COVID-19: Resource Center

Updated June 26, 2020

Keeping You Covered, on Your Terms

As the impact of COVID-19 is felt in our communities, please know that we are your partner. The safety of our customers, employees and communities remains our priority, along with helping you through this challenging time.

Many of our insurance carriers are working with customers to address financial hardship. We are here as your advocate and we can help you reach out. Please see more information on payment grace periods and other rights below.

So you don't have to leave your home, we want to remind you that you can pay your insurance bills online or by phone.

Stay in Touch

We want to provide you the latest updates that directly impact you now and in the months to come.

To keep you as up to date as possible, please make sure we have your current email address and cell phone number on file. Please call us (518) 792-5841 or email us at here4u@upstateagency.com to update your information.

Key Resources

To help answer your questions, here are some key resources.

Office Availability

We are underway on a phased reopening of our offices, and we look forward to seeing you in person again.

Most Offices are Open

Though most of our offices are open, the following remain by appointment only:

Elizabethtown
Plattsburgh
Warrensburg

In cooperation with the banks as part of the Arrow Family of Companies, the reopened offices will follow the same safety precautions as our bank counterpart, as outlined below.

Safety Precautions at the Forefront

In order to safely take this important step for you, our clients, we are implementing the following protocols as we welcome you back:

Social distancing
Face coverings are required
Each office will post maximum occupancy on the door (Please wait outside or call the office if at capacity)

We thank you in advance for your cooperation with these measures.

Other Offices Remain by Appointment Only

We will be posting regular updates to the Locations page as that changes. As a reminder, you can pay your bill online 24/7.

If you need to visit one of our other offices, please call ahead to answer a few health and safety questions and schedule an appointment at our discretion. Face coverings and social distancing are required for an appointment.

Thank you again for your understanding as we put health at the forefront of our decisions.

Payment Grace Periods and Other Rights

If you or your small business is experiencing financial hardship as a result of COVID-19, please know that payment grace periods and other rights have been issued in New York State for certain property/casualty insurance policies and life insurance policies.

Find more information regarding grace periods, catching up on overdue payments, a moratorium on cancellation and other rights.

Visit the New York State Department of Finance site to learn more or view the Executive Order from Governor Andrew Cuomo directly.

COVID-19 Scams

Unfortunately, events such as the global pandemic create opportunities for cyber criminals. More than 4,000 coronavirus-related sites have been registered since January, and many are malicious. Here are some best practices to protect yourself:

Watch for fake websites and go directly to trusted urls instead of using links from social media or other places
Watch for spoofed emails meant to look like official organizations such as the CDC or World Health Organization, but which actually contain malware
Use only trusted sources for information about the virus, such as legitimate government sites we have listed below
Use caution with all links and attachments; hover over links before clicking to see where they go

Employee Benefits Resources

Upstate Agency has gathered a number of resources to help answer your questions and help keep you, your employees and those close to you informed:

Recognize the Symptoms. This handout from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) illustrates the three most common symptoms: fever, cough, shortness of breath. Share this with your staff as you see fit.
What To Do If You Are Sick. The CDC gives actionable steps on what to do if you become ill or suspect you might you have the virus. All steps are meant to prevent the spread of the disease to your loved ones and community members.
Educate Employees. Learn about educating staff, taking precautions and maintaining fairness in the workplace.
HDHPs to Cover Coronavirus Costs. The IRS now allows high deductible health plans to pay for COVID-19 testing and treatment before plan deductibles have been met.

Health Plan Carriers and General Information