Hawaii Commissioner Releases a Request to Insurers Regarding Recent Wildfires

On August 16, 2023, the Hawaii Insurance Commissioner issued Commissioner's Memo 2023-3A regarding recent wildfires in Hawaii and Maui counties. The Commissioner is encouraging that insurers work with their insureds to continue coverage at this time, as well as do the following:

1. Refrain from cancelling or non-renewing policies due to non-payment during this time of hardship and to grant a grace period for premium payments to be made;
2. Work with insureds on a structured payment plan for late premium payments;
3. Waive late fees and penalties;
4. Extend timeframes to complete property and automobile inspections or undergo medical examinations; and
5. Continue working with insureds for a period of 60 days after this emergency has passed, or as long as reasonably practical.

This memo is directed to all admitted and non-admitted insurers in the state of Hawaii that provide any type of insurance coverage.

The Hawaii Insurance Division will provide updates on the situation on their website here.