Disaster-relief grants available for insurance businesses
The Trusted Choice Relief Fund is supporting agents and brokers impacted by catastrophes, thanks to recent support from Progressive.
Progressive Insurance recently donated $800,000 to the Trusted Choice® Relief Fund, which distributes cash grants to natural-disaster victims and surviving family members.
These funds were earmarked to support independent insurance agents, brokers and other insurance professionals impacted by such recent disasters as floods, hurricanes and wildfires.
Related: USAA, members donate nearly $3M for hurricane relief
“Independent agents are an integral part of our business and following the recent hurricanes, we’ve learned many who have been working tirelessly assisting our mutual customers to begin the recovery process have also been personally impacted by the devastation,” said, Progressive President and CEO Tricia Griffith said in a press release. “We’re committed to ensuring agents have access to immediate support so they can rebuild their lives and businesses and continue helping their clients. We encourage all agents and agency employees affected by recent disasters across the country and in need of financial support to consider applying and taking advantage of these grants.”
The Trusted Choice® Relief Fund was established in 2007 by the nonprofit IIAA Educational Foundation of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big I®). It has since, “provided millions of dollars of quick, critical financial relief to those in the independent agency channel, ensuring they can recover swiftly and continue serving their communities after catastrophes.”
In the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the fund issued grants to applicants affected by damage to their businesses, homes, automobiles and other belongings. Applicants reportedly use the fund grants to secure accommodations, replace equipment, and purchase everyday essentials like clothing, transportation and recovery tools.
Charles Symington, Big I® president & CEO, encouraged agents who need help now or in the future to apply for a grant.
“The Trusted Choice Relief Fund is here to support independent insurance agents and their staff through the challenges a major disaster brings, and we are grateful for Progressive’s partnership and continued generosity in supporting the fund,” Symington said in the press release. “It’s a critical lifeline for our members who are often the ones helping others, but now find themselves in need when their workplaces or employees have been impacted. Thanks to substantial contributions like this, we can provide financial aid when and where it’s needed.”
Independent insurance agents in disaster-affected areas are encouraged to review the fund guidelines and apply for assistance. Those who wish to donate can make a contribution online.
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