Coronavirus auto insurance payment relief: How many states and insurers are responding

Written by: Credit Karma Staff
Updated •24 min read
Benjamin Franklin driving convertible to represent auto insurance relief during the coronavirus pandemicImage: Benjamin Franklin driving convertible to represent auto insurance relief during the coronavirus pandemic

In a Nutshell

If your finances have been affected by COVID-19, your auto insurer may be offering payment relief, such as a grace period, extended due date or fee waiver. We’ve collected information from several states as well as major insurers to find out what they’re offering, eligibility requirements and how to get help.
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As the coronavirus pandemic spreads, offices that oversee the regulation of insurance in many states, as well as many major auto insurers across the country, are stepping up to help support customers.

In this time of need, many states and insurance companies are moving quickly to help insurance customers alleviate some of their immediate financial burden.

We’ve compiled a list of state and insurance provider assistance efforts, along with eligibility requirements, to help you find auto insurance relief.

Keep in mind that if your insurance company is offering payment deferrals, your unpaid premium will continue to accumulate, and you’ll be responsible for the outstanding balance after the deferral or grace period ends. So if your insurer allows it, and you’re able, paying even a portion of your bill could help reduce the amount you owe when normal billing resumes.

You might also consider taking another look at your coverage to ensure it still fits your needs. If it doesn’t, reach out to your provider to see what it can do to better meet your needs for the time being. It may also be a good time to shop around.

Look for your state or insurer from the lists below to find out where to begin looking for auto insurance relief.

States

Auto insurance companies

State relief

In response to the coronavirus, many states have taken action to provide relief to insurance customers who are experiencing financial hardship. If you don’t see your state listed here, contact your state’s Department of Insurance to see if your state has taken action.

Also keep in mind that whatever policy changes your carrier makes, it can never be less generous than the benefits that your state is mandating.

Alabama

What it’s offering: The Alabama Department of Insurance issued a bulletin on March 30, 2020, urging insurers in the state to relax payment due dates, extend grace periods, waive late fees and penalties, and work with customers to develop payment plans to prevent a lapse in coverage. ALDOI also recommends that insurers expand coverage to include personal vehicles used to deliver food, medicine and other essential items commercially.

Eligibility: Because the relief measure is recommended rather than mandatory, you’ll want to check with your insurance company to find out what it’s offering.

Arkansas

What it’s offering: The Arkansas Insurance Department issued an order that prevents insurance companies — including auto insurers — from canceling or failing to renew a person’s policy if they haven’t paid their premium because of a COVID-19 illness or job loss. The order is effective for 60 days, beginning March 11, 2020. To maintain coverage, you must pay your premiums when the order is lifted.

Eligibility: Arkansas residents who: (1) test positive for COVID-19, and (2) are laid off or are self-employed/independent contractors experiencing loss of work because of COVID-19 are eligible for assistance. If you qualify, you must request a payment extension from your insurance carrier.

California

What it’s offering: The California Department of Insurance issued a press release on March 18, 2020, asking all insurance companies to offer a 60-day grace period on the payment of premiums because of the current health crisis. The department also asked auto insurers not to use the expiration of driver’s licenses or vehicle registrations to affect auto insurance rates or discounts for 60 days, beginning March 16.

In addition, on April 3, the California insurance commissioner told insurers that they shouldn’t enforce any deadlines on customers until 90 days after the end of California’s state of emergency. These include deadlines for submissions of proof of loss, claims forms and vehicle inspections.

And on April 13, the California insurance commissioner ordered insurance companies to return premiums to certain adversely affected customers for at least the months of March and April within 120 days. The return can be issued in the form of a credit, rate reduction or check.

Eligibility: Because the order provides some flexibility to the insurer, the return of premiums and eligibility requirements may vary by insurance company. Check with your auto insurance company to learn more about its planned premium refunds. Given that some options are ordered by the state and others are suggestion, make sure you check the California Department of Insurance websites for updates.

Colorado

What it’s offering: The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies issued a bulletin directing insurance companies to make reasonable arrangements with policyholders — such as extending grace periods, waiving late fees and stopping nonrenewal — to help them avoid losing their insurance coverage. The department also removed personal insurance restrictions that prevented restaurant workers from using their vehicles to make commercial food deliveries.

