Insurance Commissioner Applauds Carrier for Modifying Automobile Coverage for Delivery Drivers

March 26, 2020 (updated May 15, 2023) | By Britney Han | 0 Comments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 26, 2020

Insurance Commissioner Applauds Carrier for Modifying Automobile Coverage for Delivery Drivers

OKLAHOMA CITY – Allstate Insurance Company has notified the Oklahoma Insurance Department of their intention to ease certain automobile insurance policy restrictions that will help everyone impacted by the COVID-19 state of emergency. To ensure workers have adequate protection while using their personal vehicle to deliver food and medicine, Allstate is modifying its coverage to eliminate any terms, conditions or exclusions that might apply during the state of emergency.

With many pharmacies and restaurants temporarily closing their doors and dining rooms across Oklahoma, many are relying on carryout and delivery options to remain open. The pandemic has created conditions that require a greater need for vital goods and services and more drivers to deliver them. However, personal automobile policies do not typically provide coverage for vehicles used for commercial purposes.

“Some of these people are our valued Allstate customers. The company appreciates their efforts and would like to assist them by temporarily easing certain personal automobile insurance policy restrictions,” said Noel Cole Young, Regional Counsel, Allstate Insurance Company.

The Oklahoma Insurance Department has received information from insurers on business preparations and how they are addressing unique challenges of policyholders. Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready applauds this proactive approach by Allstate.

“I applaud Allstate for taking the initiative to make this temporary change and allow coverage for their customers who are serving Oklahomans during this unprecedented public health emergency,” Mulready said. “This flexibility will help protect jobs and preserve local economies. I encourage other insurers to find innovative solutions to address this temporary interruption in our everyday lives.”

If you have questions about other insurance issues, contact the Oklahoma Insurance Department at 1-800-522-0071 or visit our website at www.oid.ok.gov.

About the Oklahoma Insurance Department

The Oklahoma Insurance Department, an agency of the State of Oklahoma, is responsible for the education and protection of the insurance-buying public and for oversight of the insurance industry in the state.

For more information, contact:

Liz Heigle
405-819-2221
Liz.Heigle@oid.ok.gov

Attorney General Hunter Issues Consumer Alert on At-Home Coronavirus Testing

March 24, 2020 (updated May 15, 2023) | By Britney Han | 0 Comments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 24, 2020

Attorney General Hunter Issues Consumer Alert on At-Home Coronavirus Testing

FROM: Mike Hunter, Attorney General of Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CITY – Attorney General Mike Hunter today issued a consumer alert after receiving reports of individuals attempting to sell at-home tests for the Coronavirus.

Attorney General Hunter said Oklahomans need to be on high alert for scam artists trying to sell or administer home-testing kits for COVID-19.

“There are currently no credible test kits on the market for the Coronavirus that someone can administer in their home,” Attorney General Hunter said. “Additionally, no health care provider, or other individual credentialed to administer tests for the virus, will call and offer to test people at random. Oklahomans need to be on notice that this fraud is happening in our state, and it will likely become even more prevalent in the coming days. Never purchase these tests, and report the individuals trying to sell them to my office or a local law enforcement authority.”

The Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Unit has received over 130 complaints in relation to the Coronavirus since the national emergency was declared on March 13.

Testing for the Coronavirus in Oklahoma is only conducted in a verified laboratory. After a test is completed, the results are sent only to the ordering physician. Neither the results of a test, nor the status of pending tests will be given over the phone.

If Oklahomans believe they may have contracted COVID-19, they should stay home and follow these steps provided by the Oklahoma State Department of Health:

Call your doctor: Before seeking care, call your healthcare provider and tell them that you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19;

Seek medical attention: Seek prompt medical attention if your illness is worsening (e.g., difficulty breathing);

Wear a face mask when sick: Put on a face mask before you enter the facility if available. These steps will help the healthcare provider’s office to keep other people in the office or waiting room from getting infected or exposed; and

Alert health department: Ask your healthcare provider to call the local or state health department. Persons who are placed under active monitoring or facilitated self-monitoring should follow instructions provided by their local health department or occupational health professionals, as appropriate.

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MEDIA CONTACTS:

Alex Gerszewski, Communications Director
Office: (405) 522-3116
Cell: (405) 250-9230
Email: alex.gerszewski@oag.ok.gov

Ashton Johnston, Press Secretary
Office: (405) 522-1863
Cell: (405) 534-0545
Email: ashton.johnston@oag.ok.gov

INSURANCE COMMISSIONER

Category: corona