For information on our Annual General Meeting, please click HERE

WORKING HARD TO KEEP YOU PROTECTED DURING COVID-19

The continued spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) locally, nationally and around the world has understandably raised concerns for all of us. Trillium Mutual is here to help you navigate these uncertain times by continuing to protect you, while keeping everyone safe. Effective immediately and until further notice, we are making the following changes to our day to day operations as we continue to monitor the situation closely. We will continue provide our members and brokers assistance during these difficult times as we look to the future.

Our Commitment to Our Members

This year unlike any we have experienced in recent memory, many are dealing with feelings of stress and uncertainty arising from a global pandemic.  We understand that as a community focused organization we have a responsibility to support Ontario’s rural communities through these difficult times.  Trillium’s ROOTS Community Fund has allocated $100,000, along with $41,000 from the Farm Mutual Re Mutual Support Initiative, to support the development of mental health resources and improving their accessibility for rural communities, helping to address a vital need.  These resources are not always readily accessible and as we continue to navigate this crisis having access to these resources will be essential for the future of rural Ontario.  Please read more about these specific donations and initiatives below.

CMHA, Ontario

Trillium Mutual is proud to announce a $50,000 donation to the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) through our ROOTS Community Fund to support the roll out of the “In the Know” program. This program developed through the Ontario Veterinary College focuses on directly improving mental health literacy in agriculture.  “Trillium’s generous contribution was the catalyst that forged this great opportunity for us to support the agriculture community with mental health awareness and suicide prevention training” said Camille Quenneville, CEO of CMHA Ontario.   The “In the Know” course is an evaluated mental health literacy training program for farmers and people who work with farmers that has been shown to increase participants’ mental health knowledge and confidence in recognizing mental health struggles, speaking about mental health, and helping others who are struggling.  The course provides education on topics such as stress, depression, anxiety, substance misuse and how to start a conversation around mental well-being.  “Trillium Mutual believes that through this partnership, CMHA Ontario will be able to improve the accessibility of mental health resources to farmers and rural communities across the province,” said Tracy MacDonald, President & CEO of Trillium Mutual Insurance.

You can read the full press release here or check out the CMHA’s video testimonial here.

4-H Ontario

Trillium Mutual Insurance has donated $50,000 to support 4-H Ontario’s: Taking Our Mental Health to Heart Program.  This donation will provide 4-H Ontario with the ability to develop and implement a long-term program that will improve the mental health of over 6,000 youth across the province. “Trillium Mutual Insurance is a community minded mutual, and we want to invest in our communities in a meaningful way. Mental health challenges affect all of us and our contribution to the 4-H Ontario program to educate youth and equip them with life-long skills to cultivate a healthy mindset is an investment we are proud to make,” said Tracy MacDonald, President & CEO of Trillium Mutual.  The program equips youth with the skills and knowledge to adapt to mental health challenges through hands-on learning.  Through strategies and training at both the local and provincial levels, 4-H will ensure that youth have the tools necessary for long-term success.  “Mental health is often an area that many, including youth, don’t want to discuss. Especially in rural Ontario, it can be difficult to access resources and support that can ease the struggles that some youth are experiencing.  The introduction of the Taking Our Mental Health to Heart program and the support from Trillium Mutual allows us to extend our program offering to reach rural youth and help them recognize and overcome mental health challenges,” said Christine Oldfield, Executive Director 4-H Ontario.  Youth can learn more about registering for 4-H Ontario by visiting their website here.

You can read more about this initiative here and check out the 4-H Ontario video testimonial here.

WES for Youth Online

We are very proud to announce a $5,000 donation to WES for Youth through the Farm Mutual Re. Mutual Support Initiative to continue providing free online counselling services to Ontario’s youth.  Since COVID-19 begun, the number of youth accessing WES for Youth’s services has tripled, to over 290, and they have provided over 400 hours of online counselling in the last three months.  Having access to mental health resources during this time, is critical for many youth and Trillium Mutual believes that we can contribute by helping provide resources for those most in need.  “We know that in order to support rural Ontario, youth living in those communities need to have better access to mental health resources. They have so much to offer us and so much potential, that providing increased access to these services will help them address and learn how to ask for help when dealing with stress, anxiety and other mental health issues,” said Tracy MacDonald, President & CEO of Trillium Mutual Insurance.  These online services allow youth to connect with qualified professional counselors to discuss and explore issues that they are facing in a safe environment. Youth do not require a doctor’s referral to register for their service and due to the fact that counselling is offered online, they can access this service anywhere and anytime.  “I’d like to thank Trillium Mutual and the ROOTS committee for their generous donation. These funds will provide over 30 hours of online counseling for remote and rural youth across Ontario. Thank you for supporting our vision,” said Jennifer Mulcaster, Executive Director, WES for Youth Online.

