In response to the Executive Order 20-51 issued by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis establishing COVID-19 response protocols and directing a public health emergency in Florida, and following Governor DeSantis’ Executive Order 20-52 declaring a state of emergency in the state of Florida, the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation issued Informational Memorandum OIR-20-04M on March 25, 2020, which includes the following guidance:
Leniency on Premium Payments
- Regulated entities are encouraged:
- When prudently possible, to be flexible with premium payments in order to avoid a lapse in coverage. Such flexibility can include: relaxing due dates, extending grace or reinstatement periods, waiving late fees and penalties, and allowing payment plans.
- To consider cancellation of policies only 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.
Removing Certain Personal Auto Exclusions
- Regulated entities are encouraged to consider allowing insureds to use personal vehicles for commercial use such as delivery of goods and services, provided that such use is limited to the duration of Emergency Orders 20-51 and 20-52.
Underwriting and Claims Inspections
- 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
In any case where handwritten statements are required from policyholders or customers, regulated entities are encouraged to accept electronic communications.
The entire Florida Informational Memorandum OIR-20-04M may be found here.