See how your Delaware auto insurance policy is lowering costs amid coronavirus pandemic

Sarah Gamard
Delaware News Journal

Editor's note: This story has been corrected to reflect State Farm's policies.

With fewer cars on the roads during the coronavirus pandemic, many Delaware drivers could see rebates, reimbursements and reduced rates in their auto insurance policies.

That's according to the Delaware Department of Insurance, which on Wednesday published a list of reduced costs to drivers based on their insurance provider. It adds up to millions of dollars saved or given back to drivers, according to the department.

The following is the list of cost reductions from the Department of Insurance. The list may not be complete and could be updated, according to the department.

The Food Bank of Delaware holds a drive-thru mobile pantry to help feed Delaware residents during the coronavirus pandemic at the Christiana Mall Monday, April 20, 2020, in Newark.

Allstate is issuing refunds equal to 15% of March and April auto premiums. A total of 19,155 Delaware Allstate customers will be refunded well over $1 million, according to the Insurance Department.

American Family is distributing a one-time check payment of $50 per covered vehicle.

Amica Mutual is crediting 20% of the policyholder’s monthly auto premium.

Chubb is offering renewing customers a discount equal to 35% of their April and May costs, an estimated $110 per vehicle.

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Cincinnati Insurance is refunding policyholders 15% of their April and May premium.

Electric Insurance is distributing a payback equal to 15% of three months of the policyholder’s premium, an estimated $72 per policy.

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Encompass is issuing refunds of 15% on March and April auto premiums. Approximately 2,835 Delaware Encompass customers will be refunded about $168,882.

Esurance is issuing refunds equal to 15% of March and April auto premiums.

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Farmers is discounting April premiums by 25% discount or providing 25% refunds to customers already paid in full.

GEICO will discount renewed or newly purchased policies between April 8 and October 7 by 15% through the GEICO Giveback Credit. Customers can save an average of $150 on their next auto policy and $30 per motorcycle policy.

Cars flow on Delaware Avenue leaving downtown Wilmington during the evening rush hour.

Goodville Mutual is issuing a Safe@home premium credit of 15% on two months of new or renewal premium. Members can choose to waive their credit and request that it be donated to local food banks, first responders, or international relief. Goodville Mutual will match donated funds up to $100,000.

Hartford will credit customers 15% of April and May auto premiums through the COVID-19 Personal Auto Payback Plan.

Horace Mann will credit customers 15% on two months of premiums through the Teacher Appreciation Relief Program.

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Liberty Mutual is giving a 15% refund on two months of annual premiums.

Mercury is refunding 15% of monthly premiums paid in April and May.

MetLife is crediting 15% of monthly premiums paid in April and May.

Nationwide is applying a one-time payment of $50 to each policy.

Next Insurance is discounting April premiums by 25%.

NGM Insurance is distributing a Relief Payment of $50 per each insured vehicle. In Delaware, about 899 private passenger vehicles insured will generate a total refund of $44,950.

Progressive is crediting back 20% of April and May premiums.

State Farm Fire and Casualty Company is distributing a credit equal to 27.5% of a policyholder’s premium from March 20 to May 31, 2020.

State Farm Mutual will distribute a dividend of approximately 25% of premium from March 20 to May 31, 2020 through the Good Neighbor Relief Program.

Travelers will issue a credit of 15% to April and May premiums through the Stay-at-Home Auto Premium Credit Program.

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USAA is crediting about 20% on two months of premiums.

21st Century Insurance is discounting April premiums by 25% discount, or providing 25% refunds to customers paid in full.

These changes apply only to personal auto insurance policies, and customer eligibility requirements may exist, according to the department.

The department recommends that residents with questions about these changes, including if they're unable to pay their premium due to financial hardships, contact their insurer.

For Delawareans who have lost work due to coronavirus and can't pay premiums, insurance carriers have to freeze policy cancellations and nonrenewals of policies while the state of emergency is in place.

Many auto insurers are temporarily letting Delaware residents use their personal vehicles for commercial use, such as delivering food or other goods, according to the department. Drivers should check their insurance company’s COVID-19 policies before providing delivery services.

Drivers with questions about insurance and COVID-19 should contact the Delaware Department of Insurance FAQ page at https://insurance.delaware.gov/covid-19-insurance-faq.

Sarah Gamard covers government and politics for Delaware Online/The News Journal. You can reach her at (302) 324-2281 or sgamard@delawareonline.com. You can also follow her on Twitter @SarahGamard.