Car insurance discounts, rebates possible because of pandemic

One perk of the Stay at Home order has been all the gas money and wear and tear that people have been saving on their cars. Even essential errands around town have often become ones that people opt to use as an excuse to stretch their legs and walk to.

Well, it looks like you might be able to save even more money on car insurance.

Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt encourages Kansas consumers to visit with their

auto insurers about potential discounts, rebates or reductions in premiums during the COVID-19 crisis.

“Many companies recognize the statewide stay-at-home order has reduced the number of Kansans

driving, lowering the risk for everybody,” Commissioner Vicki Schmidt said.

According to a press release sent out last week, some companies, but not all, have announced measures to help consumers during this time such as rebates on premiums paid or discounts on rates. Kansas consumers should reach out to their auto insurer to find out the relief options that may be available to them.

“I am pleased insurers are finding ways to help Kansans get a few extra dollars in their pocket,”

Commissioner Vicki Schmidt said.

The Shelter Insurance® group of companies is one company that is offering a discount, according to a press release sent out last week.

“Many of our customers are under unprecedented stay-at-home orders and social-distancing mandates, so they are driving fewer miles and experiencing fewer accidents. In the interest of providing help to our customers now, when they need it most, Shelter will issue a payment to our policyholders representing approximately 30% of their personal auto monthly premium for the months of April and May, based on our best estimate of the impact of this pandemic on our customers and on Shelter’s business. We will work diligently to obtain approval from the Departments of Insurance in each state we serve to get this money into our customers’ hands as quickly as possible. If a customer paid their premium automatically through a bank account, we will deposit directly into the account when possible. Otherwise, we will mail a check. We will continue to evaluate this rapidly evolving situation and do what we can to help our customers, agents, and employees.”

More information is available at ShelterInsurance.com.

Many other local companies are doing similar programs so call your agent today.

If you would like more information or need assistance finding contact information for your auto insurer, they are encouraged to reach out to the Kansas Insurance Department’s Consumer Assistance Division at 1-800-432-2484 or KID.Commissioner@ks.gov. Or call your insurance company directly.

While the Kansas Insurance Department building is closed due to COVID-19 precautions, remote

operations continue including those performed by the Department’s Consumer Assistance Division. The Department’s website insurance.kansas.gov is also a resource for consumers at this time.

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