As discussed in my blog post last week, the coronavirus may impact deadlines for property insurance claims, including deadlines in which to receive replacement cost benefits. To ensure that Illinois insurance consumer rights are protected and that Illinois consumers do not suffer unnecessary hardship during this pandemic, the Illinois Department of Insurance implemented Bulletin 2020-09. In that Bulletin, the Department requested that all insurers licensed or authorized to transact insurance business in Illinois consider implementing certain protective measures.
The Department requests insurers to consider granting an extension of any policy provisions or other requirements that impose a time limit for an insured or claimant to perform any act, including the submission of a claim or proof of loss, reporting of information, or submission of bills. The Department asks that such extension be for at least 30 days from the last date allowed or required under the contract or allowed or required by the insurer, or longer if considered reasonable given an individual policyholder’s circumstance.
The Department also requests that if a policyholder indicates to an insured that repairs cannot be completed within the time required under any policy, or within the 90-day period for repairs before termination due to condition of the property (215 ILCS 5/143.27), that insurers provide policyholders with an extension of at least 30 days to make such repairs, or such time as is necessary, given the concerns and issues raised with COVID-19.