Attached is a copy of a story that was published in the Liberty Mutual/Safeco‘s Global Internal Newsletter, and sent to all employees, staff, agents, claims, and all upper management globally. It was written by Keilani LaCapra, Associate Communications Consultant, GRM US Distribution.
“GRM US Claims Team Manager Tom Donohue recalls the moment a homeless veteran and “all around good guy” received a car.
“He literally had no words. He kept walking around it saying, ‘I’m dreaming,’” he said.
He also fondly remembers holding back tears when a young lady who went through multiple lung transplants received a car to help get her back and forth to her medical appointments.
“They’ve all touched me in their own way, he said. “We work hard at providing a safe and reliable mode of transportation for them.”
Both are heartwarming examples of making things better via a Liberty/Safeco partnership with Mike’s Auto Body in Walnut Creek, Calif.
Sal Contreras, director of Mike’s Benevolence program, said it started when Safeco’s Patrick O’Brien asked if the shop wanted to participate in what is now known as the Guaranteed Repair Network program. Knowing Safeco’s commitment to give back to local communities, Contreras asked O’Brien if Safeco would be willing to participate in the Benevolence Program by donating a salvage vehicle for the 2005 Christmas presentation.
Here’s how it works: Donohue and his team actively look for totaled vehicles to repair and then donate to Mike’s, which in turn donates to those in need. The vehicles are total losses relative to their value; they are generally in good shape with minor dings, fire mishaps, and repairs needed.
“Most of the time they’re recovered thefts with very little damage,” said Donohue, who will get word from Mike’s that someone is in need through its application process or through a local charity. For example, a paralyzed veteran who needs a mobility van. Contreras sends word, and Donohue gets to work on a perfect match. Once the car is finished, it often looks brand new – inside and out.
Contreras says it’s a 2- to 3-month process to fully refurbish a totaled vehicle – slightly longer since the pandemic – and all work is through donations, whether parts or labor. Recipients need not be existing Liberty policyholders, but we do provide them free with insurance for the first year after they receive the vehicle.
Mike’s Auto Body recently gave away its 100th vehicle at an event back in December. Liberty Mutual/Safeco partnered to give the 99th vehicle away at the same event. Cars often come with trunks packed with gift cards, toys, bikes, gas cards, registration, and insurance for a full year.
“It’s hard to put into words but just seeing the smiles that it puts on their faces and knowing that it’s going to help them, the kids that are involved, it’s just very rewarding in the sense that we’re able to do something,” said Contreras. “That’s what it’s all about – it’s all of our community getting together and being able to transform lives by giving them reliable transportation. It just makes me feel good, and at times it brings a tear to my eyes.”
“To whom much is given much is expected. When you give back, you get ten-fold out of,” says Brian Fening, Senior Claims Field Manager, who gives the final stamp of approval before a vehicle is refurbished for the program. He says that Benevolence, and partnerships like it, prove that we are a company that lives its values and cares about more than just the bottom line. “It’s inspiring to make a difference outside the walls of Liberty.”
Giving back also helps the business.
Fening sees this as a good example of being responsible with our resources. A totaled car that would otherwise be scrapped can be saved, and given new life to help others. Thinking outside the box with corporate partnerships could help pave the way for other similar help programs.
Donohue said it also helps make a positive impression in community outreach and dispels the myth that insurance companies don’t care.
In the future, both Donohue and Fening want to get the word out and expand community partnerships beyond their region.
“I have heard of others who are doing something similar in other markets of our organization,” said Donohue. “I’d love to see us bridge those gaps and build upon what we’ve already started.”
Cars often come with trunks packed with gift cards, toys, bikes, and more.
Building partnerships helps create stronger communities, and the joy of helping others makes individuals stronger. Contreras, Fening, and Donohue all fondly point to that joy when reading through the numerous Thank You notes and emails they receive.
He said he’s excited for more employees at Liberty to hear about this program.
“Why not share those great stories and why not really promote Liberty as a carrier that not only speaks our values but lives our values?” asked Donohue. “Actions speak louder than words.”