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

On March 16th, New York Mayor Bill de Blasio issued Emergency Executive Order No. 100 (the “Order”), ‎imposing restrictions on gatherings ‎and businesses during the COVID-19 State of Emergency. The Order, amongst ‎other things, ordered the temporary closure of ‎all entertainment venues, commercial gyms, and adult congregate ‎centers‎‎. The Order also limits restaurants, bars and cafes to take-out and delivery orders only.‎…
Read More New York Mayor de Blasio Issues Emergency Executive Order 100 Imposing Restrictions on Gatherings and Businesses

On March 17th, John F. King, Georgia’s Insurance Safety Fire Commissioner issued Bulleting 20-EX-3 (the “Bulletin”), stating that the Georgia Department of Insurance will offer expedited review for two new endorsement forms relating to business interruption insurance and COVID-19.
Read More Georgia Commissioner Issues Bulletin Expediting Review Process for Endorsement Forms Relating to Business Interruption Due to COVID-19

The NJ Assembly Homeland Security and State Preparedness Committee (“AHS” or ‎‎“Committee”) met on Monday, March 16, 2020 to consider draft bill A3844 that would require ‎Business Interruption (BI) insurers to provide coverage for economic losses due to the COVID-‎‎19 crisis. Coverage for business or business interruption losses would be required despite a ‎‎“virus” exclusion in the current policies.‎…
Read More New Jersey Advances a Bill Providing Business Interruption (BI) Coverage Resulting from COVID-19

As the U.S. and the rest of the world grapple with the appropriate means and steps to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 version of Coronavirus, insurers and reinsurers can expect their insureds to submit all manner of claims if they are not already inundated with them. Third-party claims against insureds are also likely, with requests for defense and indemnity soon to follow.
Read More Insurers and Reinsurers can Expect COVID-19 Claims as Varied as the Virus Vectors