At Forward Mutual’s recent annual policyholder’s meeting, Kim Ersland, Regional Marketing Manager for Grinnell Re, evoked an interesting thought. She said Forward Mutual gives back to the community every time it pays a claim.

Forward Mutual has a rich tradition of “neighbor helping neighbor” and it’s long been involved with the community. But how does paying claims fit into this scenario? Perhaps it’s an indirect way of giving back, but it’s important nonetheless. Let’s examine this further, because it happens wherever people live, work and play.

When a disaster causes damage to a policyholder’s property, Forward is quick to make an examination and pay the necessary claim to make repairs. This funding enables property owners to 1) make repairs themselves and spend locally for supplies, or 2) hire local contractors, which provides jobs and enables them to spend locally for supplies. When we spend local, we keep our money local. When we hire local contractors, we enable them to support their families, buy homes, and commit themselves to the community.

Here’s where “neighbor helping neighbor” shows through the greatest. Forward is a mutual organization, meaning it’s the policyholders themselves who are giving back to the community. Because of the support of other policyholders, people can afford the risk of starting a business or purchasing property. 

“Without the support of Forward Mutual, the ability to buy a home or farm or start a small business becomes less likely as consumers are not able to afford the risk they would have,” explains Ersland.  “A single loss would mean risking everything. People cannot and will not make that choice as it is too high a level of uncertainty, but mutual insurance makes sure that the risk is possible. I think it is one of the most unique and integral parts of supporting a community as it allows it to grow and thrive with less uncertainty.” 

Giving back to our community is an investment that benefits everyone. Forward Mutual is proud to offer its support.