BULLETIN
June 28, 2019
Western National Minnesota Homeowner and Personal Auto Program Revisions
We recently completed a regular review of Western National’s Homeowner insurance program in Minnesota. While an overall rate increase is not necessary at this time, we are making changes that will generate an increase or a decrease in premium for most policyholders. Changes being implemented on new and renewal Homeowner policies effective August 1, 2019 are outlined below. In addition, we have updated the information required for Personal Auto quotes, effective immediately.
Homeowner Program Rating Updates
Base rates for Preferred HO 0003 and HO 0005 forms will decrease by 24%. With this change, pricing for comparable coverage will be lower in the Preferred Program than it will be for the same property in our Standard Program.
Our Preferred Program is for homes that have been built (or have been completely renovated) in the last 30 years and are located within five miles of a fire department.
Rate Increase for Standard Program
Base rates in our Standard Homeowner Program will increase 4.5%.
Introduction of Rating for Siding Material
New and renewal policies effective August 1, 2019 and later will include rating factors for exterior siding material. The factors vary slightly based on susceptibility / resistance to loss. For example, homes with vinyl siding will receive a slightly higher rate for siding material compared to brick homes.
Modification of Rating for Roof Material
Rating factors for roofing material are being adjusted to reflect performance. With the exceptions noted below, the adjustments are minor.
- Wood Shake Roof +15%
- Metal +10%
- Slate -10%
The premium impact of these changes will vary for each policy based on individual risk characteristics.
Optional Coverage Endorsements to Protect Family Members
We strive to continuously update our coverage offerings based on your feedback. We are pleased to offer the following optional coverage endorsements for relatives of our policyholders who may be in transition and/or without a policy of their own.
New! Coverage for Non-Resident Relative (WN HO 107)
This endorsement provides $10,000 of personal property coverage (a $500 deductible applies), and $100,000 in personal liability coverage to a relative of the policyholder who does not reside in the policyholder’s household. The coverage may be useful for adult children or retired parents who are traveling and do not have a permanent residence.
New! Personal Property Coverage for Designated Relative (WN HO 106)
This endorsement offers a low $250 deductible on up to $10,000 in personal property coverage. The endorsement may be appealing to college students or others who qualify for coverage under the Homeowner policy but would prefer a low deductible.
Coverage for Resident of Assisted Living Facility (HO 6235)
This endorsement provides $10,000 in personal property coverage, $6,000 in additional living costs coverage (up to $500 per month), and $100,000 in personal liability coverage for family members who regularly reside in an assisted living facility. The policy deductible applies to this coverage.
At this time, we are making one additional change based on feedback from you, our valued agency partner:
Water Back Up and Sump Discharge or Overflow (WN HO 33)
We have expanded the maximum available coverage limit for Water Back Up and Sump Discharge or Overflow coverage from $50,000 to $100,000.
Changes to the Vehicle Page in AgentsOnline
- Annual mileage is now required for each vehicle. The addition of this field will allow us to collect data that better reflects the attributes of each vehicle and driver.
- We have implemented stronger rules to help ensure accurate 17-digit Vehicle Identification Numbers.
For specific information about these and other coverage options, contact your Personal Lines Underwriter or Regional Agency Manager, or check out policy forms and marketing materials online. Our searchable Personal Lines Forms Library and Marketing Materials Library allow you to quickly find and download Western National policy forms and flyers. You can access both libraries, as well as our Commercial Lines Forms Library, using the links under the “View Forms & Brochures” header on the homepage of AgentsOnline.
