Supporting The Community During COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has altered Canadians’ way of life and has rapidly changed the way we do business. While Ontario remains under a State of Emergency, Merit Insurance continues to operate remotely as an essential service. Over the past few weeks, we have navigated new ways of working and connecting with customers and our colleagues. Now more than ever, it is important that clients know we are there for them, even if we cannot see them in person.
The wellbeing and safety of our community will always be our top priority. Here are a few ways we are staying connected and reassuring our clients and our team during the pandemic:
Our Clients
1) Your Merit Broker is prepared for all your questions: During the Stay Home order, we understand that many people have more time to review their policies. Whether you have questions about an existing policy, or how your insurance is impacted during this time, your personal broker is available by phone or email to provide answers and offer advice.
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- Can I cancel my business insurance? Yes, it is possible to cancel your business insurance if it is currently not operational. However, if you choose to cancel your policy, it cannot be reinstated once it’s over and you will be required to apply for new insurance coverage. If you have specialty coverage, it could affect liability coverages on claims made policy situation.
- Can I defer my business insurance payments during the COVID-19 pandemic? Each situation is being reviewed on a case to case basis as some companies are allowing deferrals. Talk to your Merit Broker to review your specific case today.
- Do I need business insurance if it is not operating during the COVID-19 pandemic? Not necessarily, but if currently in force, speak to a broker about ways to reduce the costs.
- How can I save money on business insurance during the coronavirus crisis? Your broker will assess your current business and look at ways of reducing costs. For example, if your company has an inactive fleet, then it possible the coverage can be deleted or reduced to reflect that. If there is a significant loss of business anticipated due to coronavirus, your broker can work with the insurers and investigate options such as a midterm re-rate or delete nonoperational coverages until they are needed again.
- My building is now vacant or temporarily unoccupied. Are there any risks I should be aware of? Yes. Under normal circumstances, policies are limited to a 30-day vacancy period. However, due to the coronavirus, most insurers have agreed to waive this rule. Speak to your broker if you have a building currently unoccupied.
2) Digital Communications: There is a lot of communication swirling around the internet about COVID-19. It is our intention not to overwhelm our clients with information and only email critical news as it pertains to our clients and the insurance providers we represent. Beyond email, we are active on social media and encourage our clients to follow us for live updates.
3) Provide valuable resources: Since we cannot see our clients in person, it is our goal to digitally provide helpful resources to those in quarantine.
* Here are some of the top questions asked by our clients*
Check out the following links
Our Merit Team
1) Weekly Conference Calls: Our team stays connected thanks to programs like Zoom! Much like the meetings we held in the office, our management team now hosts video conference calls to check in on each broker’s progress, discuss their pipeline, and address any current issues or questions. We also use this opportunity to update the team on new information in relation to the coronavirus or changes from the companies we represent. These weekly meetings provide the team with leadership and offers a sense of comfort during these unprecedented times.
2) Safety Measures: As the Ontario government begins to lift some restrictions, we are preparing the office space for when the employees return. The management team is working together on creating safety protocols and educating the team on the new ‘office rules’ as we return to work. We also are sourcing personal protective equipment such as masks, gloves, and sanitizers for each member of the team.
3) Giving Back: Being a part of the community and giving back are pillars in the Merit Difference. It is more important than ever to band together and show our support for our fellow Canadians. This month, we will be giving a financial donation to the Canada Food Bank to help the most vulnerable and impacted population.
The world is seeing change like we never have before. Our social lives, work routines, and day to day life has been impacted. One thing that remains constant is the Merit Difference. Although we cannot see our clients face to face, we are here for you every step of the way!
