VA Bureau of Insurance Urges Insurers to Be Flexible During Pandemic

An experienced lawyer who is based in Richmond, VA, Claire C. Carr serves as the vice president and managing partner at Kalbaugh, Pfund & Messersmith, P.C. A member of the Virginia State Bar, she is admitted to practice in the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. At the firm, Claire Carr represents employers, insurance carriers, and other clients in workers’ compensation cases.

Recently, the Virginia Bureau of Insurance released guidance urging insurers and other licensees to extend flexibility to clients given the hardships created by the unprecedented public health emergency. While not mandating specific practices, the Bureau of Insurance suggests that insurers suspend penalties and late fees, adjust the due dates on premium payments, and extend grace periods.

In addition, the Virginia Bureau of Insurance suggests that insurers only consider cancelling or not renewing policies after making reasonable efforts to work out a payment plan with policyholders. This is particularly true if insured clients are experiencing COVID 19-related issues that cause a delay in their premium payments.