Disaster recovery

The Division directed all insurers authorized to transact insurance in Alaska to suspend cancellations or nonrenewals of policies in the affected areas for the duration of the bulletin. This moratorium was implemented to address the displacement of insureds, the inability to access homes or businesses and challenges in obtaining coverage during the disaster. Insurers are required to provide reasonable notice to policyholders before resuming standard cancellation and nonrenewal practices once normal conditions are restored. Additionally, the Division committed to working with carriers to minimize regulatory impacts, particularly regarding financial review requirements. While the grace period extension does not eliminate the obligation to pay premiums, it limits policy cancellations for late payments. Insurers are encouraged to collaborate with policyholders in premium collection, especially given potential disruptions to electronic payment systems caused by power and internet outages affecting financial institutions.

The Division reminded insurers of their obligations under AS 21.36.125 to acknowledge and act promptly on consumer communications, conduct reasonable investigations of all available information before denying claims, and provide explanations for claim denials or settlement offers. The bulletin also referenced Bulletin B18-17 regarding the dominant cause of loss, which remains available on the Division's website for further guidance. Insurers are expected to comply with these requirements to ensure fair treatment of consumers during the claims process.

Bulletin B25-08 supersedes Bulletin B25-07

In response to this Bulletin, TruStage advised all appropriate business areas of the Bulletin, the actions requested of insurance companies doing business in Alaska and asked for all such business areas to comply with the Bulletin's requests.

The Bureau of Insurance issued this Bulletin addressing the financial challenges faced by Maine residents due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. The bulletin specifically targets Maine-licensed insurance companies, including both admitted and non-admitted insurers, urging them to adopt flexible measures to assist policyholders whose financial stability has been negatively impacted by the shutdown. This includes federal employees and individuals whose employment depends on federal grants and contracts affected by the shutdown. The Bureau requests insurers to provide a minimum 60-day grace period for premium payments or offer other flexible payment options to ensure that essential insurance policies, such as life, health, auto, property, casualty and other types of insurance, are not canceled for nonpayment of premiums or subjected to penalties during this period.

The grace period and flexible payment options apply only to premiums due after the initial premium has been paid to secure coverage. These measures are not intended to alter the terms of the issued policy or constitute forgiveness of the premium. The Bureau emphasizes the importance of maintaining open communication with policyholders and encourages insurers to act in good faith to assist affected individuals. Insurers are urged to proactively address challenges faced by policyholders and ensure that coverage remains intact during this time.

In response to this Bulletin, TruStage advised all appropriate business areas of the Bulletin, the actions requested of insurance companies doing business in Maine and asked for all such business areas to comply with the Bulletin's requests.

It urges insurers offering life, health, property, casualty and other coverage types to provide relief to affected policyholders, including state and federal employees facing financial hardship.

Insurers are encouraged to implement support measures for at least 60 days.

Recommended actions include grace periods for premium payments, postponing cancellations and nonrenewals, waiving late fees and penalties, offering alternative payment plans and clearly communicating available options.

In response to this Bulletin, TruStage advised all appropriate business areas of the Bulletin, the actions requested of insurance companies doing business in Arizona and asked for all such business areas to comply with the Bulletin's requests.

Requests that insurers writing property and casualty insurance, including motor vehicle and homeowners' insurance policies (insurers), implement various safeguards in order to help ensure federal employees do not lose important insurance coverage.

The Kentucky Department of Insurance (DOI) requests insurers to defer cancellations for policies in force as of October 1, 2025, due to non-payment of premiums by federal employees impacted by the shutdown. Insurers are urged to continue coverage for at least 30 days or 30 days following the end of the shutdown, whichever is longer. If a consumer indicates that they have not received their guaranteed compensation after the shutdown ends, insurers are further requested to extend coverage for an additional 30 days, even in cases of unpaid premiums. Insurers are also permitted to extend payment time periods for premiums, copayments, deductibles and other charges to avoid financial hardship for affected consumers. These extensions should be reasonable and allow for recoupment of unpaid premiums from claims occurring during the forbearance period. Insurers are requested to provide extensions of at least 30 days for repairs if consumers indicate that repairs cannot be completed within the time required under their policies. Insurers may extend this period further if necessary.

In response to this Bulletin, TruStage advised all appropriate business areas of the Bulletin, the actions requested of insurance companies doing business in Kentucky and asked for all such business areas to comply with the Bulletin's requests.

