COVID-19 Resources

COVID-19 Resources for Insurance and Risk Management Professionals

The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented Black Swan event that is testing the resilience of countries, economies, businesses, and societies. To help insurance and risk management professionals navigate this rapidly evolving coronavirus crisis, IRMI Research Analysts are analyzing policy provisions, monitoring state regulatory responses, and curating applicable content from our extensive library.

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Bookmark this page to help you quickly access coronavirus resources and check back for frequent updates.

Updated July 31, 2020

Subscription COVID-19 Resources

In addition to free content from IRMI, Captive.com, and WebCE, we have also compiled links into our subscription content, so you can quickly find relevant information. Links are provided for both IRMI Online and ReferenceConnect subscribers.

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Free COVID-19 Resources

IRMI Podcast

IRMI Ag Podcast sponsored by Nationwide

Lessons from Disasters: Wildfires to COVID-19

What happens when the entire planet becomes a disaster area due to a pandemic? Rich Hallock, vice president of the Greenspan Company, discusses lessons learned from claims handling and elaborates on how working effectively in disaster areas like those caused by wildfires is normal for Greenspan; however, there's nothing normal about the impact of COVID-19.

Listen to the Podcast

IRMI Construction Podcast

COVID-19 and the Construction Industry

Gary Kaplan, president of AXA XL Construction, shares his perspective on how contractors and insurance companies are adapting regionally to COVID-19 and on the potential short- and long-term impacts of the prolonged pandemic on both the construction and insurance industries.

Listen to the Podcast

Expert Commentary Articles

Two people wearing hazmat suits and cleaning a building

Mitigating the COVID-19 Risk in Buildings

As lockdown restrictions lift, many face concerns over the safety of buildings and minimizing the spread of COVID-19 infections to the occupants. But how does a stakeholder in a property know if the cleaning services vendors are capable of doing a good job in cleaning and disinfecting a building?

>> Read more.

Coming soon sign in store window

We Are Open for Business. Now What?

Established continuity plans are an essential part of a business's reopening in a post-COVID-19 world. Expectations for success continue to rise as more businesses reopen with safety as a top priority. With a growing list of resources and recommendations, many employers are wondering where to start.

>> Read more.

Construction worker wearing a medical mask on a construction site

Contractors Professional Liability in a COVID-19 Era

Ready or not, the US economy is reopening. This includes the commercial construction marketplace, which, in some cases, either delayed or shuttered projects altogether once COVID-19 became a reality. 

>> Read more.

Woman wearing a medical mask and gloves making a delivery

Presumption of WC Claim Compensability in the Age of COVID

As legislators turn to the use of the "presumption of compensability" to extend automatic compensability to those who may have been exposed to COVID-19, insurers and employers seek to understand the costs and other impacts on WC systems.

>> Read more.

Doctor holding small globe wearing a medical mask

The Coronavirus (COVID-19)—Is It Compensable?

The issue of compensability for COVID-19 infections acquired by workers continues to be in the forefront of lawmakers, employers, and workers alike nationwide. Employees now are filing cases against employers, and we can expect that litigation to continue for years.

>> Read more.

Computer monitor with gold lock and chain around it

Operational Risk Revisited in the Wake of COVID-19

The coronavirus pandemic has unearthed existing business continuity gaps, leaving many companies scrambling to enable their employees to work remotely. Others are realizing how difficult it is to effectively train and educate employees on current cyber threats, specifically those related to COVID-19.

 >> Read more.

Lots of crisscrossing yellow tape with coronavirus and COVID-19 written on them

The Coronavirus and the CGL Policy

The ISO commercial general liability coverage form or CGL policy provides coverage for damages that result from bodily injury or property damage—subject to all other policy terms and conditions. But does the CGL policy include coverage for the defense and payment of damages arising from suits alleging the organization was legally liable for transmitting COVID-19?

 >> Read more.

