FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 4, 2020

 

Commissioner Donelon Issues Emergency Insurance Rule for Policyholders Impacted by Hurricane Laura

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon is announcing the issuance of an Emergency Rule which allows greater protection and flexibility for policyholders impacted by Hurricane Laura. The action taken by Commissioner Donelon was authorized by Governor John Bel Edwards’ Executive Order granting the Commissioner temporary authority to implement emergency insurance rules.

“Emergency Rule 45 provides some necessary protections for insured individuals and business owners in Louisiana who are already dealing with the aftermath of the Covid virus,” said Commissioner Donelon. “The Emergency Rule will give policyholders who have been displaced from their homes time to try and begin the process of recovery and avoid being penalized in any way for non-payment of premiums.”

The rule includes the following provisions:

• The emergency rule applies to all kinds of insurance and all types of insurers.
• Policyholders living in the 16 parishes indicated will receive an extension of time to pay insurance premiums due on or after August 27, 2020, without any late fees, penalties, cancellation or non-renewal.
• The Emergency Rule provides policyholders in affected areas additional time to submit documents to insurers for claims that were filed before the state of emergency but might be difficult for policyholders to send until they can return to their homes and businesses.

The action taken covers 16 Louisiana parishes affected by the storm: Acadia, Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Grant, Jackson, Jefferson Davis, Lincoln, Natchitoches, Ouachita, Rapides, Sabine, Vermilion, Vernon and Winn. Policyholders outside of the named parishes may still contact their insurance company and request relief and insurers have been directed to assist these policyholders as appropriate.

To view Emergency Rule 45, please visit the LDI website www.ldi.la.gov.

More Information

The Louisiana Department of Insurance works to improve competition in the state’s insurance market while assisting individuals and businesses with the information and resources they need to be informed consumers of insurance. As a regulator, the LDI enforces the laws that provide a fair and stable marketplace and makes certain that insurers comply with the laws in place to protect policyholders. You can contact the LDI by calling 1-800-259-5300 or visiting www.ldi.la.gov.