December is upon us, and the new year is quickly approaching. As I reflect on 2020, I’d like to start by thanking you for your commitment and dedicated partnership. This past year has challenged us in many different ways: a pandemic forced us to live life differently; we experienced unprecedented wildfires in addition to seasonal hurricanes; protests lead to property destruction, and more. As partners in business, we have demonstrated our ability to be nimble and adapt to the changing environment. This is no small feat, and I appreciate all of the extra effort these changing times have required!
The good news is, 2020 also brought successes in a variety of ways:
New business has been strong, and in particular, the new Nonprofit & Human Services forms helped us gain traction in this niche.
GuideOne’s unique GuideVantage resources and value-added services are a strong differentiator for our business.
Our increased BOP appetite for religious organizations resulted in more opportunities.
GuideOne’s AM Best stable rating was confirmed.
We launched new digital premium payment capabilities through BillingCenter, which offers our customers a smoother billing experience.
As we look to 2021, let’s focus on these positives and keep the momentum going. I appreciate your partnership and look forward to working together in the new year! I wish you a safe and healthy holiday season and some well-deserved time to spend with your loved ones.
2020 ... and What a Year it was!
Dave Dietz, SVP Core Commercial Lines
It goes without saying that 2020 has been a year of change and challenge – certainly for GuideOne and for you, our valued distribution partners, but especially for our policyholders. Religious organizations, nonprofit & human services agencies, schools and senior living centers have been deeply impacted by the hardships this year has brought, yet they continue to serve their members with grace, humility and compassion. We are inspired by their devotion to making the world a better place.
It is an honor to partner with you to provide insurance to your clients. We appreciate the confidence that you place in us. While we have not visited in person with you for nearly nine months, we treasure our relationships and have enjoyed staying in touch digitally and by phone. We hope to return to in-person visits soon.
Despite all of 2020’s challenges, we consider it a successful year. We made noticeable progress in our ease-of-doing-business initiatives, renewed 90% of our policies, increased new business in our Nonprofit & Human Services niche by 72%, and provided unrivaled claims service to the policyholders who needed it.
On behalf of everyone at GuideOne, I wish you a healthy and safe holiday season and look forward to building on our success in 2021.
BillingCenter: Launched!
As part of our effort to be easy to do business with, GuideOne implemented new digital premium payment capabilities through BillingCenter, which launched on Monday, December 7, 2020, for new business and at renewal for existing business. If you missed it, you can view the details here:
Equipment Breakdown Partner Now Travelers Boiler RE
Effective May 1, 2020, GuideOne has partnered with Travelers Boiler Re (TSB) to provide Equipment Breakdown coverage on our Commercial Property and Business Owner's Policies. This change is effective for all policies on or after 5/1/2020.* Policyholders should see minimal to no impact to their GuideOne equipment breakdown coverage as a result of this change.
As many states require periodic inspections for issuing and renewing certificates permitting the continued operation of certain equipment such as boilers, water heaters and pressure vessels, we do have an update to the contact information if an inspection is needed.
If a GuideOne policyholder requires an inspection to obtain a jurisdictional certificate-of-operation, please contact TSB to perform the next required inspection.
TSB Inspection Hotline: 1-800-425-4119
If calling TSB directly, they will need:
Name of business as shown on policy
Policy number
Location of the equipment (physical address)
Name of person and phone number to contact to schedule the inspection
Type of equipment requiring inspection
Certificate number and certificate inspection date
You or the GuideOne policyholder may also request an inspection by completing and submitting the form below.
*Policies effective prior to 5/1/2020 will continue to have Hartford Steam Boiler service the account until the policy renews.
Please note that jurisdictions where the policyholders' equipment is located may charge a fee for renewing a certificate. It is the policyholders' responsibility to pay any certificate-of-operation fees.
Helping customers feel protected from the unexpected is a key advantage of Roost’s property sensors. As another value-added service provided through our GuideVantage program, these sensors help prevent and minimize water damage by detecting water leaks and freezing temperatures.
Now, as many buildings are not occupied daily due to the pandemic, this service is more important than ever. Roost’s Smart Water Leak and Freeze Detectors notify and enable customers to address issues before they become significant problems.
Eligible* customers may receive two complimentary sensors, which use a smart phone and WiFi to connect. Help your customers stay safe from water damage with Roost.
*Eligible customers include: religious organizations, nonprofit & human services organizations, small businesses and educational institutions.
Winter is on the way, and so are the risks of water damage, slips and falls, and decorating mishaps. Our Risk Control Team has compiled years of industry expertise and claims service to create these safety resources to help your customers reduce risks this season:
Follow us on social media for more timely tips you can share with your customers.
Let’s Fight the Flu & Stop the Spread
What are your customers doing to reduce the spread of viruses? Is it enough? With the peak of flu season ahead and COVID-19 still spreading in many communities, it's more important than ever to be vigilant. Share our Flu Prevention safety resource with your customers, and encourage them to visit our COVID-19 resource page for additional information.
Custom GuideOne holiday cards are now available for order on MarKit! Holiday cards are located under the Direct Mail tab on the MarKit home page and offered at the same discounted rate as other available postcards.
Enter your contact information, custom message and upload your mailing list – we’ll take care of the rest!
