In Chicago and across the state, many retailers are still tallying the vandalism and looting their stores sustained, which accompanied some of the massive protests for racial justice following the killing of George Floyd.
Now, Gov. J.B. Pritzker is calling on insurance companies to expedite their claims for those damaged small businesses, and implement a 60-day freeze on policy cancellations or non-renewals, according to Crain’s.
At a news conference on Monday, the governor urged “insurers must do the right thing and do it fast,” the outlet reported.
The state Department of Insurance sent a letter to insurers licensed in Illinois, asking them to comply. Though the letter was sent as a request, Crain’s noted that language made clear that insurers should take steps to comply.
To help speed claims, insurers should consider designating looting as a catastrophic event, according to the state. Insurers should also pay those claims even if retailers have fallen behind on their own payments because of lost revenue from coronavirus closures.
Insurance association officials expressed concern over the freeze on policy cancellations and non-renewals, Crain’s reported, saying that move could potentially lead to higher rates in the future. [Crain’s] — Alexi Friedman