Eligibility: Anyone who has an auto insurance policy in Colorado is entitled to receive flexible payment arrangement. And people who work for a restaurant that doesn’t have a commercial auto insurance policy are eligible to use their personal vehicle for commercial activity.

Connecticut

What it’s offering: The Connecticut Insurance Department issued a bulletin on March 24, 2020, asking all insurance companies in the state to provide their customers with a 60-day grace period to pay their insurance premiums. The department is also encouraging auto insurers to expand coverage to allow policyholders to use their personal vehicles for commercial purposes if they’re not already covered by another policy.

Eligibility: The CID is asking rather than requiring insurance companies to offer this relief, so check with your insurer to see what’s available for you.

Delaware

What it’s offering: The Delaware Department of Insurance issued a bulletin on March 20, 2020, stating that as long as a state of emergency is in effect because of COVID-19, insurers in the state of Delaware can’t — without a court order — cancel a person’s insurance policy because they didn’t pay their premium because of a coronavirus-related financial hardship.

Eligibility: People who were laid off or fired and businesses that were required to close or reduce their business because of the COVID-19 emergency are eligible for assistance.

Florida

What it’s offering: The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation issued a memorandum asking insurers to be flexible with payment requirements for policyholders during the COVID-19 health emergency. The FOIR encourages insurance companies to relax payment due dates, waive late fees and penalties, extend grace periods and work with policyholders to create payment plans to prevent policy cancellations. The FOIR also encourages auto insurers to create provisions that allow policyholders to use their personal vehicles for the commercial delivery of goods and services during the state of emergency.

Eligibility: The FOIR is making recommendations, so check with your insurance company to find out what it’s offering.

Hawaii

What it’s offering: Hawaii’s insurance commissioner issued a memorandum asking insurance companies to work with policyholders to prevent lapses in coverage during the COVID-19 crisis. Insurance companies are being asked to provide grace periods for premium payments, waive late fees, create payment plans and temporarily suspend policy cancellations because of nonpayment. The insurance commissioner has also asked that companies extend deadlines for vehicle inspections and continue working with policyholders for 60 days after the virus has passed.

Eligibility: Check with your insurance company to find out if it’s following the Hawaii insurance commissioner’s recommendations.

Kentucky

What it’s offering: The Kentucky Department of Insurance issued a recommendation that insurers allow policyholders to temporarily use their personal vehicles for commercial deliveries if they work for a business that doesn’t normally offer delivery but was directed to close by the governor’s executive order on March 25, 2020. The statement notes that “insurers shall not deny a claim under a personal automobile insurance policy solely because the insured was engaged in delivery services on behalf of a business impacted by the closures necessitated by the Governor’s Executive Order.” This recommendation applies to all auto policies in effect on or after March 16, 2020, and will remain in effect until the governor’s executive order to close restaurants and bars for in-person service is lifted.

Eligibility: While the statement is clear on what’s expected, it’s still just guidance. It’s up to each insurance company as to whether it’ll follow it.

Louisiana

What it’s offering: The Louisiana Department of Insurance issued an emergency rule that prevents the cancellation, nonrenewal or nonreinstatement of auto insurance policies during the coronavirus outbreak.

Eligibility: People who had auto insurance coverage as of 12:01 a.m. on March 12, 2020, are eligible to benefit under this emergency rule.

Maryland

What it’s offering: The Maryland Insurance Administration issued a bulletin encouraging all property and casualty insurers — which includes auto insurance companies — to work with customers who are struggling to make their payments so they don’t lose their coverage because of nonpayment during the COVID-19 crisis. Accommodations may include grace periods, late-fee waivers, suspension of payments and payment extensions.

Eligibility: Reach out to your insurance provider to find out if it’s following administration guidance.

Mississippi

What it’s offering: The Mississippi Insurance Department issued a 60-day moratorium — effective March 24, 2020 — that prevents insurance companies from canceling or not renewing policies because the policyholder didn’t pay their premium. Keep in mind that the moratorium doesn’t waive the premium due. Instead, insurers are encouraged to work with policyholders to allow payment plans or an extension of the payment due date.

