A quarter of a million car insurance customers affected by COVID-19 have taken up Youi’s premium refund offer, the insurer says.

In mid-April, Youi offered three months of 15% refunds on car insurance premiums which the insurer says sparked “incredible demand.” It later offered 10% premium refunds on both home and car insurance for a further three months.

Youi’s premium relief applies to existing and new customers who are at home more due to the pandemic.

CEO Hugo Schreuder says passing savings on was the “right thing to do” as people drive less and spend more time at home, resulting in less motor vehicle accidents and home related thefts.

The high number of customers opting into the relief package demonstrates the need for insurers to support customers through Covid-19, he said.

The three-month premium relief offers will provide a 10% refund for all existing customers, as well as new customers who are at home more or using their car less due to the COVID-19 crisis.