The widespread effects of the Coronavirus 19 (COVID-19) pandemic have been unlike anything the world has experienced in more than a century. Governments worldwide have been forced to grapple with this unprecedented scenario and many have implemented measures aimed not only at curtailing the spread of the virus, but also designed to aid individual insureds and businesses to survive the economic downturn that ensued as a result of the pandemic. In the United States, shelter-in-place orders and mandates ordering businesses to close down to slow the spread of COVID-19 have forced many companies to go out of business, which has led to widespread unemployment across the country.
The importance of supporting businesses and individuals at this time can hardly be overstated. To remain active and productive members of our national economy, people need to ensure that their homeowners, health, automobile, and other important insurance coverages will remain in place even if they fall temporarily behind on premium payments because of temporary financial setbacks caused by the pandemic. Similarly, businesses need to maintain key commercial coverages and implement effective risk mitigation techniques. However, the unique circumstances caused by the COVID-19 pandemic make it difficult for even the most well-informed, prepared, and compliant businesses to guarantee that they will not be subject to litigation exposure if they commence or continue operations during the pandemic.
