In a landmark victory for policyholders, the Supreme Court of Wyoming found that a subsidiary of Sinclair Oil can invoke statutory bad faith damages after prevailing in a coverage dispute with its insurer, Infrassure. The court rejected the district court’s analysis that supported the insurer’s narrow interpretation of the state’s insurance code. On certification from
The “Physical Loss” Requirement for Business Interruption Claims Amid the Coronavirus
The massive economic disruption caused by the novel coronavirus pandemic raises questions about insurance coverage for business interruption losses from communicable disease. Does viral contamination constitute the “physical loss” required to trigger this type of coverage? Although courts have not yet provided guidance specific to COVID-19, past rulings suggest that coronavirus contamination may constitute physical
The Wait for NFIP Reform Continues
For the 11th time in the last two years, the House has passed yet another short-term extension of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The NFIP remains the largest source of flood coverage in the U.S.; this extension through September 30, 2019, ensures that the program does not lapse during hurricane season.
The NFIP
FEMA Reverses Halt to New Flood Policies during Shutdown; New Six-Month NFIP Extension Leaves Debate over Reforms to 116th Congress
Following criticism from industry groups and members of Congress, FEMA has retreated from a December 27 announcement that it would stop issuing new flood policies and renewals during the ongoing partial shutdown of the federal government. Meanwhile, a six-month extension passed by Congress and signed by President Trump on December 22 gives lawmakers through May