Unfortunately, cyber criminals are using the Coronavirus pandemic as a new way to take advantage of people and gain access to their money, passwords and other sensitive information. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) wants you to take extra precautions to spot and stop scammers before it’s too late.

Washington (Mar. 25, 2020) – State insurance regulators are committed to working at the state and federal level to help mitigate the devastating economic impacts of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.  Swift action by Congress to directly address the needs of citizens and our economy is the most effective and expedient means to addressing these impacts.

As Congress considers further legislative proposals to address the COVID-19 pandemic, we would caution against and oppose proposals that would require insurers to retroactively pay unfunded COVID-19 business interruption claims.

During this time of social distancing, people spend more time on their phones and computers for work, school, shopping and entertainment. Cyber criminals take advantage of widespread fear, panic and worry. They may use your extra screen time and time at home as an opportunity. Protect yourself by being aware of different types of scams.

As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, the NAIC officers have decided, effective immediately, to suspend holding any further sessions of the virtual Spring National Meeting to allow our members and staff more time to focus on this health emergency. This change enables state insurance regulators to better focus on the health and safety of insurance consumers and the impact this pandemic is having on the insurance market.
 
The NAIC membership and staff continues to approach our organization’s mission in innovative ways and remains open for business. At this time, we are reviewing our workstreams and prioritizing them to better meet the immediate needs of NAIC members. As we prioritize the current workstreams, particularly those related to financial solvency and consumer protection, a new highest priority schedule will be forthcoming. We will have updates shortly as they become available.

COVID-19, commonly known as Coronavirus, has the potential to impact various sectors of the insurance industry. The NAIC has created a new brief specifically to help people understand those potential impacts on Heath, Travel, Life, Business Interruption, Event Cancelation, Workers’ Compensation, General Business Liability, and Directors and Officers Insurance, as well as Annuities. As with all insurance policies, consumers should review their policy documents and seek guidance from their agent/broker or local department of insurance, though the NAIC hopes this list of possibly impacted common policy types assists consumers, legislators and business people in understanding the impacts of COVID-19.

NAIC Insurance Brief: COVID-19 and Insurance