If they can't pay, they should call insurance companies directly to give them time, advises Commissioner Lara
Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara asks insurers to extend the payment period for the coronavirus. (Aurelia Ventura / La Opinion)
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Aurelia Ventura / Impremedia / La Opinion
Due to the public health emergency caused by the coronavirus, California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara urged insurance companies to give at least a 60-day grace period for the payment of insurance premiums for health, life, cars, property and accidents; and so prevent them from being canceled.
“Now is the time to unite and help consumers in this unprecedented period of uncertainty. That includes supporting those who have an insurance policy to maintain coverage if they cannot pay their premiums, "the insurance commissioner said in an interview with The opinion.
It has also requested all insurance agents, brokers, and others licensed to accept premium payments that include alternative payment methodss, such as online payments, and eliminating the need to make them in person to protect the health and safety of workers and customers.
further has asked the Department of Vehicles and Engines (DMV) not to impose fines for 60 days on those who expire vehicle registration and driver's licenses, Starting March 16, especially to prevent older adults and those with pre-existing health conditions from going to their offices and exposing themselves to contracting the virus.
This is intended, Commissioner Lara said, not to affect a driver's ability to maintain auto coverage, good driver discounts, their eligibility for a low-cost insurance policy and the rates they are charged.
He noted that while that health crisis is resolved, Californians should not worry about driving with their license expired and afraid of losing their insurance coverage or driver discounts.
A call to all
From his Los Angeles condo, where he has confined himself to protect himself from the coronavirus, he called on all Angelenos to obey the rules given by state authorities to guard against the epidemic.
"What is happening is very serious. We shouldn't be out of the house if we don't have to. Let's take the time to protect ourselves. This is not a joke. It is serious and we have to obeyr, ”he said.
He asked to take the time to fill out the 2020 census forms.
On the other hand, he revealed that they work to investigate what policies can help small businesses to give them resources; and they support the federal government in laws that give them support so that they can continue with open doors, once the pandemic has been controlled.
He stressed that it is very important that insurers give Californians a grace period to pay their insurance because people are losing their jobs, and they need to buy groceries and pay the rent; but at the same time they cannot lose auto, health, property, life or accident insurance.
The commissioner asked people who are having trouble paying for their insurance, to contact their insurance companies, and if there is no response, call the Insurance Department at the hotline: 1-800-927-4357.
