Hartford Supports Electric Cars

NU Online News Service, April 10, 11:41 a.m. EDT

With an estimated 27,000 electric cars expected to hit the roads in 2011, The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. says it is installing electric vehicle charging stations at its Hartford, Simsbury and Windsor, Conn., campuses.

The company says it is also enhancing its homeowners insurance products with several new green features, including coverage for home-based electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.

“Electric vehicle charging stations will soon be an integral part of the American infrastructure, both at the workplace and in the home,” notes Liam E. McGee, The Hartford's chairman, president and chief executive officer in a statement. “Installing electric vehicle charging stations and providing insurance coverage for them demonstrates our support for developing the electric vehicle market and our commitment to a cleaner environment.”

The Coulomb Technologies charging stations at The Hartford campuses will be managed by the ChargePoint Network and can be used by Hartford employees free of charge.

A company spokesperson says there will be two stations in each location capable of charging up to four cars.

“These new charging stations are an exciting and innovative way for The Hartford to show its commitment to Connecticut, its residents and the environment,” says Connecticut Governor Dannel P. Malloy in a statement. “Promoting ways to increase our physical and environmental health and well-being helps to improve our overall quality of life, makes Connecticut a more desirable place to do business and puts us on a path to a more sustainable future.”

In conjunction with the EV charger installations, The Hartford is enhancing its homeowners insurance products with several new green features, including:

• EV Charger Coverage—updating products to clearly include home-based EV chargers as covered property for new and existing customers.
• Green Rebuilding Coverage—offers additional coverage for using environmentally-friendly materials or processes to make repairs after a covered loss or making necessary replacements with more energy-efficient or environmentally-friendly property. These optional features will be widely available by the end of the year.