Construction worker with mask and helmet putting work gloves on

OSHA and COVID-19 Updates

On May 19, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) changed course again related to recordability of positive COVID-19 cases. The federal agency is now asking employers to investigate the potential genesis of any cases of COVID-19 among their employees, leading to confusion and questions.

 >> Read more.

globe with open for business sign on the top restarting the economy

Employer Perspectives and Priorities during a Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic is upending the way employers conduct regular business operations. Most industries now face a wide variety of challenges, including dislocation of their workforce, lost revenues, changing priorities, and employee safety, to name a few.

 >> Read more.

lean six sigma circle diagram with arrows going clockwise

Converging Risk and Quality Management in Light of COVID-19

It has long been a human propensity for individuals to function solely within their personal "silo"—as opposed to working cross-functionally with others who are in their own but very different silos. When collaborative cooperation is practiced, results can be outstanding!

 >> Read more.

baseball field

The Novel Coronavirus and Reinsurance

No doubt, insurance companies will cede, and reinsurers will assume substantial loss cessions arising from the novel coronavirus and the COVID-19 infection. The only questions are what reinsurance contracts will be affected and how big will the final bill be?

 >> Read more.

two coworkers holding an open sign

Access to Care and Return to Work during a Pandemic

As businesses around the country prepare to reopen, there is a concerted effort made to prioritize the safety of the workforce. Employers are also preparing to face more leaves of absence than ever before as they account for employee childcare needs, at-risk groups with preexisting conditions, and possible employee COVID-19 cases.

 >> Read more.

hands shaking over construction contract deal

Modify Construction Documents in Light of COVID-19

Explore strategies for handling the risks concerning existing construction projects as well as potential new projects.

 >> Read more.

Meat factory worker holding cutting tools and wearing a mask and hard hat

The Impact of COVID-19 on Workers Compensation

The challenging landscape around COVID-19 is leaving businesses with more questions than answers as state laws and regulations surrounding workers’ compensation claims are rapidly adjusted. Hear from the experts on how COVID-19 is impacting workers’ compensation claims and the legal and regulatory challenges it has created.

 >> Read more.

Two people working production line, wearing medical masks

NCCI Provides Workers Compensation Research about COVID-19 Impact

The National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) has released a white paper, COVID-19 and Workers Compensation: Modeling Potential Impacts, providing some preliminary research about how the COVID-19 pandemic will affect workers compensation, particularly a recalibration of expected losses for 2020.

 >> Read more.

osha document and safety goggles

Is COVID-19 Recordable or Reportable to OSHA?

What a difference a pandemic makes. Every day there are new rules and challenges keeping safety and risk management professionals on a high alert. The COVID-19 crisis is far from predictable.

 >> Read more.

businessman standing in front of tornado

Escaping the COVID-19 Agent E&O Vortex

The battle over insurance coverage for COVID-19-related losses will keep politicians, attorneys, and the courts engaged for years. We can also be sure that we will see an increase in agent errors and omissions (E&O) claims. So, what can an agency do to keep from being sucked into this swirling litigation vortex? 

 >> Read more.

doctor holding thermometer

Pain Management and Well-Being during a Pandemic

COVID-19 has put an enormous strain on the healthcare system, delaying nonemergency medical care and potentially creating a higher risk for pain patients. However, the behavioral health community is adjusting with transitions to telemedicine and other alternatives that allow their patients to receive the care they need.

 >> Read more.

Orange and white construction sign reads Coronavirus

Risk Management in a COVID-19 World

What a difference a pandemic makes. In 3 short weeks, priorities have shifted from bringing much-needed diversity to the construction industry to how our industry and our country can survive the pandemic crisis called COVID-19.

 >> Read more.

Cornavirus 3D Image

Environmental Insurance Coverage for COVID-19 and Other Biological Hazards

Do environmental insurance policies insure losses arising from the coronavirus? This article expands the question to "Do environmental insurance policies cover losses arising from biological contaminants?"

