COVID-19 insurance and financial services topics for consumers

The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation issued a number of emergency orders and guidance about COVID-19 insurance and financial services issues.

The COVID-19 emergency orders that were issued during the COVID-19 pandemic expired in September 2020. However, protections remain in place for Oregonians.

People who were in a grace period when the COVID-19 orders expired will have their grace periods honored for the full term.
Many insurance companies implemented their own plans to help consumers.

The COVID-19 emergency orders provided short-term relief to Oregonians in the early stages of the pandemic. The orders do not relieve the obligation to pay premiums. This means that transitioning away from the orders allows consumers to either work with their insurance companies to catch up on their premium payments or shop for new insurance options.

If you have questions about your specific insurance coverage or financial services account, contact the company that handles your policy or account.

If you have questions or need to file a complaint on an insurance or financial services company, agent, or professional, contact the division’s advocacy team at 888-877-4894 (toll-free) or email dfr.insurancehelp@oregon.gov or dfr.financialserviceshelp@oregon.gov.

The emergency orders required insurance companies to do the following:

Provide at least a one-time grace period for each policy to pay any past-due premiums.
Pay claims for losses that occur during the grace period and before terminating coverage.
Extend all deadlines for reporting claims and other communications, and provide members with communications options that meet physical distancing standards.