Proxy questions and answers
What is the proxy?
It confers upon another the temporary ability to vote on your behalf at a policyholders meeting to conduct company business. Since PEMCO Mutual Insurance Company is a mutual insurer, the policyholders collectively own the company and are entitled to attend and vote at an annual meeting. Most policyholders choose not to attend, so we ask for proxies to have enough policies represented to conduct business at the meeting. The first-named person on a policy is considered the representative policyholder for that household; therefore, the proxy document asks for that person to sign the proxy.
Why am I getting this proxy now? I don’t remember getting one before.
It used to be included on applications for insurance. Proxies are valid for a limited time, so we need to refresh them. We’ve decided it’s more effective to send the proxy in a separate letter, and doing so helps ensure our proxies will be current.
Does the proxy affect my policy?
No. The proxy has no other relation to your insurance coverage. You can revoke your proxy at any time by writing to us.
If I don’t return the proxy, will PEMCO cancel my insurance or raise my rates?
Your response to the proxy has no bearing on your future eligibility for insurance with PEMCO Mutual Insurance Company or on your policy rates. Returning the proxy simply helps PEMCO make basic, annual business decisions without needing to have each policyholder attend the meeting.
What happens if I don’t return the proxy?
Nothing. However, we need enough proxies returned to allow the annual meeting to proceed as planned, so we hope you’ll sign and return your proxy.
How do I know when the annual meeting will be?
You’ll find the date for the annual meeting on the jacket of your policy. Annual meetings take place at PEMCO’s Home Office in Seattle on January 3 of each year, or on the following Monday if January 3 falls on a Saturday or Sunday.
Why is the length of the proxy five years?
That’s the period of time that proxies are considered valid by Washington law, unless they’re revoked by the policyholder before that time.
What types of voting issues come up at the meeting? What goes on?
Typically, the meeting consists of:
- Re-election of directors
- Nomination/Election if a new director is needed
- Brief review of the previous year’s business highlights.
Will the proxy company keep my information private — not share it with other companies outside of PEMCO?
Yes, your information will be kept private.
What is Policyholder Proxy Services Company?
Policyholder Proxy Services Company is a privately held Washington corporation that, when granted by the policyholder/member, has the power to appoint a proxy on his or her behalf to vote at PEMCO Mutual Insurance Company’s annual meeting of members.
If you have additional questions about the proxy process, please call us at 1-800-467-3626, or e-mail us.
