We are pleased to present this 20th Anniversary edition of our Excess and Surplus Lines Law Manual. This edition reflects all of the pertinent changes in the surplus lines laws and regulations of the 50 states and U.S. territories during the past year. The website provides you with the ability to click on the states and territories of interest to view the updates.
Read More Excess and Surplus Lines Law Manual 2020 Update

The high court of Maryland has endorsed pro rata allocation under CGL policies in an asbestos bodily injury case, affirming the lower court and stating that “[t]he pro rata allocation approach—a longstanding precedent adopted by the [state intermediate appellate court] and a majority of other jurisdictions—is the correct standard.”…
Read More Maryland Joins State Supreme Courts Endorsing Pro Rata Allocation for Long-Tail Losses

In conjunction with the Locke Lord COVID-19 task force, we are reviewing, analyzing, and compiling regulatory updates to provide clients easy access to information during this unprecedented time.  If you have any questions on the subject matter below, do not hesitate to reach out.  The information below relates to state and federal bulletins, emergency orders, pending/enacted legislation, and other related actions taken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read More COVID-19 Daily Insurance Regulatory Updates To Keep You Informed During The Lockdown (April 3rd, 2020)

The NAIC has released a COVID-19 Information Request Template (the “Template). The Template preamble explains, “it was developed for purposes of state insurance department use in collecting information from U.S. insurance groups and legal entities (hereafter “companies”) on their preparation for and exposure to the novel coronavirus known as COVID-19.
Read More NAIC Releases COVID-19 Information Request Template

In conjunction with the Locke Lord COVID-19 task force, we are reviewing, analyzing, and compiling regulatory updates to provide clients easy access to information during this unprecedented time. If you have any questions on the subject matter below, do not hesitate to reach out. The information below relates to state and federal bulletins, emergency orders, pending/enacted legislation, and other related actions taken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read More COVID-19 Daily Insurance Regulatory Updates To Keep You Informed During The Lockdown (April 2nd, 2020 – Updated)

Jon Biasetti, Chicago Partner and Co-Chair of Locke Lord’s Regulatory and Transactional Insurance Practice Group, was quoted in a RADAR on Medicare Advantage article regarding a new proposed rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) allowing Medicare Advantage Organizations (MAOs) to enter into quota share reinsurance arrangements provided they satisfy certain conditions.
Read More RADAR on Medicare Advantage Quotes Chicago Partner Jon Biasetti in Article Examining CMS’ Proposed Rule Regarding MAOs’ Ability to Utilize Quota Share Reinsurance

Texas Governor Gregg Abbott on March 31, 2020, issued Executive Order GA 14 renewing social distancing guidelines in Texas.  Of particular significance to the insurance industry, the Governor’s Order adopted U.S. Department of Homeland Security guidance establishing insurance services as “essential services” and classifying members of the insurance industry as federally identified “essential critical infrastructure workers” under the broader heading of “Financial Services.”…
Read More Texas Governor Adopts Executive Order Exempting Insurance Industry Business Travel from Quarantine Restrictions

In conjunction with the Locke Lord COVID-19 task force, we are reviewing, analyzing, and compiling regulatory updates to provide clients easy access to information during this unprecedented time.  If you have any questions on the subject matter below, do not hesitate to reach out.  The information below relates to state and federal bulletins, emergency orders, pending/enacted legislation, and other related actions taken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read More COVID-19 Daily Insurance Regulatory Updates To Keep You Informed During The Lockdown (March 31st, 2020)

Opening day might be delayed, but first pitches have already been thrown in courtrooms across the U.S. by insureds seeking business interruption cover for Covid-19 related losses. The judges calling balls and strikes in such cases may see some tough pitches, but the general dispute appears clear enough – can the insured prove the damage claimed is the result of a “direct physical loss” to property? …
Read More Business Interruption Insurance Coverage Litigation Arising from COVID-19

Molly McGinnis Stine, a member of the Steering Committee of Locke Lord’s Privacy & Cybersecurity Group, will moderate a panel at the 2020 Professional Liability Underwriting Society (PLUS) Cyber University on April 28, 2020.
Read More Locke Lord Privacy & Cybersecurity Co-Chair Molly McGinnis Stine to Speak at PLUS Cyber University