Carriers must provide a grace period for premium payments missed due to financial hardship caused by the federal shutdown. While the law does not specify a duration, carriers are expected to allow sufficient time for recovery and resolution of delayed compensation. A minimum 60-day grace period is recommended. Longer grace periods are encouraged where feasible.

In response to this Bulletin, TruStage advised all appropriate business areas of the Bulletin, the actions requested of insurance companies doing business in Delawares and asked for all such business areas to comply with the Bulletin's requests.

The California Department of Insurance (DOI) is issuing this notice to address the adverse impacts of the partial federal government shutdown on California residents, particularly federal employees. The DOI requests that all admitted and non-admitted insurance companies, licensed insurance adjusters, producers and other related insurance organizations operating in California implement protective measures to ensure that policyholders affected by the shutdown do not lose their insurance coverage or face delays in claims processing due to non-payment of premiums or missed policy deadlines.

The notice provides a grace period for premium payments, requesting insurers to postpone or withdraw any cancellation or nonrenewal notices issued on or after October 1, 2025, for policies canceled due to non-payment of premiums. Insurers are asked to continue coverage for at least 30 days or through the duration of the federal shutdown, whichever is longer. This includes deferring premium payments, extending grace periods, accepting partial payment, and waiving late fees and penalties associated with delayed payments.

Additionally, the notice requests insurers to waive policy or statutory deadlines for claims submissions and underwriting requirements for at least 30 days or through the duration of the shutdown, whichever is longer. These deadlines include the submission of sworn proofs of loss, other claim forms, examinations under oath, medical examinations, physical inspections of insured property, required repairs to meet underwriting guidelines and other insurer-imposed deadlines that could result in forfeiture or limitation of policyholder rights.

In response to this Bulletin, TruStage advised all appropriate business areas of the Bulletin, the actions requested of insurance companies doing business in California and asked for all such business areas to comply with the Bulletin's requests.

The Illinois Department of Insurance has issued Company Bulletin 2025-17, which requests insurers to make accommodations for certain federal employees during the federal shutdown.

Insurers are requested to postpone or withdraw any previous notice of cancellation or nonrenewal for cancellations or nonrenewals that occur on or after October 1, 2025, due to nonpayment of premium. Insurers are asked to continue coverage in cases of unpaid premium for at least 30 days or through the duration of the federal shutdown, whichever is longer. The Department also requests that insurers continue coverage for an additional 30 days for policyholders who have not yet received their guaranteed compensation for the period of the federal shutdown.

Insurers are requested to provide policyholders with an extension of at least 30 days for repair deadlines if they inform the insurer that repairs cannot be completed within the time required under the policy, or within the 90-day period for repairs before termination due to condition of the property.

In response to this Bulletin, TruStage advised all appropriate business areas of the Bulletin, the actions requested of insurance companies doing business in Illinois and asked for all such business areas to comply with the Bulletin's requests.

The Bulletin applies to all insurance lines and directs insurers to extend premium grace periods by at least two weeks, ensuring coverage continuity. While premiums remain due, cancellations for late payments should be avoided. Insurers must assist policyholders with payment issues without requiring formal complaints, especially amid power and internet disruptions.

Insurers are reminded of obligations under AS 21.36.125 to respond promptly to consumers, investigate claims fairly and explain denials or settlements. Bulletin B18-17 on the dominant cause of loss also applies.

Bulletin B25-07 expires at 11:59 PM on October 31, 2025.

In response to this Bulletin, TruStage advised all appropriate business areas of the Bulletin, the actions requested of insurance companies doing business in Alaska and asked for all such business areas to comply with the Bulletin's requests.

Commissioner Mais requests that all insurance companies provide policyholders who are federal workers affected by the shutdown with at least a 60-day grace period to pay insurance premiums or other flexible payment options so that insurance policies are not canceled for nonpayment of premiums and penalties are not assessed during this challenging time. The requested grace period and flexible payment options are intended to be applied to premiums due after the initial premium has been made to secure coverage. They are not intended to change the terms of the issued policy or to be considered a forgiveness of the premium.

This request is directed to all admitted and non-admitted insurance companies that provide any insurance coverage in Connecticut, including life, health, auto, property, casualty and other types of insurance.

In response to this Bulletin, TruStage advised all appropriate business areas of the Bulletin, the actions requested of insurance companies doing business in Connecticut and asked for all such business areas to comply with the Bulletin's requests.

