The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation has issued an additional memorandum related to the coronavirus outbreak to all the insurers and entities it regulates in an effort to provide general guidance on the treatment of policyholders, according to a statement Wednesday.
The insurance regulator is also offering extensions to insurers for submitting annual statements and allowing electronic signatures for certain entities where allowed by law.
OIR said this newest informational memorandum is being issued as “part of the state’s ongoing efforts to protect Floridians” and in response to Governor Ron DeSantis establishing COVID-19 response protocols and directing a public health emergency in Florida.
“In light of the circumstances related to COVID-19, and the fact that these circumstances are beyond the control of regulated entities, OIR will not consider actions described below that provide benefits to policyholders and are applied in a nondiscriminatory manner to be violations of underwriting guidelines or the prohibitions against unfair trade practices,” the memorandum states.
Leniency on Premium Payments
OIR said it encourages regulated entities, when prudently possible, to be flexible with premium payments in order to avoid a lapse in coverage. It noted that as part of the state’s ongoing efforts to minimize the spread of COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the State of Florida have advised individuals to adopt far-reaching social distancing measures, such as working from home and avoiding gatherings of more than 10 people. This could cause workers in many industries to be displaced for a period of time. OIR said insurers can be flexible to policyholders in several ways, including: relaxing due dates; extending grace or reinstatement periods; waiving late fees and penalties; and allowing payment plans.
“Regulated entities are encouraged to only consider cancellation of policies if all possible efforts to work with consumers to continue coverage have been exhausted. Regulated entities should extensively and proactively message, to their consumers and agency partners, the avenues by which consumers and agents can communicate specific situations to regulated entities for purposes of allowing flexibility,” the memorandum states.
Removing Exclusions on Certain Personal Auto Exclusions
OIR noted that in response to the state efforts to limit large gatherings while remaining open, many restaurants and other businesses are offering delivery of goods and services. As a result, many insureds may be temporarily utilizing their personal automobile for purposes that might otherwise be considered commercial use.
“Regulated entities are encouraged to consider allowing such use for insureds, provided that such use is limited to the duration of the Emergency Orders,” the order states.
Underwriting and Claims Inspections
Given the guidance issued by the State of Florida regarding social distancing, consumers may not be able or willing to receive in-person inspections of insured property for the purposes of binding or issuing new or renewal insurance policies, wind mitigation inspections, or adjusting a claim and employers may not be able or willing to receive in-person auditors for audits of its business records. OIR said regulated entities, agents, consumers, and employers are strongly encouraged to explore virtual options for underwriting and adjusting claims in lieu of in-person property inspections and for premium audits of employers’ records.
General Considerations
OIR said it “understands that as regulated entities undertake efforts to move employees into telework arrangements, and as OIR itself moves employees into telework arrangements, certain operations and functions may need to be revised temporarily.”
It encouraged companies to implement several standards to meet these emerging needs:
- In any case where handwritten statements are required from policyholders or customers, regulated entities are encouraged to accept electronic communications.
- Regulated entities are encouraged to use email to initially arrange teleconferences with OIR staff, as many OIR staff will be in telework arrangements and may not be accessible via their normal OIR phone number.
- OIR is granting a 30-day extension for any annual statements due to be filed with OIR by a regulated entity on or before May 1, 2020, for the certain regulated entities, including: a. health maintenance organizations; b. insurance administrators; c. continuing care providers; d. multiple-employer welfare arrangements.
- OIR said it will accept electronic signatures and electronic notarizations that comply with Florida law, or equivalent laws in the regulated entity’s domiciliary jurisdiction, on documents regulated entities are required to file with OIR through May 1, 2020.
“OIR stands ready to assist with any issues or questions to best serve Floridians and will continue its communication with insurers regarding COVID-19,” The statement said.
This informational memorandum is in addition to, and does not replace previous memorandums.
Source: Florida Office of Insurance Regulation
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