Vermont Mutual Commits $1,000,000 for COVID-19 Response Donations

Vermont Mutual Insurance Group®, headquartered in Montpelier, Vermont, has announced that they will contribute $1,000,000 in charitable donations to assist with COVID-19 relief efforts in Vermont.

Two organizations, the Vermont Foodbank and the Vermont Community Foundation have already been named as the first recipients, with $500,000 total being designated for the two institutions.

Speaking of the company’s initial selections, Dan Bridge, Vermont Mutual's President and CEO , stated “We selected the Vermont Foodbank and the Vermont Community Foundation because of their long-term commitment to Vermont communities, as well as their established infrastructures which enable them to quickly put these funds to use serving the recovery efforts of our local communities.”

In addition to the $1,000,000 donation noted above, the company has also distributed additional funds to the United Way of Central Vermont, the American Red Cross, and the Boys and Girls Club of Burlington, to further support their efforts in assisting community members affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The company also reached out locally, sponsoring "Comfort Care Baskets" for Central Vermont Medical Center frontline healthcare workers and purchased nearly $2,000 worth of gift cards from local restaurants to help with their cash flow during the stay-at-home order.

Speaking of the company’s commitment, Dan Bridge remarked "The financial impact of these unprecedented and uncertain times is widespread, impacting children, students, families, employees, small businesses and large corporations.”

Bridge continued “Since 1828, Vermont Mutual has been protecting Vermonters and assisting them in their time of need. It is hard to imagine any greater need than what is currently being experienced across our state, region, country and world and Vermont Mutual is grateful to be in a position to fulfill its obligation to help people and businesses recover from this crisis.”

The company also announced that it will increase its employee-based charitable contribution match from 100% to 200% for any Vermont Mutual employee who donates to organizations responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As well, having seen a reduction in auto claims during the stay-at-home order, the company has instituted an Auto Premium Payback Program for their Personal Auto customers, one that will result in nearly $5 million in premium payback to its customers.

Mark McDonnell, the company's Executive Vice President and COO stated "Many members of our communities have been adversely affected by this pandemic and we hope our charitable efforts will help ease their burden a bit. We also consider ourselves very fortunate to be in a position to assist those serving on the front lines. Speaking on behalf of all of us at Vermont Mutual, I'd like to extend our sincere gratitude to every one of them."

For those Vermont organizations seeking funds under the Vermont Mutual COVID-19 Recovery Program, the company has created a grant application specific to those relief efforts. For more information, visit: VermontMutual.com/covid-19.

Vermont Mutual Again Recognized as a ‘Best Place to Work’

MONTPELIER, Vermont (Feb 6, 2020)—For the fifth year in a row, Vermont Mutual Insurance Group® has been recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in Vermont by Vermont Business Magazine and the Vermont Chamber of Commerce. The nationally recognized Property & Casualty Insurer has earned the distinction each year it has participated in the survey.

Vermont Business Magazine surveys companies annually to identify the best places to work in the state. They review company policies, systems, practices and demographics. Included in the assessment are anonymous survey responses from employees, which account for 75% of the total evaluation.  

Dan Bridge, Vermont Mutual’s President and CEO stated “Vermont Mutual has been recognized as a Top 50 insurer in the U.S. for eleven consecutive years, confirming our expertise in the insurance business.” Bridge continued “We believe our work environment and culture contribute significantly to our success and we are proud of our employees continued commitment to making Vermont Mutual a 'Best Place to Work’".

Susan Chicoine, Vice President of Human Resources, remarked “Vermont Mutual has been an employer in Vermont for over 190 years. In fact, many of our employees count the number of years they’ve been with the company in decades, rather than years and that is a testament to the positive atmosphere we all enjoy here.” Chicoine added 
“By offering a healthy work-life balance, flexible hours, competitive pay and benefits, both our employees and the company, benefit greatly.”

The final rankings will be announced at a special awards presentation on March 30, 2020 at the DoubleTree Hotel in So Burlington from 5:00 pm thru 7:30 pm. The awards program is presented in partnership with the Vermont State Council, Society for Human Resource Management, the Vermont Department of Labor, the Vermont Department of Economic Development, and Best Companies Group. 

To learn more about Vermont Mutual, both as an insurer and as a great place to work, please visit: vermontmutual.com.

Vermont Mutual Introduces Auto Premium Payback

With Vermont Mutual's staff successfully and safely operating at their remote locations, our focus has shifted to an analysis of the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our customers.

Like some carriers, we’ve begun to see a decrease in auto claims resulting from the stay-at-home orders across the Northeast. While it’s difficult to predict where this will settle and how quickly it will rebound, Vermont Mutual believes it is in the best interest of our customers to issue a refund.

Starting May 1, 2020, we will begin mailing letters to our Personal Auto customers advising them that they qualify for a payback equivalent to 20% of their auto premium for 3 months.

In addition, we will be offering an opportunity for those customers would prefer to directly donate their rebate to do so easily and quickly by visiting the web address supplied in the letter (or by scanning the QR code also included in the letter) with their smartphone. The charities selected (below) are those directly helping local communities affected by the COVID-19 pandemic:

• Feeding America
• Meals on Wheels
• The United Way
• The Salvation Army

Vermont Mutual appreciates and values our customers and we are grateful to be able to provide this premium refund. Working together, we will all get through this.

If you are a Vermont Mutual Auto customer and wish to choose a charity instead of receiving a payback, please visit the link below:

Auto Payback Donation Page

Vermont Mutual Once Again Rated A+ Superior by A.M. Best Company

MONTPELIER, Vermont (January 29, 2020)—A.M. Best, the global rating agency for the insurance industry, has affirmed the rating of A+ (Superior) for Vermont Mutual and its two fully reinsured subsidiaries, Northern Security Insurance Company, Inc. and Granite Mutual Insurance Company.

A.M. Best’s Financial Strength Rating is an independent appraisal of an insurer’s financial strength and their ability to meet policy and contract obligations. The internationally recognized rating is the result of a comprehensive examination of a company’s finances and operations. A.M. Best acknowledged Vermont Mutual’s very strong Balance Sheet, their strong Operating Performance, favorable Business Profile and appropriate Enterprise Risk Management in its assessment of the company’s operations and results.

Vermont Mutual’s President and CEO, Dan Bridge, stated “As an A+ rated insurer, Vermont Mutual finds itself in a select group of high performing companies in the insurance industry. To remain at this level requires a dedicated team of talented people, working together to be the very best. I am both proud and appreciative of the efforts of our employees, directors, agents and business partners that have resulted in this A.M. Best A+ rating and the improved financial stability for our policyholders.”

Executive Vice President & COO, Mark McDonnell, added “We are grateful, not only for this recognition by A.M. Best, but also for the financial results that support the A+ rating and allow us to continue to invest in our organization and everyone who has a hand in our success. Our ability to focus on continuous improvement positions us well for a bright future.”