Contributions support relief and recovery operations.
Insurance firms and their affiliated organisations are contributing to relief efforts in Florida by doing more than just processing claims in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
One such example is the GEICO Philanthropic Foundation, which is matching employee donations dollar for dollar and giving a $500,000 donation to the American Red Cross.
LaDonna Bond, GEICO’s head of social impact and DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion), stated: “At GEICO, we are committed to uplifting communities where we live and work, and this is especially important following natural disasters.”
“The GEICO Philanthropic Foundation is proud to support the American Red Cross in their ongoing efforts, and their expertise in disaster relief will ensure that contributions reach those most affected, providing critical aid during this difficult time.”
In the meantime, XINSURANCE, which conducts business under Evolution Insurance Brokers’ DBA, has sent out specialised teams to offer in-person assistance to Florida’s impacted towns. Additionally, XINSURANCE will match contributions up to a total of $100,000.
“We mean it when we say we fight for you when things go wrong—and that includes being there, on the ground, when it matters,” stated Rick J. Lindsey, president, and chief executive of XINSURANCE.
In a similar vein, USAA and its members have contributed close to $3 million towards the relief effort, of which $1.4 million will fund initiatives spearheaded by World Central Kitchen, Team Rubicon, and the American Red Cross.
Wayne Peacock, president and CEO at USAA, said: “We’ve seen the true power of the USAA family in the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. We’re grateful to our teammates who are standing tall for members, both with boots on the ground and through phone and digital, and to all our members who are helping to support families in need.”
Zurich North America, meantime, is augmenting insurance claims staffing where required and simultaneously contributing to support not only policyholders but also its workers in affected locations.
CEO of Zurich North America Kristof Terryn stated, “We are committed to supporting impacted customers, colleagues, and communities in recovery efforts. Milton and Helene have caused significant damage and disruption.” “The longer-term recovery offers many opportunities to also strengthen resilience against future storms, even though the losses are difficult.”
While Milton made landfall near Siesta Key this month as a Category 3 storm, Helene made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane in the Florida Big Bend region in September.
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