Carrier Suspends Reporting Requirements and Cancellations due to Non-Payment
SAN DIEGO, CA. March. 19, 2020 — ICW Group Insurance Companies, a leading national carrier which includes Insurance Company of the West and Explorer Insurance Company, announced today that it is implementing safeguards through June 1, 2020, for all policyholders in light of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and emergency declarations. This action will ensure there is no lapse in coverage during this time.
“Our hearts go out to those impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19), either directly or indirectly. Our thoughts are with you. With this pandemic impacting so many people across the world, it’s truly a challenging time,” stated Kevin Prior, president and CEO of ICW Group. “Our concern for everyone’s health and safety remains our top priority. We want to ensure our customers’ peace of mind and are fully committed to safeguarding their insurance coverage during this difficult period.”
Effective immediately, ICW Group has enacted the following directives:
- Moratorium on cancellations for any non-payment of premium notice issued on or after March 18, 2020, on any in-force policy. Additionally, no new notices will be issued to policyholders through June 1, 2020, or later if deemed reasonable.
- For states that have no moratoriums or a moratorium with a shorter timeframe. This notice is for all policyholders, regardless of those in states that haven’t issued a moratorium as well as those that have issued a shorter moratorium timeframe.
- Availability of your state’s Department of Insurance. Please be advised that your state’s Department of Insurance is available if you need assistance. Call the Department’s toll-free hotline which will be available to you on the government website, where you can learn more information and on filing a complaint regarding any national emergency-related dispute or issue.
Following the safety suggestions recommended for eliminating the spread of the virus, ICW Group has invoked business resiliency plans with over 95% of their staff working remotely.
“We’re open for business, including underwriting activities and claims coverage,” Prior explained. “It’s important our customers, primarily those who have been injured on the job, receive their wage replacement payments on time, regardless of the situation.”
ICW Group encourages all of its policyholders to take advantage of its free service, HR OnDemand, to get helpful resources for employee guides, communications and law alerts. Newly added items include: Guidance from the CDC, OSHA, EEOC and HHS, best practices on how to handle an infectious outbreak, and a sample communication to send to employees. ICW Group has also added a Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Helpful Resources page for worker’s compensation advice.
ICW Group is sending an email to all of their agents, brokers and policyholders outlining the above safeguards. For timely announcements, follow ICW Group on LinkedIn and on Twitter.
About ICW Group
Based in San Diego, ICW Group Insurance Companies is the largest privately held insurance company domiciled in California. Quoting more than $3 billion annually, ICW Group represents a group of Property, Auto and Workers’ Compensation insurance carriers, including Insurance Company of the West and Explorer Insurance Company. ICW Group is recognized nationally as an industry leader in helping policyholders achieve fewer and less costly claims, and is committed to meeting the needs of its policyholders and elevating the trusted agents and brokers who advise them. For more information, visit ICW Group’s Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook pages.
Media Contact
ICW Group
Jessica Northrup
858.924.8662
jnorthrup@icwgroup.com