 >> Read more.

Five business people sitting in an office meeting wearing medical masks

The Real Impact of COVID-19 on Workers Compensation

There is much discussion right now on the impact that COVID-19 (coronavirus) will have on workers compensation. Most of this discussion has focused on the potential for claims activity arising from the virus. The determination of whether a communicable disease is "work-related" is a case-by-case evaluation.

>> Read more.

Three people standing on the sidewalk of a busy street wearing medical masks

COVID-19—When Civil Authorities Take over, Are You Covered?

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a respiratory disease that can result in serious illness or death. It is caused by a new strain of coronavirus not previously identified in humans and easily spreads from person to person. There is currently no approved vaccine or antiviral treatment for this disease.

>> Read more.

Small Business Closed

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Business Income Losses—Are They Covered?

The coronavirus pandemic and the resulting efforts to minimize the spread of COVID-19 are wreaking havoc on all of us—individuals and businesses alike. Businesses that have purchased coverage for business income loss as part of their commercial property insurance may well be hoping that they will be able to recover under their policies for income loss due to the coronavirus.

>> Read more.

White Papers

Coronavirus COVID-19

Pandemic Strategies: Risk Management Lessons from the Ebola Crisis

This report explores the threats a pandemic poses to an organization, insurance coverage issues, loss control strategies, and how risk managers can learn from the current crisis to improve their organization’s ability to weather future catastrophic events.

Download the Report

Captive.com Articles

Record Breaking

COVID-19 Pandemic Could Contribute to Record Catastrophe Losses

The COVID-19 pandemic looks to rank among the insurance and reinsurance sector's most expensive events, contributing to total 2020 catastrophe losses ranging from $100 billion up to $160 billion.

 >> Read more

Relilience road sign

Reinsurers Exposed to COVID-19 Losses but Appear Resilient to Pandemic

As both the human toll and the business impact of COVID-19 continue to mount, reinsurers look well positioned to ride out the pandemic. The industry entered the crisis well capitalized. It's also likely to benefit from policy exclusions that will limit some pandemic-related losses..

 >> Read more

US Pandemic

As Business Losses Mount, Pandemic Backstop Discussions Grow

The human impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is obvious, undeniable, and often tragic, but there's also a significant toll on business. As many business try to determine how they'll cope with a significant loss of revenue, they are discovering that their business interruption (BI) coverage won't cover their COVID-19 losses.

 >> Read more

Crisis Management

COVID-19 and the Need To Think about Leadership and Crisis Management

As we self-quarantine and seek a return to normalcy, real leadership is called for. But what does leadership in a time of crisis look like? 

>> Read more.

Coronavirus Impact

COVID-19's Possible Impacts on Captive Insurers Are Varied

Captive insurance companies will no doubt feel the impacts of the novel coronavirus pandemic and the COVID-19 disease it causes, both in the near term and possibly in the future, as captive owners look to close holes the outbreak is revealing in insurance programs. 

>> Read more.

Exam and CE Updates for Insurance Professionals

WebCE

Testing, Exam, and CE Updates

IRMI subsidiary WebCE is tracking the latest updates regarding the following: 

  • Testing center closures for various licensing exams
  • States waiving self-study exam proctor requirements for insurance professionals
  • Renewal and CE due date extensions for insurance professionals

Access WebCE Updates

Subscription COVID-19 Resources

The links in this section highlight content that is available with a paid subscription. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact IRMI Customer Success or call us at (800) 827-4242

COVID-19 Insurance Law Essentials

A Second Win for Insurers in BL Coverage for COVID-19 Loss

In this Insurance Law Essentials Deep Dives, commercial property insurers win again as a D.C. court holds that losses suffered from restaurant closures due to the pandemic are not covered. This is the second court ruling out of hundreds of business interruption lawsuits against carriers.