Eligibility: The moratorium applies to insurance policies issued in or for delivery in Mississippi.

Missouri

What it’s offering: The Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance issued a bulletin encouraging insurers in the state to continue providing coverage to those with policies in effect as of March 13, 2020, who are unable to make their payments. The department isn’t asking that premiums be waived but rather that insurers provide a grace period while this bulletin is in effect to keep policies in force.

Eligibility: Reach out to your insurance provider to find out if it’s following Missouri recommendations.

Montana

What it’s offering: The Montana commissioner of insurance and securities wrote a letter to the insurance industry asking for flexibility to help people maintain their coverage. The commissioner is encouraging insurance companies to work out payment plans with customers, offer grace periods for premium payments, waive late fees and pause cancellation of policies that expire or are temporarily unpaid.

The letter also recommends providing coverage for personal vehicles being used commercially to deliver food, medicine and other essential supplies.

Eligibility: If you think you won’t be able to make your payment or it will be late, contact your insurance company to find out what it’s offering.

New Jersey

What it’s offering: The New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance issued a news release encouraging all insurers to work with policyholders to help prevent lapses in coverage by offering relief that may include extending grace periods, waiving late fees, developing payment plans, suspending the cancellation of policies and more.

Eligibility: Check with your insurance provider to find out what’s available to you.

New York

What it’s offering: The New York State Department of Financial Services is asking insurers to work with customers who are experiencing financial difficulties because of the coronavirus. DFS encourages insurance companies to consider allowing customers to defer payments, extend payment due dates, waive late fees, and suspend the cancellation of policies if the policyholder is unable to make their payment on time or doesn’t respond to a nonrenewal notice.

Eligibility: Contact your insurance provider directly to find out if it’s following DFS recommendations.

North Carolina

What it’s offering: On March 27, 2020, the North Carolina Department of Insurance commissioner issued an order requiring insurance companies to allow payments to be deferred for 30 days without canceling the policy or charging late fees or penalties. If you want a deferral, you must contact your insurance provider and ask for it — it’s not automatic. And when the deferment is over, you must pay what you owe to maintain your coverage. For more information, check out the FAQs about the North Carolina order. Keep in mind that the order expired on April 26, 2020. We recommend you check the department’s website frequently for any potential updates.

Eligibility: Anyone who has an insurance policy with an insurance company or premium finance company in the state of North Carolina is eligible for assistance.

North Dakota

What it’s offering: The North Dakota Insurance Department issued a bulletin encouraging auto insurers to temporarily cover individuals who have a personal auto policy and are using their personal vehicle for commercial reasons, such as delivering food, medicine or other essential items.

Eligibility: Contact your North Dakota insurance provider to find out what’s available to you.

Ohio

What it’s offering: The Ohio Department of Insurance issued a bulletin on March 30, 2020, requiring auto insurance companies to provide policyholders with a grace period of at least 60 days to make payments or submit information required to process a claim. The department is instructing insurance companies to waive late and reinstatement fees and work with customers to extend payment due dates to avoid the cancellation of coverage.

Eligibility: Anyone who has an auto insurance policy in the state of Ohio is eligible for payment relief under this order.

Oregon

What it’s offering: The Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services issued an order, effective March 25 to April 23, 2020, that requires insurance companies to provide relief to customers who are financially impacted by the coronavirus. Auto insurers must extend claim reporting and documentation submission deadlines, institute a grace period for the payment of premiums, suspend cancellations and nonrenewals of active policies, and withdraw notices of cancelation or nonrenewal that haven’t yet been processed.

Eligibility: Anyone who has an auto insurance policy that was issued or delivered in Oregon qualifies for assistance under this order. But since this order has expired, you should check the department’s website frequently for any potential updates.

Pennsylvania

What it’s offering: The Pennsylvania insurance commissioner issued a notice to all insurance companies in the state asking them to be flexible with customers who are experiencing financial hardship because of COVID-19. Companies are encouraged to relax payment due dates, provide extended grace periods for payments, waive late fees and penalties, and set up payment plans to help ensure policies don’t lapse. The commissioner is asking that cancellation and nonrenewal of policies due to an inability to pay be considered only as a last resort.

