The District of Columbia’s Acting Commissioner of the Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (“DISB”), Karima Woods released  Commissioner’s Order 01-2020 on March 20, 2020 (the “Order”). The Order applies to all carriers offering health benefit plans in the District and all medical services obtained during the ongoing public health emergency, as declared by DC Mayor Muriel Bowser.
Read More DC Issues Guidance Relating to Insurance Impacts of COVID-19 Public Health Emergency

In conjunction with the Locke Lord COVID-19 task force, we are reviewing, analyzing, and compiling information from state and federal resources, including insurance trade associations, 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.
Read More COVID-19 Insurance Regulatory Updates To Keep You Informed During The Lockdown

The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) has announced that the claims-handling deadlines imposed by Texas prompt-payment laws are extended by 15 days.  The extension will assist carriers in responding to the Coronavirus pandemic and results from the combined operation of actions taken by Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Texas Insurance Commissioner Kent Sullivan.
Read More Texas Department of Insurance Announces Extension of Claims Handling Deadlines Due to COVID-19

On March 19th, the Oklahoma Department of Insurance issued Bulletin PC 2020-01, (the “Bulletin”), which sets forth immediate measures to be taken by property casualty insurance carriers in response to the COVID-19 State of Emergency.
Read More Oklahoma Issues Bulletin on Immediate Measures to be Taken by Property Casualty Carriers

On March 19th, the New York Department of Financial Services (“DFS”) issued Circular Letter No. 7 (2020) (the “Letter”) urging all regulated entities to do their part to alleviate the adverse impact caused by COVID-19 on consumers and small businesses.
Read More New York Department of Financial Services Issues Circular Letter No. 7 Urging Regulated Entities to do Their Part to Support Consumers, Including Actions to Avoid Cancellation or Non-Renewal of Policies

On March 18th, West Virginia Insurance Commissioner James A. Dodrill‎ (the “Commissioner”) issued Emergency Order 20-EO-02 (the “Order”), urging insurers to forbear from the cancellation or non-renewal of policies for reasons directly resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Order directs insurers to consider the difficulties experienced…
Read More West Virginia Commissioner Issues Executive Order and Bulletin ‎During COVID-19 Pandemic; Urging Insurers to Forbear from the Cancellation or Non-Renewal of Policies, and Allowing Temporary Licensing of Insurance Producers

On Monday, March 17, 2020, the Oceana Grill, a popular restaurant in the heart of the French Quarter in New Orleans, filed the first known business interruption lawsuit arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Oceana Grill alleges that it purchased an “all risk policy” from defendant Certain Underwriters at Lloyd’s London (“Underwriters”) which covers all direct physical losses to its property “unless the loss is specifically excluded or limited in the policy.”  According to Oceana Grill, the coronavirus is “physically impacting public and private property, and physical spaces in cities around the world.” …
Read More First Business Interruption Coverage Case Filed In Louisiana

On March 18th, as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, California Insurance Commissioner‎ Ricardo Lara issued a notice (the “Notice”) to all admitted and non-admitted insurance companies, all licensed producers, and other interested parties requesting that all insurance companies provide their insureds with at least a ‎‎60-day grace period to pay insurance premiums so that insurance policies are not ‎cancelled for nonpayment of premium.
Read More California Insurance Commissioner Requests All Insurance Companies Provide Their Insureds with at Least a 60-Day Grace Period to Pay Insurance Premiums

The Alaska Division of Insurance (the “Division”) issued two new bulletins this week in the wake of Governor Mike Dunleavy declaring a public health disaster emergency for COVID-19.
Read More Alaska Issues Two New Bulletins Related to COVID-19; Prohibiting Cancellation Due to Nonpayment of Premium, and Extension of Rate, Form, and Advertisement Filing

In response to the outbreak of Covid-19, the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) has issued almost ‎daily updates for insurance companies, agents, and other regulated parties. Some of the steps TDI has ‎taken which are of interest to the industry include the following‎…
Read More Texas Department of Insurance Provides Evolving Industry Guidance in Response to Coronavirus