Allstate, GEICO Among Large Auto Insurers Facing COVID-19 Rebate Backlash by Autumn Heisler, Risk & Insurance
At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, many large car insurers realized that their policyholders were not driving to work, school, practices, shops and more as social distancing and shelter-in-place became the norm. In order to reflect this drop in cars on the road, large insurers began to offer rebates to customers. Liberty Mutual, State Farm, Geico, Allstate and more offered some level of premium relief for drivers. However, in some cases, it did not appear to be enough. Several lawsuits have been brought to light in recent weeks alleging certain insurers failed to provide “fair and appropriate” rebates and, instead, unfairly profited from high rates. In Illinois specifically, policyholders have come for Allstate and Geico, as well as Progressive, Travelers and a few others, with six separate lawsuits filed in the last week of July alone. The policyholders are alleging the insurance relief offered
during the pandemic did not go far enough when accounting for the drop in claims these auto insurers were seeing during the same interval. Statistics show miles driven by Illinois motorists dropped by nearly two-thirds during March and April. To the policyholders, the 15% credit offered by Allstate specifically “falls short of the relief that any fair and reasonable actuarial analysis would require.” Many of the complaints have also compared the auto insurers to their competitor State Farm, which, in April, offered most policyholders a 25% credit. The Illinois-based news source Herald & Review reports, “The suits allege the insurers violated the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. In addition to Allstate, American Family Insurance, Progressive, Geico, Erie Insurance and The Travelers Company are named as defendants.” At this time, attorneys representing the Illinois consumers are
seeking class-action status for the suits. Some predict thousands of policyholders represented by the named defendants could join each suit before the end of the year. Scorecard: Several large car insurers will have to prepare for incoming suits regarding their rebate response to the novel coronavirus pandemic. Takeaway: Across the country, businesses and individuals alike are seeking restitution for lost income during the pandemic. Business interruption and auto lines are just the start. We thank Risk & Insurance for reprint permission.
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GM Helping Uber Switch to Electric General Motors is teaming up with Uber to help accelerate the rideshare industry’s transition to an all-electric, zero-emissions future by offering drivers on Uber’s platform special pricing on the purchase of a new electric vehicle and charging accessories. For current eligible drivers on the Uber platform in the U.S. and Canada, GM will extend the same discount it offers its employees on the purchase of a new 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV. U.S. drivers will also have access to 20% below MSRP on Bolt EV accessories, including athome charging equipment. Starting in Los Angeles and Denver, well-qualified drivers with Uber Diamond-tier status will also be eligible for special financing through a pilot program with GM Financial. GM data suggests rideshare drivers can experience significantly lower maintenance costs when using a Bolt EV compared to traditional gas-powered vehicles. Drivers also cite in-vehicle technology and the spacious interior as benefits. Source: GM
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