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November 8, 2005
The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America Puts its Policyholders First in the Aftermath of the Hurricanes
NEW YORK, N.Y., November 8, 2005 — Following what has been described as one of the worst hurricane seasons in history, The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America (Guardian) continues to provide unprecedented support and assistance to those individuals and businesses affected by the recent storms. As a mutual company, Guardian has a 146 year history of putting policyholders first. During times of crisis, this commitment is even greater.
"Guardian has been deeply concerned about those impacted by Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma, and we are committed to providing the assistance we can to help the victims of these catastrophic events," said CEO Dennis Manning. "Further, we are committed to our affected policyholders who need our support now more than ever. Immediately following the storms, Guardian implemented emergency policies so that our clients could focus on recovery. In several instances, this assistance goes beyond the requirements mandated by the States or FEMA."
In its unwavering commitment to policyholders and clients, Guardian offered a range of enhancements to assist policyholders affected by the storms including payment extensions and emergency loans. In those areas declared a disaster by FEMA, the payment period for life insurance, disability income insurance and long term care insurance has been extended by 90 days and provides a total grace period of 120 days, well above and beyond legal requirements and those extensions offered by several key competitors. The grace period for group employee benefit plans has been extended 60 days to a total of 90 days. In addition, Guardian continues to adhere to all state-mandated requirements for policy holders.
In addition to these policyholder emergency enhancements, Guardian also donated $250,000 to two disaster relief organizations to assist in the hurricane relief efforts across the Gulf Coast including AmeriCares, which has been helping to provide emergency medical relief and other supplies to victims of this disaster, and the Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund, an umbrella organization to assist the victims specifically within the states of Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi.
Guardian encourages affected policyholders to contact the company if they need assistance. The company has established a toll-free number that can be dialed from anywhere in the US, 1-866-367-4077 from 7AM-4PM Central Time. For additional information on the status of Guardian offices in the affected region, along with more details on the Guardian policyholder emergency enhancements please visit www.guardianlife.com/katrina.
About Guardian
Founded in 1860, The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, New York, NY (Guardian) is the fourth largest mutual life insurance company in the United States. As of December 31, 2004, Guardian and its subsidiaries had $39.5 billion in assets. With more than 5,000 employees and 2,900 financial representatives, as well as over 80 agencies nationwide, Guardian and its subsidiaries protect individuals, businesses and their employees with life, disability, health and dental insurance products, and offer 401(k), financial products and trust services. More information about Guardian can be obtained at: www.guardianlife.com.
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