Even as the nation’s largest insurance companies – household names like Liberty Mutual, State Farm, or GEICO – are canceling or limiting policies in climate-vulnerable areas while raising rates, they are also supporting the chief cause of the climate crisis by insuring and investing in fossil fuels.
Fortunately, it is possible to find alternatives to the largest US insurance companies. Green America's Climate Smart Insurance Directory has suggestions for insurance companies in every state that do not insure major fossil fuel projects and are not major investors in fossil fuel companies.
Most companies in the Green America directory are regional mutual insurance companies – showing once again that the best option for responsible business is to shop in your local area. Our directory identifies options in every state for responsible home, renters, and car insurance companies.
Shopping for Insurance
Once you have some company names from our Climate Smart Insurance Directory, call three independent insurance agents in your area and ask them to quote costs and coverage for policies at those or other regional mutual insurance companies. Different agents work with different companies, so talking to more than one agent will give you a fuller picture of what is available in your area.
Regional insurance companies are no more risky than large insurers and could save you money on your premium for the same coverage. Many have been in business for decades, some for over a century. Examples of responsible regional mutuals include American Family Insurance based in Wisconsin, Grange Insurance based in Ohio, and Utica Mutual Insurance based in New York.
You can also call these companies directly yourself. Be sure to ask about a company’s holdings and policies before purchasing an insurance plan.
Next: Socially Responsible Investing
With banking, credit cards, and insurance, we give our money to someone else who can then use it as they see fit. Our job is to identify responsible players who will use our money in a way that aligns with our values. Investing is different: Whether you are buying stocks or setting aside money for retirement, you are in charge of how your money is used. Learn how you can use socially responsible investing to build a more sustainable and equitable world.
