FAQS

General Voluntary Benefits Questions

What types of coverage are offered under the Harvard University Voluntary Program?
- Auto and Home Program¹
- Pet Insurance

When can I enroll/apply?

You may enroll/apply for any of the benefits year-round.

Where do I go to apply or ask questions?

Call 1-866-228-3516 for your free, no-risk, no-obligation quotes from licensed representatives. For more information about the Auto and Home Program and Pet Insurance, log in to CrimsonPersonalPlans.com.

How will I pay for the benefits, and when will payments begin?

You have the option to set up automatic premium payments through convenient payroll deductions. These deductions will be taken on a post-tax basis. Once you enroll, you will notice the payroll deduction within a few days or up to 45 days from the start of enrollment, depending on the enrollment date. Additionally, depending on the product, there are other payment options available, such as electronic funds transfer (EFT) or credit card payments. The licensed representative will have complete details about payment options when you call to apply for coverage.

Can I keep the coverage if I leave Harvard?

You can continue most coverage without interruption through direct billing. Since payroll deduction is no longer available, you will have the option to convert to different billing methods. In some instances, higher rates may apply.

How can I terminate coverage? How will I be refunded if extra deductions are taken?

Call 1-866-228-3516 if you would like to discontinue or adjust coverage. If you terminate coverage and use payroll deduction for your insurance premiums, expect the deductions to stop within 45 days of your call. If you have made any excess payments, they will be fully refunded to you. The refund will be sent to you in the form of a check from the insurance carrier. You can expect to receive the check approximately 60 to 90 days after you call to cancel your coverage.

Auto Insurance

Who are the insurance companies in this program?

This program can provide quotes and coverage from several well-known companies, including: Liberty Mutual Insurance, Farmers GroupSelect® and Travelers.²

Please note that you may not receive a quote from all of these companies depending upon your personal circumstances and state of residence.

Do I need to wait until my current auto insurance policy comes up for renewal to switch to another plan?

No – in fact, that’s a common misconception about auto insurance. You can get quotes and switch to another policy at any time. There’s no need to wait to take advantage of potential savings.

Who in my family is eligible for this program?

You and your immediate family members are eligible to use this service for coverage.

How much does coverage cost?

There is no cost for getting a quote or for switching to a new company – it’s free and there’s no obligation. Your cost is purely the cost of the auto insurance itself based on the coverage you select. There are no added fees.

What if my employment status changes?

Good news! If you leave or retire from your current employer, you can continue your coverage without interruption (subject to applicable law and the plan’s terms and conditions). Although payroll deduction will no longer be available, you can opt for other payment methods such as direct bank account deduction, credit card billing or home billing. Higher rates may apply.

What do I do if I have a claim?

Call the number listed in the “Contact Us” section of this website and you will be routed to your insurance company. Always call as soon as possible, regardless of who is at fault. Even if the accident appears minor, it is important that you let your insurance company know about the incident.

Can I only use this service for my car(s)? What about other types of vehicles?

You can also use this program to get quotes and coverage for motorcycles, boats, ATVs, RVs, and personal watercraft.

Which discounts could I receive?
Because this program is provided to Harvard University employees, you could receive an employee discount of up to 15%.² Other discounts and savings may apply, so please ask about savings for having any of the following that may apply to you:
- Multi-Car
- Multi-Policy
- Anti-Theft Device
- Safe Driver
- Tenure

When would my new policy begin?

Almost immediately, if you would like! If you are accepted for coverage, your auto insurance can start the day after you apply for the coverage over the phone. If you want to receive proof of your new coverage sooner rather than later, you can get temporary insurance cards by fax or email, subject to state availability. Your permanent cards will be mailed to you.

Home & Renters Insurance

Who are the insurance companies in this program?

This program can provide quotes and coverage from several well-known companies, including: Liberty Mutual Insurance, Farmers GroupSelect®, and Travelers.²

Please note that you may not receive a quote from all of these companies depending upon your personal circumstances and state of residence.

Do I need to wait until my current homeowners or renters insurance policy comes up for renewal to switch to another plan?

No – in fact, you can get quotes and switch to another policy at any time. There’s no need to wait to take advantage of potential savings.

Who in my family is eligible for this program?

You and your immediate family members are eligible to use this service for coverage.

How much does coverage cost?

There is no cost for getting a quote or for switching to a new company – it’s free and there’s no obligation. Your cost is purely the cost of the home or renters insurance itself based on the coverage you select. There are no added fees.

What if my employment status changes?

Good news! If you leave or retire from your current employer, you can continue your coverage without interruption (subject to applicable law and the plan’s terms and conditions). Although payroll deduction will no longer be available, you can opt for other payment methods such as direct bank account deduction, credit card billing or home billing. Higher rates may apply.

What do I do if I have a claim?

Call the number listed in the “Contact Us” section of this website and you will be routed to your insurance company. Always call as soon as possible, regardless of the situation.

What type of "homes" can be covered?

You can use this program to get quotes and coverage for single-family homes, townhomes, condos, apartments, mobile homes, second or vacation homes, and rental properties.

I don’t own a home. Why would I need renters insurance?

Your landlord’s insurance policy probably only covers the building or apartment where you live (the physical structure), but not your belongings or your liability for accidents.

If your possessions are stolen during a break-in or damaged by a fire or severe weather, a renters insurance policy may allow you to recover their value. Also, if someone is injured during an accident in your home, renters insurance could help protect you in the case of a liability lawsuit.

