens and young adults are a workforce prepared for the challenges of life during and after the COVID-19 crisis. Remote internships not only help students stay focused on their goals; they offer insurers an invaluable opportunity to adjust on the fly to the realities of our culture in the 2020s and beyond.

Today’s students are ready for this. Organizations like Gamma Iota Sigma are working to ensure that insurance businesses and our industry are ready for them.

Careers and Employment, Insurance Industry

Q&A with Emily Viner, Guardian Life Insurance

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By Kris Maccini, Social Media Director, Triple-I

Triple-I has created an “Insurance Careers Corner” series to highlight trailblazers in insurance and to spread awareness of the career opportunities within the industry.

This month we interviewed Emily Viner at Guardian Life Insurance, who provided us with insights about her career trajectory, how she’s working to build a more inclusive workplace, and her advocacy work helping more women reach management roles at agencies.

Name: Emily Viner

Current Role: VP of Agency Growth & Development

Years at Guardian Life Insurance: 22


Tell us about your current role at Guardian Life. What does a typical day look like for you in this role?

As VP of Agency Growth & Development, I make sure that we hire enough of the right people to serve our communities and that our leadership bench is growing. We’re committed to growing future leaders from within the company.

In a typical day, I act as a bridge between what our field needs–our general agents who own and operate their businesses as partners of the Guardian network–and the home office. A typical day depends on what’s going on in the community. In the last three weeks that’s changed dramatically in what we need to provide to our partners.

As VP of Agency Growth & Development, what is top of mind for you?

Top of mind for me is making sure that we have the capacity to hire enough of the right people, and we’re equipped to hire people from diverse backgrounds–creating workplaces that are inclusive where people feel that they want to be part of that environment.

One of my colleagues years ago called it the greenhouse. Is the greenhouse set to make sure that someone can grow and thrive, and if not, then you’ve got to fix that first.

You began your career as a financial advisor before moving on to the corporate side of the business. What advice would you give to women looking to make a shift in their careers?

I remember that first year was so hard. As an advisor, I was in complete control and in a different environment I didn’t always have that. I would tell all women to say ‘yes’ when you don’t know how. That’s a scary thing, but once you do it, you realize ‘I made it and I’m fine.’

It’s also trusting that you’re competent and that you’ll figure it out.

I read an article years ago that stated women spend a lot of time being competent but not confident. That’s why saying yes when you don’t know how is so important. If you’re taking on a project where you only know 20%–if you fall, you’ll learn, and you’ll move on–that’s how you build confidence.

How did you get that confidence to follow through knowing that you had that skillset?

I spoke at an industry meeting years ago, and during that time, two companies had asked me to join them. At the time my children were young [three and four], and the companies weren’t being flexible. One of the companies offered the idea of me consulting three days a week to help with recruiting and building field leaders, so I just jumped in to do what was best for my family and my children.

I did that for two years before joining Guardian Life. In looking back–the two years I spent consulting–the knowledge that I gained helped me accelerate in the role once I arrived at Guardian. It’s having faith in your ability and what works for the current situation and what you’re looking to build. The perspective of having patience is important. It’s knowing that maybe this is the time that you need to learn something more or different for that next role.

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, what are some ways that Guardian Life addresses topics such as equal pay, leadership opportunities, and inclusion efforts? 

We have an amazing executive leadership team that leads by example [CEO Deanna Mulligan and President, Andrew McMahon]. They live our values every day through their actions. We hold ourselves to very high standards, we seek to do the right thing and people count. That transcends to equal pay, equal opportunities, and all our inclusion efforts around hiring to ensure that there’s a diverse pool of candidates for open positions as well as opportunities for internal moves. I’ve seen inclusion programs really accelerate over the last ten years.

We’re living in an uncertain time. Your CEO Deanna Mulligan and President Andrew McMahon have made a public commitment to minimizing business interruptions during COVID-19 and maintain response during the crisis. How has this type of leadership impacted your role directly, and how is it impacting the company overall?

My team feels proud of the communication. There was a work-from-home strategy starting March 10th. The safety of our employees is a priority, as is client communication and services. We were built for this. We got through the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic. We got through the great recession. We payed our obligations and still paid the dividends. We’re in the same position to be able to do that today–not just for our employees but for all our clients and consumers across the country.

Our clients are in good hands. We updated our website and communications to clients to let them know they can update their policies and get answers to questions through all our digital platforms. We’ve also provided our field partners with information they can share with their clients on market volatility and what they can do to help calm their fears. With the stock market volatility, the cash value in life insurance is not going to change, [it’s not subject to the same volatility] so there is also reassurance with those decisions.

What are your goals for the future in terms of where you want to take your career?

I’m thinking about how I’m positioning the firm for the future and building up our bench– ultimately grooming my successor. I’d also like to continue to help young women in male dominated industries. I’ve been working towards this for the past 30 years, but there is so much more to do whether it’s in my company or philanthropic/volunteer. It’s important to me to continue this work.