Eligibility: Check with your insurance provider to find out if it’s offering any of the recommended relief measures.

Rhode Island

What it’s offering: The Department of Insurance Regulation issued a bulletin asking insurers to be as flexible as possible in helping people who are financially impacted by the COVID-19 crisis to avoid lapses in coverage. The department encourages insurance providers to provide extended grace periods for payments, waive fees, work out payment plans and provide alternate payment methods for those who are unable to make payments as usual. Insurers are also encouraged to include coverage for commercial deliveries in personal auto insurance policies.

Eligibility: Contact your insurance provider directly to find out what it’s offering.

South Carolina

What it’s offering: The South Carolina Department of Insurance issued a bulletin advising all insurance companies that the department expects insurers to provide relief to policyholders who have been financially impacted by the coronavirus. Potential relief may include extended payment deadlines, suspending cancellation or nonrenewal of policies, and waiving fees and penalties.

Eligibility: Insurance companies in South Carolina aren’t required to offer the relief measures outlined by the state. You’ll have to check with your provider directly to find out what’s available.

Tennessee

What it’s offering: The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance is asking auto insurance companies to ensure that restaurant employees who are using their personal vehicle to deliver food are either fully covered under their personal auto insurance policy or a restaurant’s commercial policy.

Eligibility: Check with your insurance provider to find out if you’re covered.

Vermont

What it’s offering: The Vermont Department of Financial Regulation is asking insurance companies to provide grace periods for people who are unable to make their payment because of a COVID-19 financial hardship to help prevent policy cancellations.

Eligibility: It’s up to insurance companies in Vermont to decide what they’re offering, so check with yours directly.

Virginia

What it’s offering: The Virginia Bureau of Insurance is encouraging insurance companies to consider the financial hardship many people are experiencing as a result of COVID-19 and work with them to avoid policy cancellations. The bureau is asking insurers to be flexible with payment due dates, extend grace periods, waive fees and penalties, and work out payment plans that allow customers to keep their coverage in effect.

Eligibility: Check with your insurance provider in Virginia to find out what it can do for you.

Washington

What it’s offering: From March 25, 2020, to May 9, 2020, the Washington insurance commissioner has ordered all insurance companies to offer grace periods to their customers for the payment of premiums and waive all fees that would normally be charged if the premium isn’t paid on time. In addition, insurers can’t cancel policies during the same time period if policyholders fail to pay their premium.

Eligibility: People who have an auto insurance policy with a company that’s authorized to do business in Washington are eligible for relief under this order.

West Virginia

What it’s offering: On March 18, 2020, the West Virginia insurance commissioner issued an executive order instructing insurance companies not to issue cancellation or nonrenewal notices for reasons caused by the COVID-19 crisis. Insurers are being asked to work with customers to create alternate payment arrangements to help prevent a lapse in coverage.

Eligibility: Policyholders who were current on their policies at the time the order was issued and whose policies weren’t scheduled to be canceled for a non–COVID-19 related reason are eligible for relief under this order.

Wisconsin

What it’s offering: The Wisconsin insurance commissioner issued a bulletin encouraging insurance companies to make accommodations for policyholders who are struggling to make their payments because of the coronavirus. These accommodations could include deferred payments, suspension of cancellations and more.

Eligibility: COVID-19 relief is up to each Wisconsin insurance company to decide upon. Reach out to your provider to find out more.

Other states

If your state isn’t listed here, check with the department that oversees insurance regulation in your state for the most up-to-date information about relief measures that have been requested or implemented where you live.

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Auto insurance company relief

In addition to states, many auto insurance companies are offering assistance during the coronavirus crisis by extending grace periods, returning a percentage of your premium to you and more.

Again, remember that whatever policy changes your carrier institutes, it can never be less generous than the benefits provided by an applicable state mandate.