Which discounts could I receive?
Because this program is provided to Harvard University employees, you could receive an employee discount of up to 15%.² Other discounts and savings may apply, so please ask about savings for having any of the following that may apply to you:
- Multi-Policy
- Tenure

When would my new policy begin?

Almost immediately, if you would like! If you are accepted for coverage, your home insurance can start the day after you apply for the coverage over the phone. If you want to receive proof of your new coverage sooner rather than later, you can get temporary insurance cards by fax or email, subject to state availability. Your permanent cards will be mailed to you.

Pet Insurance

Who is the provider?

Pets Best

Built upon a legacy of innovation, Pets Best focuses on putting customers first by offering flexible coverage, easy claims process, and excellent customer service. Pets Best is highly rated by independent review sites and is recommended by veterinarians across the nation.

Who in my family can use this program?

While the program is only available for you to sign up through your employer, you can get quotes for all of your dogs and cats.⁴

How much does this coverage cost?

You can get dog or cat health insurance starting at just $1/day.⁵The price of an Accident and Illness BestBenefit plan is based on three factors: age, breed, and location. For accident and illness plans, you can choose your deductible ranging from $50 to $1,000, reimbursement percentage (70%, 80% or 90%) and annual limit ($5,000 and Unlimited). Pets Best offers a wide range of plans to fit your budget and pets’ needs.⁶

What if my employment status changes?

Good news! If you leave or retire from your current employer, you can continue your coverage without interruption (subject to applicable law and the plan’s terms and conditions). Although payroll deduction will no longer be available, you can opt for other payment methods such as direct bank account deduction, credit card billing or home billing. Higher rates may apply.

How can this help me?
By enrolling in coverage with Pets Best, you’ll enjoy:
- Up to 90% reimbursement on eligible covered accidents and illnesses³
- Flexible coverage options
- 24/7 pet helpline available to all policyholders— via text, call or email
- Coverage for eligible expenses related to accidents, illnesses, surgeries, cancer, and more!
- Optional wellness plans

Are there other benefits included with this plan?

Vet Direct Pay

As an optional claims reimbursement feature that's available with all Pets Best plans, you can have them pay your vet directly for any claim reimbursement amount reimbursement amount (with veterinarian approval).

24/7 Pet Helpline

Get answers to your pet health questions at any time of day by phone, live chat, and email. Veterinary experts are available to help educate and provide advice and decision support on everything from urgent care to behavioral questions.

This service has no limits on usage during your policy term, so you'll always have access to veterinary experts as long as you are a customer.

When would my coverage start?

A waiting period refers to the amount of time after enrolling before your pet is eligible for coverage. Waiting periods vary by the type of coverage and start on the effective date of your policy. Once met, waiting periods are waived for continuous, uninterrupted policy renewals. Pets Best offers some of the shortest waiting periods in the industry following the policy effective date. Get a quote for specific information on waiting periods in your state.

How do I file a claim? How does my veterinarian receive payment?
File a claim in just 2 easy steps.
- Pay your veterinarian directly at the time of treatment.
- Submit your claim through the Pets Best mobile app, email, fax, or mail.
Pets Best will process your claim and reimburse eligible expenses with a check or direct deposit. Pets Best can also reimburse your vet directly if the veterinarian allows and signs the Pets Best Vet Reimbursement Release Form.

What if my pet currently has an illness?

Any illness or injury your pet had before your coverage started is called a pre-existing condition. Pre-existing conditions are not covered.

Pets Best also offers accident-only coverage for pets with severe chronic conditions and wellness coverage to help manage the cost of routine care for your pet.

Can my coverage be canceled because of how many claims I make or how old my pet gets?

No. As long as you keep your policy continually in force (don’t let it lapse or expire), your pet cannot be dropped or your insurance canceled for any reason – including a pet’s age or the number of claims you make.

Do I need to provide my pet’s medical records to get this coverage?

Medical records are not required during the enrollment process, but may be required during the claims process.

Legal Disclaimers

¹Auto insurance and home insurance may not be available from all carriers in all states and may not be offered in this program.

²Discounts are not available from all carriers and are only available to those who qualify. Coverages, discounts and billing options are subject to state availability, individual qualification, and/or the insuring company’s underwriting guidelines. Individual savings may vary and are not guaranteed.

³Select a plan that reimburses 70%, 80%, or 90% of the cost of eligible veterinary treatment. Limited to covered expenses.

⁴Group discount applies to BestBenefit plans; discount not available in AK, HI, or TN.

⁵Pet insurance coverage offered and administered by Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC is underwritten by American Pet Insurance Company, a New York insurance company headquartered at 6100 4th Ave. S. Suite 200 Seattle, WA 98108, or Independence American Insurance Company, a Delaware insurance company located at 11333 N. Scottsdale Rd, Ste. 160, Scottsdale, AZ 85254. Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC (CA agency #0F37530) is a licensed insurance agency located at 10840 Ballantyne Commons Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28277. Each insurer has sole financial responsibility for its own products. Please refer to your declarations page to determine the underwriter for your policy. Terms and conditions apply. See your policy for details.

⁶Rates are subject to change upon regulatory approval and will vary based on location, breed, age, and selected coverage options, deductible and reimbursement.

Mercer Health and Benefits Administration LLC

AR Insurance License #100102691

CA Insurance License #0G39709

TX Insurance License #1850385

In CA d/b/a Mercer Health and Benefits Insurance Services LLC

Mercer

FAQS

Frequently Asked Questions

Find the answers to all of your voluntary benefits questions.