Policy Premium Payment Concerns Related to COVID-19 Conditions

In these unprecedented and difficult times, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted businesses, employees, customers and communities. We sincerely appreciate your choosing Berkley Surety on behalf of Berkley Insurance Company for your surety needs and we want to remain connected with you to assist with any issues or concerns you have regarding your cancellable or renewable bonds. Since the onset of the COVID-19 situation Berkley Surety has implemented its business continuity plans which are designed to address situations like this. As a result, Berkley Surety remains fully operational and ready to serve our customers, while most of our employees are now working remotely for their own safety and protection. This transition has been relatively seamless and we continue to deliver the highest service and support for our customers. In addition, the following provides additional details on how to contact us to discuss any issues regarding insurance you have purchased from us. If you have any concerns regarding your ability to make a scheduled premium payment for your current policy, please contact us directly at the number or website listed below: Berkley Surety at (800) 456-5486, option 4; or send an email to [email protected]. We will be happy to discuss your individual situation and we will endeavor to make reasonable accommodations when required by a specific state insurance department, or if not required, when possible to avoid the cancellation or non-renewal of your current surety bond or bonds. We hope these options will provide the flexibility needed to enable you to get through this difficult and challenging period. We value your business and we welcome the opportunity to serve you now and in the future.

During the period that Governor Cuomo’s Executive Order 202.13 is in effect, currently until April 28, 2020, any New York resident individual or small business that is experiencing a financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and can provide a written attestation of that financial hardship, may be entitled to a 60-day grace period to pay their current premium due. Such policyholders who are unable to make any premium payment due during that 60-day period can request payment of that unpaid amount over a 12-month period. For purposes of this notice, “small business” is defined as an independently owned and operated business resident in the State of New York that employs 100 or fewer individuals. Affected individual and small business New York policyholders should contact Berkley Surety’s billing department for further information on providing a written attestation and to learn about premium payment accommodations that may be available. Please contact Berkley Surety at (800) 456-5486, option 4; or send an email to [email protected].

Pursuant to Bulletin 20-15 issued by the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance, New Jersey policyholders who may be experiencing a financial hardship due to COVID-19 may request a 90-day grace period for the payment of insurance premiums. Such affected policyholders may elect to have the 90-day grace period take effect retroactively as of April 1, 2020 or elect to have the grace period take effect beginning on May 1, 2020. During the grace period, insurers may not cancel affected policies for nonpayment of premium. Also, during the grace period, insurers are required to waive any late payment fees and must allow premiums of affected policyholders due but not paid during the grace period to pay such premium payments over an extended period of time during the policy period or in 12 equal installments over a 12 month period. Late payments during the 90-day grace period will not be considered in any future premium calculations. If you are, experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19 and wish to request a 90-day grace period as outlined above, please contact Berkley Surety at (800) 456-5486, option 4; or send an email to [email protected].