The Housing Equality Center of Pennsylvania (“HECP”) and the Arbor Insurance Group (“Arbor”) entered into a conciliation agreement, resolving allegations that the company discriminated against African American and Hispanic testers who called to request quotes for homeowners insurance.
Arbor signed an agreement that will result in the company adopting an affirmative marketing plan and an initiative focusing on community education. Arbor also pledged to donate to the Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley (“CACLV”) and its FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER PROGRAM. Arbor employees will be on hand at seminars with first-time homebuyers to discuss the benefits and technical aspects of homeowners insurance, and to educate consumers on the various insurance options available to them as they prepare to purchase their first home. HECP will also receive a payment from Arbor to cover a portion of the costs incurred to bring about the agreement, and to provide future compliance testing and technical assistance to Arbor.
“HECP commends the Arbor Insurance Group for their cooperation in coming to an agreement that will expand access to quality insurance products and increase homeownership opportunities for moderate income homebuyers and people of color in the city of Allentown,” said HECP Executive Director, Rachel Wentworth.
From 八月 of 2012 to 十月份 of 2014, HECP conducted a testing investigation that indicated an agent of Arbor did not provide quotes for homeowners insurance over the phone to African American and Hispanic consumers who declined to provide their social security number, while not requiring this information from white consumers. Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, known as the Fair Housing Act, makes it unlawful to discriminate in connection to any housing related transactions, including homeowners insurance, based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or familial status.
“The market works best when everyone can participate,” commented Alan Jennings, Executive Director of CACLV. “We appreciate the work of the Housing Equality Center of Pennsylvania in helping to ensure that everyone has access to economic opportunity. We also appreciate the commitment Arbor Insurance is demonstrating in reaching out to those who, for too long, have been left behind.
Together, we can make a big difference.” “Arbor has always been committed to promoting a culture of diversity and inclusion. We consider ourselves to be an advocate for all consumers through our ongoing efforts to partner with insurance companies that can provide more flexible coverage options. As a company, we are always looking for ways to make insurance more flexible to the Lehigh Valley Community,” said Bill Hacker, President and CEO of Arbor. “In addition, we are pleased to be part of the good work done by CACLV, which will go a long way towards ensuring that every resident of the Lehigh Valley has equal access to insurance services.”
