The Big “I” is pleased to announce that Foremost® Insurance and Bristol West® Insurance have donated $500,000 to the Trusted Choice® COVID-19 Relief Fund in response to the economic and operational challenges the coronavirus crisis has presented to independent agencies.

The grant will be dispersed directly to independent agencies via a Big “I” application process to meet those agencies’ critical needs in the midst of the pandemic. Independent agencies can apply for assistance online.

“Foremost Insurance and Bristol West Insurance stepped up to the plate at a crucial time for independent insurance agents with a $500,000 contribution to the Trusted Choice COVID-19 Relief Fund,” says Bob Rusbuldt, Big “I” president & CEO. “Last week, we had to halt acceptance of new applications to the fund due to an overwhelming need for assistance, but Foremost and Bristol West provided essential funding for independent agents during their time of need. We applaud Foremost and Bristol West for their great collaboration with the Big ‘I’ and their independent agents.”

The fund was established earlier this month after a single generous donation from a carrier partner. Within days, the Big “I” was inundated with more than 2,000 applications from independent agencies in need. The donation by Foremost and Bristol West, members of Farmers Insurance Group®, is crucial to continuing efforts to provide support to Big “I” member agencies.

“Other insurance carriers and industry partners are welcome to provide additional resources to support this new 501(c)(3) charitable fund,” Rusbuldt says. “As businesses across the country suffer the impacts of the pandemic and government mandated closures, independent agencies—many of which are small businesses themselves—are also experiencing the same challenges their clients are facing.”

“We’re a long standing supporter of Trusted Choice and the Big ‘I,’ and we’re privileged to help them provide resources to agents so they can take care of their customers and restore their agencies,” said Bob Sadler, senior vice president and head of independent agent operations at Foremost.

Foremost offers award-winning resources to support independent agents in connecting with their customers digitally during this unprecedented time. Agents can visit the SocialMediaSuitcase.com for free unbranded content to use on their agency's social pages and websites. They also offer content and tips for agencies and customers at ForemostAgent.com.

For more information about the crisis, the Big “I” has a coronavirus resource page with original articles, tools, webinars, news items and more to assist its members and their clients.

AnneMarie McPherson is IA news editor.