COVID-19 Resources
Effective Mar. 30, New York Executive Order 202.13 and Regulation 216 require insurers and agents to take specific actions to provide relief to policyholders who are suffering financial hardship due to COVID-19.
Order 202.13
Governor Murphy has signed an executive order extending the grace period for residents unable to pay their insurance premiums because of a loss of income or other negative impact as a result of the COVID-19 emergency.
The Governor’s order require a minimum 60-day grace period for health and dental insurance policies, and 90-days grace for home and auto insurance, renters insurance, life insurance, and for insurance premium-financing arrangements among others.
Additionally, this order makes clear that all claims covered by the insurance policy must be paid out to those who are within these grace periods. In addition, insurers cannot demand repayment of unpaid premiums in a lump sum at the end of the grace period, but rather they must spread these back-payments out over the remainder of the insurance term.
Finally, insurers are required to provide each policyholder with an easily readable written description of the terms of the extended grace period.
More information will be available when the Executive Order is published.
Posted/Updated: 4/9/20
Source: Executive Order No. 123
If you own a business, here are some resources that may be helpful.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance and Loan Resources
Coronavirus Relief Options (Loan Info, Paycheck Protection Program, Debt Relief)
Will my Business Income coverage apply?
The news on all networks have been filled with information on the now declared pandemic Coronavirus or COVID-19. It is possible for your commercial property insurance to extend coverage to include coverage for loss of business income due to a closure of your business caused by a covered peril (fire, windstorm as examples). A communicable disease like the Coronavirus may not be a covered peril, but you should not allow that assumption to keep you from taking action.
First, it is critically important to report all claims and potential claims to EACH AND EVERY CARRIER whose policy might apply to your loss.
Second, you need to determine whether you purchased business income coverage which if covered is typically an extension in your property insurance. If you don’t find it in your policy description, call our office.
Third, if your business closes due to Coronavirus, it is important to know (again) that communicable diseases typically are not a covered peril that would give rise to insurance benefits for loss of income. It doesn’t matter if the loss of income is just from a downturn of business due to the loss of many customers or the actual closure of your business. However, you should still report all claims and potential claims. Please let us know if you have any questions.
What are some recommendations on how to keep my staff safe?
What is my insurance company offering in regards to payment plan options or premium relief? Check with your insurance company below to see what options you have.
