On March 25th, Governor Tim Walz issued Executive Order 20-20 (the “Order”) directing Minnesotans to stay at home or in their place of residence except to engage in the Activities and Critical Sector work described by the Order. For purposes of the Order, homes or residences include hotels, motels, shared rental units, shelters, and similar facilities, to the extent they are used for lodging.
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Texas Department of Insurance Posts Extension Schedule for Insurer Financial Filings
The Texas Department of Insurance has posted a bulletin announcing the extension of selected filing deadlines and a modification of filing requirements for reporting insurers.
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Locke Lord QuickStudy: Texas Supreme Court Answers Certified Question Regarding an Insurer’s Duty to Defend
In Richards v. State Farm Lloyds, — S.W.3d —, 2020 WL 1313782 (Tex. Mar. 20, 2020), the Texas Supreme Court answered a certified question from the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals about the scope of an insurer’s duty to defend its insured against third-party claims. In determining whether an insurer has a duty to defend, Texas generally uses the “eight corners rule,” under which an insurer’s duty to defend is determined by comparing the claims alleged within the four corners of the petition with the coverage provided within the four corners of the policy.
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Delaware Orders Insurers To Cease Cancellation Or Non-renewal Due To Nonpayment During Delaware State Of Emergency
On March 24th, Governor John Carney, in consultation with the Delaware Department of Insurance, issued a sixth modification to the state of emergency requiring that insurers cease cancellations or non-renewals of insurance policies due to nonpayment of premium duration the declared Delaware State of Emergency for those residents and businessowners experiencing a loss of income. Previously, Insurance Commissioner Navarro had only recommended insurers take these action.
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DC Issues Guidance Relating to Insurance Impacts of COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
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.
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COVID-19 Insurance Regulatory Updates To Keep You Informed During The Lockdown
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.
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Texas Department of Insurance Announces Extension of Claims Handling Deadlines Due to COVID-19
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.
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Oklahoma Issues Bulletin on Immediate Measures to be Taken by Property Casualty Carriers
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.
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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 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
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 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