To learn more about this initiative you can read the full press release here and watch the 4-H Ontario video testimonial here.

 

SAFETY IS OUR TOP PRIORITY

We are all adjusting to fast changing circumstances due to the impact of COVID-19.  In order to be able to continue to be open for business, Trillium made the decision to transition our team to work remotely, keeping our staff accessible to provide the highest level of customer care directly and through our Brokers.

  • Our office will be temporarily closed to the public

FACE TO FACE MEETINGS (Risk Technicians & Claims Adjusters)

Our Risk Technicians and Claims Adjusters are returning to on-site visits with new policies and procedures in place to keep you, our community, our brokers and employees safe.  We have also implemented a number of new digital solutions to enable us to complete risk inspections remotely and virtual claims submissions.

  • Prior to each visit, we will need to ask a few questions regarding possible exposure to COVID-19
    • All staff will complete a self-assessment at home prior to starting each workday
    • We require your responses to the pre-screening questions to support the health and safety of everyone involved
    • Site visits will be postponed if you answer “Yes” to any of the pre-screening questions
  • All Risk Technicians and Claims Representatives will be provided with:
    • Gloves
    • Masks
    • Farm Safe Disinfectant
    • Alcohol hand sanitizer
    • Eye Protection

PAYMENT OPTIONS

We recognize that this time has created many financial challenges for people across Ontario. We want to make sure that we are working with you, our members, and our broker partners to alleviate some of that stress. Please contact your broker if you need to look into our payment options if you have been financially impacted by COVID-19.

Payments are available over the phone and on our website here.

SUPPORT FOR CUSTOMERS MAKING CLAIMS

We are proud to announce that we have launched a new online tool with Crawford & Company’s WeGoLook for contactless or ‘virtual’ claims submission and processing. We are committed to being there for you during the toughest of times and this new technology will allow us, if you need to make a claim, to get you safely back on track.

Claims payments can be made using EFT (Electronic Fund Transfers) and at this time we are recommending this method of payment

STATEMENT REGARDING POLICY RENEWAL CHANGES:

Your renewal premium may have increased and we would like to be transparent and outline the facts, including how we are responding during these challenging times.

Although your renewal premium may show an increase in 2020, we assure you that this is not, in any way, related to the COVID-19 situation. Increasing rates is a difficult decision no matter the circumstance and we understand that your personal circumstances may have changed dramatically. As a mutual insurance company, we are responsible to you, our Owners and Members, and not to external shareholders. Our aim is to consistently provide a level of coverage that is stable and sustainable; not to maximize profits.

The property insurance industry has seen major changes over the course of the last few years and as a mutual insurance company, we are no exception. Unfortunately, over the past years, we have experienced higher average claims costs and an increase in the frequency of losses leading to year over year net losses. Our financials are available here.

WATER PROTECTION COVERAGE

(APPLIES TO RESIDENTIAL AND FARM HOME OWNERS POLICIES)

Property damage caused by water escape and/or flooding is an increasing concern for many Canadian homeowners. Climate change, aging infrastructure, less green space in urban areas, and a lack of household mitigation measures results in millions of dollars of insurance losses each year. The average repair cost of a flooded basement is $43,000 (IBC, 2018).

As we get more data including flood mapping, the risk associated with most policies changes. Many insurance providers have moved from the traditional philosophy (the premiums of the many pay for the losses of the few) to a risk based pricing model.

In 2017, Trillium introduced Water Protection Coverage by adding sudden and accidental flooding. In order for us to continue to offer this product, the rating on our overland flood coverage has changed.

Your policy renewal documents will contain full details. The Water Protection Coverage is an optional coverage. Please speak to your Broker regarding your options.

Reviewing your coverage with your Broker is a great practice and may reduce your insurance premiums to better reflect your current circumstance.

QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS?

Should you have any questions or concerns regarding your insurance coverage we would encourage you to reach out to your broker directly. They will be able to help you navigate and understand your policy to determine the right level of coverage for you. If for any reason you can not get in touch with your broker our staff are ready to take your calls and help you with any requests and answer your questions during these difficult times.

HERE TO SUPPORT & PROTECT OUR MEMBERS

Your Broker and our Team at Trillium are here to support you. We are available to respond to your requests including providing personalized guidance on changing risk dynamics and coverages as well as payment deferrals in order to relieve some of the stress of the current environment.

For over 135 years Trillium Mutual has been dedicated to protecting you, our Members, through the most difficult of times. Our incredible team of broker partners and staff are working non-stop to keep you protected as we move forward into the future. As the current pandemic continues to change our current environment we will update this page with more information as needed.

Stay Safe and Take Care.