Allstate

What it’s offering: Allstate has a COVID-19 information page that tells customers what the company is doing to help during this health crisis. First, Allstate is giving customers 15% back, based on their monthly premium in April and May. The insurer is also providing those facing financial challenges a special payment plan that delays payments for 60 days without penalty. In addition, the company will automatically provide protection to customers who drive their personal vehicles to deliver food, medicine and other essentials as long as the COVID-19 emergency order is in effect in their state.

Eligibility: Customers who are experiencing financial hardship because of COVID-19 are eligible for payment relief. And customers who drive their personal vehicles commercially to deliver essential supplies during the emergency are eligible for coverage under their personal auto insurance policy.

American Family Insurance

What it’s offering: American Family Insurance has set up a COVID-19 response page that offers advice on how to manage your accounts online or through the MyAmFam app. The company has established Auto Insurance Premium Relief Payments to provide auto insurance customers with a $50 payment for each vehicle insured with American Family Insurance.

Eligibility: People who had an active private passenger auto policy with the company as of March 11, 2020, will receive an Auto Insurance Premium Relief Payment. The company doesn’t provide details about who might be eligible for other types of payment relief, but it does encourage you to call 1-800-692-6326 to discuss your potential options if you need assistance.

Amica Mutual

What it’s offering: Amica created a COVID-19 resource page that provides information about how to manage your account online or through the mobile app to help limit physical contact. If you’re experiencing financial hardship because of the coronavirus, Amica is offering a grace period through June 2, 2020. During the grace period, no late fees will be charged and no policies will be canceled because of unpaid premiums.

Eligibility: Policyholders who are having financial difficulties because of the current health crisis are eligible for payment relief.

Auto-Owners Insurance

What it’s offering: In its COVID-19 messaging online, Auto-Owners Insurance explains that it’s offering a 15% refund to policyholders for April and May, pending state approval. If you need payment assistance, call 1-800-288-8740 to speak with a billing representative about potential options, which may include payment deferrals, changes in due dates, changes to payment plans, and payment extensions.

Eligibility: Auto-Owners Insurance doesn’t give details about who might qualify for payment relief. But if your state approves the measure, you should be eligible for the 15% refund on any premiums you paid for personal auto insurance from Auto-Owners for April and May.

Elephant

What it’s offering: Elephant provides information on COVID-19 help on its website. The company is offering relief for customers affected by the coronavirus through its Stay-at-Home Savings program. This relief could come in the form of reduced rates, payment leniency, additional coverage for customers who are using their personal vehicle for commercial purposes, and other means. If you’ve been impacted by the coronavirus and need assistance, you’re encouraged to contact the company via online chat.

Eligibility: Elephant makes no mention of who might be eligible for payment assistance because of the coronavirus. But you can call or email the company to discuss your situation.

Erie Insurance

What it’s offering: Erie has a message on its website that explains what it’s doing to continue to serve customers during the COVID-19 health emergency, including lowering rates. If you need additional help, such as payment assistance, call 1-800-458-0811 to discuss any potential options with a customer care representative.

Eligibility: Erie’s website doesn’t provide information about who might qualify for payment relief. But as individual states approve the measure, rate changes will apply for personal and commercial auto policyholders. Rate adjustments would take effect upon policy renewal.

Esurance

What it’s offering: Esurance provides a message online about the steps it’s taking to help customers during the COVID-19 crisis, including an automatic 15% refund of April and May premiums. Esurance expanded its personal auto insurance coverage to protect customers who use their personal vehicles to deliver food, medicine, and other essential goods and services commercially during the COVID-19 state of emergency. While this coverage is automatic in states where emergency orders require it, it’s unclear if this coverage extends to other states.

Customers are encouraged to manage their accounts online or through the Esurance mobile app to receive the fastest service. If you’re experiencing financial hardship because of the coronavirus, you’re encouraged to call 1-800-378-7262 to discuss any potential options.

Eligibility: Esurance doesn’t offer details about which customers might be eligible to receive payment assistance. But the 15% refund is automatic for policyholders once any state regulatory approvals are gained. And the expanded coverage will automatically apply for policyholders in states where emergency orders require it.