The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) expects insurers to work with their policyholders as they recover from the flooding in Hill Country. Specifically, TDI expects insurers to work with policyholders affected by the disaster who need more time to pay premiums to continue coverage. This may include minimizing penalties or charges for late payments or temporarily suspending payment or repayment plans. TDI will work with insurers to minimize the effects of any suspension of premium payments, specifically regarding financial review requirements. This grace period does not mean the forgiveness of premium.

In response to this Bulletin, TruStage advised all appropriate business areas of the Bulletin, the actions requested of insurance companies doing business in Texas and asked for all such business areas to comply with the Bulletin's requests.

This Bulletin informs insurers that they must provide reasonable accommodations, including a grace period for premium payment for a period of 60 days, to policyholders that reside in Allegany and Garrett Country due to a recent weather event.

In response to this Bulletin, TruStage advised all appropriate business areas of the Bulletin, the actions requested of insurance companies doing business in Maryland and asked for all such business areas to comply with the Bulletin's requests.

The California Department of Insurance (DOI) informs insurance companies and adjusters involved in handling claims from the recent wildfires in Southern California about the necessity of rapid claim payments to support wildfire survivors, reinforcing existing consumer protections and legal entitlements for policyholders who have suffered total losses.

The DOI requires insurance companies to expedite the processing of advance payments in line with California law, including a minimum of four months of living expenses as an advance payment under Additional Living Expense (ALE) or Fair Rental Value (FRV) for the Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR) Plan’s policies.

Additionally, the DOI stipulates that a payment for contents without inventory should be no less than 30 percent of the policy limit applicable to the covered dwelling structure, up to $250,000, without the need for an itemized claim.

In response to this Bulletin, TruStage advised all appropriate business areas of the Bulletin, the actions requested of insurance companies doing business in California and asked for all such business areas to comply with the Bulletin's requests.

Outlines requirements for property or homeowners and automobile policy insurers in the next 120 days with respect to policy holders whose residence is in the flood impacted areas. It requires a 120-day grace period for premium payments and a six-month payment plan if unable to pay the delinquency after the grace period. Insurers must waive deductibles, postpone cancellations and non-renewals, extend reporting requirements for claims submissions, provide duplicate policy copies at no cost, and suspend late payment, reinstatement, or insufficient funds fees, and other fee, penalty, or interest charge for the insured’s temporary inability to submit premium payments.

Insurers are directed to assist policyholders by informing them of these provisions and documenting their outreach efforts to those who suffered property damage, injuries, and other losses as a result of the catastrophic flooding.

In response to this Bulletin, TruStage advised all appropriate business areas of the Bulletin, the actions requested of insurance companies doing business in New Mexico and asked for all such business areas to comply with the Bulletin's requests.

This emergency order establishes grace periods for any policy, provision, notice, correspondence, or law that imposes a time limit upon an insured impacted by Hurricane Milton until December 10, 2024. The emergency order also prohibits the cancellation or nonrenewal of a policy in an impacted area, except at the written request of the policyholder, until December 10, 2024.

In response to this Bulletin, TruStage advised all appropriate business areas of the Bulletin, the actions requested of insurance companies doing business in Florida and asked for all such business areas to comply with the Bulletin's requests.

The South Carolina Department of Insurance has issued Bulletin 2024-12, which informs insurers that they are expected to make accommodations for policyholders directly impacted by Tropical Storm Helene included, but not limited to, extending certain deadlines and waiving late fees.

In response to this Bulletin, TruStage advised all appropriate business areas of the Bulletin, the actions requested of insurance companies doing business in South Carolina and asked for all such business areas to comply with the Bulletin's requests.

The Georgia Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire has issued Directive 24-EX-6, which prohibits insurers from cancelling policies for non-payment for policyholders in certain counties affected by Tropical Storm Helene.

In response to this Bulletin, TruStage advised all appropriate business areas of the Bulletin, the actions requested of insurance companies doing business in Georgia and asked for all such business areas to comply with the Bulletin's requests.

The Bulletin provides the specifics pertaining to extensions, deferrals, and other extra requirements applicable to the entities as referenced therein. Such entities are required to provide their customers adversely affected in the disaster area specific relief of the insureds’ payment, submission of claims and other responsibilities. You are encouraged to review the statutory requirements for proper implementation.

