COVID-19 is changing the way that business is done all around the world, including insurance coverage. Both insurance producers and clients have questions about how the coronavirus pandemic may impact the services we offer at Prime Insurance Company.
As the COVID-19 situation develops, we are carefully monitoring developments. We are following all guidelines and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local leadership. We are committed to the health and safety of our employees and clients. And we are equally committed to bringing you the best possible service now and always.
Will there be service interruptions or disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic?
We are working hard to minimize disruptions to our services. We have a comprehensive plan in place and will continually update insurance producers and other stakeholders. If you have any questions, we are available to help by phone at 800.257.5590 or email at info@primeis.com.
How is Prime Insurance Company helping policyholders who cannot fulfill their normal premium payments?
We understand the need for flexibility during this time. We are working with insureds who are facing hardship, with options that may include:
- Suspending coverage or canceling and amending policies without penalty
- Modifying payment terms, including extensions of premium grace periods and waiving late payment fees
- Providing a continuation of coverage on expiring policies
- Deferring any non-renewal underwriting actions
- Rescinding policies with future effective dates
Each business is impacted by COVID-19 differently. We are ready to work with policyholders to evaluate individual needs and develop customized solutions. Please contact us with the details of your business plans.
Does insurance cover losses or incidents related to COVID-19?
Generally, insurance coverage excludes issues like a viral pandemic. Most policies do not include business income loss from viruses and similar infectious diseases as a covered peril. The same holds for most commercial general liability policies, which often exclude pathogens.
If the government requires a business to shut down, insurance will have to include coverage for an act of civil authority. Again, this coverage is uncommon. Nor are voluntary shutdowns typically included as a covered peril.
Insurance producers need to understand the exclusions and coverages within their clients’ policies so that they can give specific advice. Prime Insurance Company is ready to help clarify and answer any questions about coverage.
Is there COVID-19 insurance? Can insureds secure coverage after a COVID-19 related loss?
Presently, there is no specific COVID-19 insurance available. It is also essential to understand that insureds cannot purchase coverage after a business loss has occurred and they expect it to cover that pre-existing loss retroactively, no matter the cause.
If the insurance marketplace changes to accommodate COVID-19 specifically, we will communicate our response. In the meantime, we are advising insurance producers to look at their clients’ coverage carefully and work with Prime Insurance Company to develop appropriate and beneficial solutions.
We understand that COVID-19 is a stressful and uncertain issue for everyone, including insurance producers and businesses that rely on insurance coverage. Our goal is to help everyone get through this situation.
We remain available and responsive to your needs. If you have questions or need help, please contact us at 877.243.8181 or quotes@primeis.com. We are all in this together, and we will get through this upheaval with cooperation and compassion.
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Authored by Rick J. Lindsey, CEO, President, and Chairman of Prime Insurance Company
Rick J. Lindsey hails from Salt Lake City, Utah. He began working in the mailroom of his father’s Salt Lake City insurance firm, getting his introduction to the business that became his lifelong career. Lindsey quickly rose through the ranks while working in nearly every imaginable insurance industry job. As an entrepreneur, specialty lines underwriter, claims specialist, risk manager, and a licensed surplus lines broker, Rick Lindsey is highly skilled in all levels of leadership and execution. As he progressed on his career path, Rick discovered an urgent need for insurers willing to write policies for high-risk individuals and businesses. He was frequently frustrated that he could not provide the liability protection these entities desperately needed to safeguard their assets. He also formed the belief that insurance companies acted too quickly to settle frivolous claims. Lindsey decided to try a different approach. He started an insurance company and became the newly formed entity’s CEO. This opportunity has enabled Rick to fill a void in the market and provide a valuable service to businesses, individuals, and insurance agents who write high-risk business. Prime Insurance also specializes in helping individuals and businesses who live a lifestyle or participate in activities that make them difficult for traditional carriers to insure. If you’ve been denied, non-renewed, or canceled coverage, don’t give up quite yet. Chances are Prime Insurance can help.