Farmers Insurance

What it’s offering: Farmers Insurance has a COVID-19 information page that explains what it’s doing to help customers who are experiencing financial hardship. Currently, the company is reducing auto insurance premiums by 25% in April, and it’s pausing cancellations due to nonpayment through May 1, 2020. In addition, if you receive a renewal notice and need more time to make your payment, you can call 1-888-327-6335 to extend your payment due date until at least May 1, without incurring any late fees. Finally, if the Department of Insurance in your state has issued an order that requires greater flexibility than the actions explained here, Farmers Insurance will adhere to that directive.

Eligibility: Farmers Insurance customers with an active policy are eligible for the 25% premium reduction as well as the suspension of policy cancellations due to nonpayment. Customers who are experiencing financial difficulty because of the coronavirus are also eligible for extended payment due dates.

Geico

What it’s offering: Geico explains on its website what it’s doing to help customers who have been financially impacted by the coronavirus crisis. Between April 8, 2020, and Oct. 7, 2020, Geico will be giving an automatic 15% credit to its policyholders’ next six-month or 12-month policy term. Geico will also extend this credit to new customers who buy policies during this period.

In addition, Geico won’t cancel any auto insurance policies due to nonpayment or expiration through April 30, 2020. And when normal billing resumes, the company will work with customers to create flexible payment plans or special payment arrangements. If you’re using your vehicle differently because of the coronavirus, you should call Geico at 1-800-207-7847 to review your policy.

Eligibility: Customers experiencing financial hardship because of COVID-19 are eligible for payment relief, and all current auto and motorcycle policyholders are eligible for the 15% credit upon policy renewal.

The Hanover Insurance Group

What it’s offering: The Hanover Insurance Group created a COVID-19 information center on its website that provides information about self-service options, ways you can connect with a customer service representative, and answers to commonly asked questions. The company has placed a 60-day hold — or longer, if required by your state — on late fees and policy cancellations due to nonpayment. If you won’t be able to pay your bill during this 60-day window, you’re encouraged to contact the billing team at 1-800-922-8427 or reach out to your insurance agent. If you need additional assistance, Hanover Insurance Group says it will work with you to determine if other solutions are available.

Eligibility: All Hanover Insurance Group customers are eligible for the 60-day suspension of late fees and policy cancellations. Additional assistance will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

The Hartford

What it’s offering: The Hartford’s COVID-19 resource page offers information on how to stay safe during the pandemic and the ways the company is helping its customers, including providing a 15% credit on April and May premiums through its Personal Auto Payback Plan. If you need additional help with your auto insurance bill or want to adjust your coverage, you’re encouraged to contact the company by calling 1-877-896-9320.

Eligibility: The Hartford doesn’t provide any information about what type of payment assistance it might be offering or who may be eligible. But the 15% credit is automatic for current policyholders (but is subject to state approvals).

Liberty Mutual

What it’s offering: Liberty Mutual provides information online about how it’s helping those who have been financially impacted by the coronavirus. The company has created a Personal Auto Customer Relief Refund to issue a 15% refund to each customer on two months of premiums, based on their premium amount as of April 7, 2020. Liberty is also extending payment due dates as needed, pausing policy cancellations due to nonpayment and waiving late fees for auto insurance customers. If you need payment assistance, you’re encouraged to log into your online account.

As a safety measure, the company isn’t sending auto appraisers out for inspections, except in emergency situations. But if customers need to file a claim, they can still submit photos of vehicle damage online and through Liberty Mutual’s mobile app.

Eligibility: Liberty Mutual doesn’t offer information about which customers might be eligible for payment assistance, but all personal auto insurance customers will receive the 15% refund automatically, assuming the refund is approved by state insurance regulators. The refund will be issued in the same way you made your most recent premium check.

Mercury Insurance

What it’s offering: Mercury Insurance has created a COVID-19 readiness page that provides information about changes the company may make to the claims process because of the coronavirus and how customers can manage their accounts and make payments online. As an initial response, the company is giving back 15% of customers’ premiums for two months. And Mercury Insurance encourages customers who need financial assistance as a result of COVID-19 to call 1-800-503-3724 to discuss any potential options.

The company notes it may also change its claims process to include virtual inspections or the ability to upload photos and video of damage.

