Canadian digital insurance provider Onlia Insurance is offering its customers a break from paying their premiums in May because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdown.

Onlia, which provides auto and home insurance to consumers, says the measure is necessary to help relieve the financial impact the pandemic is having on its customers. Dubbed a “premium holiday”, it is available to all of Onlia’s active auto and home policyholders as of March 31 who have made at least one full monthly premium payment. Onlia’s customers will automatically receive a one-month premium waiver, the company says.

"Onlia has always put the safety of Canadians first, and now more than ever we are pulling together to protect one another," says Pieter Louter, CEO of Onlia. "With customers presently experiencing unprecedented lifestyle changes, we are taking additional steps to provide support and assistance to our community."

Onlia joins several other Canadian insurance companies that have announced rate relief measures in recent weeks because of COVID-19.

Meanwhile, the insurer is also activating its Onlia Sense safe-driving mobile app to reward its customers for staying at home during the crisis. Though the app is designed to provide drivers with monthly auto premium discounts based on their driving habits, during the month of May, Onlia customers can earn $20 for not driving at all.

"Trips taken by Onlia Sense users have decreased by 70% from March 1 to April 1, displaying a commitment to social distancing,” adds Olivia van Eyk, head of marketing at Onlia.