In response to this Bulletin, TruStage advised all appropriate business areas of the Bulletin, the actions requested of insurance companies doing business in North Carolina and asked for all such business areas to comply with the Bulletin's requests.

The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) has issued emergency Order (EO) 400385-24 to protect policyholders impacted by Hurricane Helene. The Order, among other things, extends grace periods, temporarily postpones cancellations or non-renewals of policies, and directs insurers to implement processes and procedures to facilitate the efficient payment of claims. This EO is effective immediately upon issuance and continues for 120 days unless terminated sooner by the Commissioner.

In response to this Bulletin, TruStage advised all appropriate business areas of the Bulletin, the actions requested of insurance companies doing business in Florida and asked for all such business areas to comply with the Bulletin's requests.

This emergency rule suspends certain statutes regarding cancellations, terminations, non-renewals and non-reinstatements, premium payments, claim filings and related provisions regarding any and all insurance matters affecting insureds in Louisiana caused by Hurricane Francine.

In response to this Bulletin, TruStage advised all appropriate business areas of the Bulletin, the actions requested of insurance companies doing business in Louisiana and asked for all such business areas to comply with the Bulletin's requests.

The declaration mandates insurers of property located in the impacted county to settle property damage claims arising from the wildfires within 90 days from the date of the order. Pursuant to Section 59A-16-20(F) NMSA 1978, it is an unfair claims practice for an insurer to fail to settle all catastrophic claims within a 90-day period after the assignment of a catastrophic claim number when a catastrophic loss has been declared.

In response to this Bulletin, TruStage advised all appropriate business areas of the Bulletin, the actions requested of insurance companies doing business in New Mexico and asked for all such business areas to comply with the Bulletin's requests.

This Bulletin directs insurers to provide policyholders impacted by the heavy rain and landslides in Ketchikan, Alaska with a grace period of at least two weeks for premium payments.

In response to this Bulletin, TruStage advised all appropriate business areas of the Bulletin, the actions requested of insurance companies doing business in Alaska and asked for all such business areas to comply with the Bulletin's requests.

The order requires insurers to provide relief to policyholders impacted by the recent wildfires until October 16, 2024.

In response to this Bulletin, TruStage advised all appropriate business areas of the Bulletin, the actions requested of insurance companies doing business in New Mexico, and asked for all such business areas to comply with the Bulletin's requests.

The Indiana Department of Insurance has issued Bulletin 274, which calls on insurers to implement a 60-day moratorium on the cancellation of policies for those impacted by recent disastrous weather events. The bulletin was issued and effective March 25, 2024.

In response to this Bulletin, TruStage advised all appropriate business areas of the Bulletin, the actions requested of insurance companies doing business in Indiana, and asked for all such business areas to comply with the Bulletin's requests.

Emergency Order no. 315284-23 applies to all insurers in the state and policyholders in Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Franklin, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Leon, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Pasco, Pinellas, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, and Wakulla counties. This order extends grace periods for any policy, provision, notice, correspondence, or law that imposes a time limit upon an insured to perform any act until October 31, 2023. Prohibits the cancellation or nonrenewal of a policy in an impacted area, except at the written request of the policyholder, until October 31, 2023. Prohibits the cancellation or nonrenewal of a personal residential or commercial residential property insurance policy covering a property repaired as a result of damage from Hurricane Idalia for a period of 90 days after it has been repaired. Directs insurers, surplus lines and other regulated entities to implement processes and procedures to facilitate the efficient payment of claims.

The emergency order applies to homeowners, renters, auto, and commercial insurance policies in areas affected by wildfires and extends until October 17, 2023. The order directs all insurers, insurance producers, surplus line brokers, and other entities regulated by the Insurance Commissioner (hereafter “Regulated Entities”), as follows:

1. Between August 19, 2023, and October 17, 2023, all Regulated Entities transacting any property insurance business must provide grace periods of no less than forty-five (45) days for nonpayment of premium and must waive otherwise applicable charges and fees associated with nonpayment of premium, such as late fees and reinstatement fees.
2. Between August 19, 2023, and October 17, 2023, no property insurer shall cancel a policy issued for nonpayment of premium, unless specifically directed to do so by the insured.
3. Between August 19, 2023, and October 17, 2023, the 45-day notice period for nonrenewal notices is suspended during the state of emergency. No property insurer shall issue a notice of nonrenewal less than 120 days before the expiration date of the policy.