Allstate Defers Premium Payment For Fire-Hit Customers

Northbrook, Ill.-based Allstate Insurance Company announced today that as of last Thursday they have implemented up to a 30-day deferred payment period for customers located in counties directly affected by the wildfires in southern California.

The company said this means customers who qualify for deferred payment and are unable to make their premium payments will not be penalized with a loss of coverage during the deferment period.

If a qualifying customer continues to make payments, even if it's not the minimum due, their payments will be credited toward the outstanding premium amount, Allstate explained

The company added that if a qualifying customer has a renewal policy offer pending during this timeframe but is unable to make a payment; their policy will continue to be in effect. Additionally, installment fees will be waived during this timeframe.

Robert Barge III, field vice president for Allstate Insurance in California, said the action is "just one more way we're working with our customers to help them get on the road to recovery as soon as possible."

Allstate said customers who qualify for deferred payment and are currently enrolled in the Easy Pay Plan, Mortgagee Pay or Payroll Deduction programs will not automatically be placed on a deferred payment schedule.

However, the insurer said if funds are scheduled for removal from a customer's account in the impacted areas and no funds are available, the qualifying customer will be removed from the program(s) and rolled over to the deferred payment schedule.

Counties currently impacted by this decision include Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Orange and San Diego.

During the initial 30-day period and beyond, Allstate said it will continue to work with officials in California to monitor the situation and adjust the deferred payment program as warranted.

Companies within the Allstate family include: Allstate Insurance Company, Allstate Motor Club, Allstate Life Insurance Company, Allstate Workplace Division, Lincoln Benefit Life Company, Surety Life Insurance Company, Encompass Insurance Company and Deerbrook Insurance Company.