Eligibility: The company isn’t clear about who might qualify for payment relief or which customers are eligible for the 15% return of premium.

MetLife Auto & Home

What it’s offering: MetLife Auto & Home issued a press release on April 10, 2020, detailing the assistance that it’s offering to customers. The company is pausing cancellations on policies due to nonpayment through July 1, 2020, and issuing a 15% credit for April and May premiums to current auto insurance customers. In addition, MetLife Home & Auto is extending auto coverage for customers making deliveries in response to the crisis from March 20, 2020, to May 1, 2020. If you’re having trouble making payments, the company encourages you to reach out for further assistance.

Eligibility: Current MetLife Auto & Home customers are eligible for the 15% credit, which will be applied automatically to your account as long as the company receives any necessary approval from state insurance regulators.

Nationwide

What it’s offering: Nationwide posted a message about what it’s doing to support its customers during the COVID-19 emergency, including a one-time $50 refund for each policy active as of March 31, 2020. The company is monitoring guidelines provided by the Departments of Insurance and the SEC for options that may be available to help customers who are experiencing financial difficulty because of the coronavirus.

Eligibility: Nationwide is reviewing financial hardship requests on a case-by-case basis, but the one-time $50 credit is automatically available for personal auto policyholders active as of March 31, 2020 (as long as your state approves the measure).

NJM Insurance

What it’s offering: NJM Insurance has a COVID-19 resource center on its website that provides information about what the company is doing to help customers experiencing financial hardship because of the coronavirus — including a 15% refund on three months’ worth of premiums for policyholders. The company has also suspended all policy cancellations due to nonpayment until April 30, 2020, and is providing flexible payment plans to affected customers.

Eligibility: Personal auto policyholders with an active policy as of April 1, 2020, are eligible for the 15% refund. NJM is working with customers on a case-by-case basis to create special payment arrangements as necessary. Call 1-800-232-6600 to speak to a representative.

Pemco

What it’s offering: Pemco issued a press release on its website that explains how it’s helping customers experiencing financial hardship because of the coronavirus. The company is providing a 15% credit to its policyholders on premiums for April, May and June. Pemco is also offering billing relief and suspending cancellations. To find out more, you can log into your account online or call 1-800-467-3626 to speak with a representative.

In addition, Pemco will temporarily provide coverage for auto insurance customers in Washington state who are getting paid to use their personal vehicles to deliver food, groceries, prescriptions and other essential items.

Eligibility: The company doesn’t provide information about who might qualify for payment assistance, but policyholders are eligible for the 15% credit once state approvals are met.

Progressive

What it’s offering: On Progressive’s dedicated COVID-19 support page, the company explains what it’s doing to help customers who have been financially impacted by the coronavirus. Through its Apron Relief Program, the company is providing a 20% credit for April and May premiums and indicates that the credit may extend beyond that. The company is waiving late fees and won’t cancel or refuse to renew active policies because of nonpayment between April 1, 2020, and May 15, 2020. In states that have issued leniency guidelines, Progressive will meet or exceed state-specific requirements. The company will also work with customers to help them manage their accounts after May 15 when payments become due.

Progressive is also extending additional assistance to first responders, healthcare workers and delivery personnel, including expedited roadside assistance, expanded coverage and a full-service claims process.

Eligibility: Customers with an active policy are eligible for the 20% credit and temporary suspension of late fees and policy cancellations due to nonpayment. Progressive doesn’t provide details about which customers may be eligible for additional payment assistance after May 15.

Root Insurance Co.

What it’s offering: Root’s COVID-19 information page provides answers to commonly asked questions. The company is offering grace periods and payment extensions, depending on where you live, and points customers to its state-specific page for more information. If you need to get in touch with a customer service representative for a payment extension, you’re encouraged to send an email to covidhelp@joinroot.com. If you’re writing about a hardship request, be sure to include your account number, name of your employer, last day you worked, type of unemployment you’re experiencing, and additional details about your hardship that aren’t related to your job.

If you need to cancel your policy, you can make changes in the mobile app. And if you reinstate your policy through the app in less than 30 days, you won’t experience a lapse in coverage.