    COVID-19 Coverage Issues Business Interruption Cases Map

    COVID-19 Business Interruption Cases

    Insurance Law Essentials, a comprehensive online legal resources bundle, provides a dynamic overview of the business interruption cases in each state. IRMI is tracking these cases as they progress and providing access to the court pleadings and the important motions filed by each party.

      Risk-Management

      Practical Risk Management

      The July 2020 update of Practical Risk Management includes two articles in the Risk Management Notes newsletter that explore in depth these issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

      Is There Possible Cash Flow Relief in Insurance Premium Payments?

      COVID-19 and Business Interruption Coverage

      Commercial Property Insurance

      Commercial Property Insurance Online Reference

      This comprehensive guide has recently been updated to include discussions of the optional endorsements made available by Insurance Services Office, Inc. (ISO) in February 2020 in response to the corona virus outbreak. The reference also includes in-depth analysis of key coverage provisions and the virus exclusion endorsement.

      Commercial Property Insurance Links

      Subscribers to the Commercial Property Insurance in IRMI Online or Reference Connect can access the following links.

      Business Income Loss From the Coronavirus

      February 2020 ISO Endorsements

      Key Coverage Provisions and the Virus Exclusion Endorsement

      Closed Due To COVID

      The Risk Report: Business Income Loss From the Coronavirus

      IRMI looks at the question of coverage for coronavirus business income loss, focusing on analysis of the policy language and the related court cases. Current proposals to alleviate the tremendous loss of income caused by the pandemic are also addressed.

      truck driver wearing a medical mask

      IRMI Workers Comp Online Reference

      This reference now includes workers compensation and COVID-19 resources to assist with navigating the new normal for employers and their workers. Subscribers can access links to state legislative/regulatory initiatives directed at compensability, state workers compensation administrative organizations COVID-19 content, and workers comp insurance regulators resources on COVID-19 

      United States Map

      COVID-19 Cancellations and Related Bulletins from Insurance Regulators

      The individual states departments of insurance have the authority to set guidelines for cancelling or nonrenewing insurance policies. With the spread and ramifications of the coronavirus (COVID-19), several state departments have issued directives regarding temporary regulations or grace periods for premium payment, cancellations or nonrenewal notices. Below is a listing of the states that have issued bulletins applicable to temporary suspension of payments, cancellations, or nonrenewal of personal lines and commercial property and casualty insurance policies during the COVID-19 state of emergency.

      Subscribers to the Commercial Liability Insurance, Commercial Property Insurance, Commercial Auto Insurance, IRMI Workers Comp, and Personal Risk Management and Insurance can access a synopsis of each state's bulletins along with links to the full text. This information will be updated regularly and is available in IRMI Online or Reference Connect. 

      Alabama Alaska Arizona
      Arkansas California Colorado
      Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia
      Florida Georgia Hawaii
      Idaho Illinois Indiana
      Kansas Kentucky Louisiana
      Maine Maryland Massachusetts
      Michigan Minnesota Mississippi
      Missouri Montana Nebraska
      Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey
      New Mexico New York North Carolina
      North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma
      Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island
      South Carolina Tennessee Texas
      Utah Vermont Virginia
      Washington West Virginia Wisconsin

      Other COVID-19 Resources

      The links in this section are to free third-party resources that we think you will find helpful and informative. These resources are not part of IRMI.com or IRMI subscription content.


      Employment Law

      Free Webinar—The Legalities of a Tough Situation: COVID-19

      To help employers navigate the challenges presented by COVID-19 and new legislation, Don Phin, coeditor of IRMI's Employment Practices Liability Consultant (EPLiC), has put together an in-depth webinar with information, tips, and best practices on how employers can respond to the evolving legal landscape.

      View the Webinar

      Zywave COVID Resource Center

      Zywave COVID-19 Resource Center

      As the number of COVID-19 cases continues to grow, proactive education and communication with your clients is critical. Use these resources, created by Zywave’s team of in-house experts, to help your brokerage and your clients navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.

      View Zywave Resources

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