Eligibility: Payment assistance varies based on what state you live in and what policies the insurance board in your state has implemented to provide relief to insurance customers.

Safeco

What it’s offering: Safeco posted a message about COVID-19 on its website that outlines available relief options, including an automatic 15% refund on two months’ worth of premiums, based on premium amounts as of April 7, 2020. The company is also extending payment due dates and waiving fees for customers who are experiencing financial hardship because of the coronavirus. If you need assistance, you should contact your independent agent or call 1-800-332-3226.

The company also notes that auto appraisers won’t be conducting inspections except in emergency situations, but customers can submit photos of vehicle damage through Safeco’s mobile app.

Eligibility: As long as the premium credit is approved by state regulators, all personal auto policyholders are eligible for the refund — even if they’re behind on payments. Safeco doesn’t provide any additional details about which customers might be eligible for payment relief.

State Farm

What it’s offering: On its website, State Farm tells customers how they can stay connected to the company during the COVID-19 crisis. State Farm is giving its policyholders an automatic policy credit — 25% on average — through its Good Neighbor Relief program. The company also encourages those who need payment assistance to contact their State Farm agent directly to discuss payment options.

Eligibility: State Farm customers who held a policy at any point between March 20, 2020, and May 31, 2020, are eligible to receive the Good Neighbor Relief credit. The company doesn’t provide information about who might qualify for assistance beyond that.

Travelers

What it’s offering: Travelers has a COVID-19 information page that explains the steps it’s taking to keep employees and customers safe while continuing to serve its customers. The company is providing an automatic 15% credit to its policyholders for April and May premiums. The credit will be applied toward future bills if you pay in installments, or as a refund if you paid your entire premium in full.

And through May 15, 2020, Travelers won’t cancel or fail to renew a policy because of nonpayment, and it won’t charge any late fees or penalties. If you need additional billing relief, you’re encouraged to contact the company by visiting MyTravelers.com or calling 1-800-842-5075. The company is also changing its claims process and will use more digital and virtual tools to minimize in-person contact.

Eligibility: All personal auto insurance policyholders will get the automatic April and May credit, along with receiving a temporary suspension in policy cancellations and nonrenewals due to nonpayment. Additional payment relief will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

21st Century

What it’s offering: Insurance provider 21st Century has a COVID-19 resource page that provides information on how the company is helping its customers right now. All 21st Century customers will automatically receive a 25% discount on their April premium. This is in addition to the company offering flexible payment plans and a pause on policy cancellations. If you’re experiencing financial hardship because of the coronavirus, you’re encouraged to call 1-800-241-1188 to review your policy and discuss your options.

Eligibility: The company doesn’t offer any details about which policyholders may be eligible for payment assistance, but the automatic 25% discount applies to all 21st Century policyholders.

USAA

What it’s offering: USAA has a COVID-19 resource page with information about how to manage your policy online or through the USAA mobile app. Through June 17, 2020, the company won’t cancel your auto insurance policy or charge late fees if you make late payments. The company has also expanded its auto insurance coverage for customers using their personal vehicles to deliver food, medicine and other items for commercial purposes. In addition, auto insurance customers will receive a 20% credit on two months’ worth of premiums. And if you’re experiencing financial hardship because of the coronavirus, you can call 1-800-531-8722 to find out if special payment arrangements can be made.

Eligibility: If you have an active auto insurance policy with USAA, you’re eligible for the suspension of late fees and policy cancellations due to late payment. Additional payment arrangements will be made on a case-by-case basis. And every auto insurance customer with a policy in effect as of March 31, 2020, is eligible to receive the 20% credit, which will be applied automatically to your premium.

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Other auto insurance companies

This list doesn’t cover every auto insurer, and yours might not be included. If you’re worried about assistance making auto insurance payments and aren’t sure what your insurance company is doing to help, we recommend checking your insurance provider’s website or calling its customer service number to discuss the assistance it may be able to offer you — such as late-fee waivers, extended due dates, grace periods, the temporary suspension of policy cancellations and nonrenewals, and expanded coverage if you use your personal vehicle for commercial reasons.

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