Small Business Virtual Town Hall

California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara on Friday, April 17th at 10:00 a.m. for a Virtual Town Hall to discuss insurance issues for small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic emergency.

With many businesses experiencing tremendous economic loss, the California Department of Insurance would like to inform and hear from small business owners regarding insurance coverage issues. This will also be an opportunity to learn more details about the Commissioner’s myriad of Bulletins and Notices sent out to insurance companies designed to help protect California small businesses and consumers during this time of emergency.

Commissioner Lara will be joined by the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), and Small Business Majority and will discuss coverage options for small businesses today as well as a way forward as we emerge from this pandemic.

We will cover questions including:

• What is the federal government and State of California doing to assist small businesses and their workers?
• What is the role of the Department of Insurance in regulating insurance companies during this current emergency?
• What are my options if I do not have coverage for business losses due to the COVID-19 virus?

The Department of Insurance has also released an FAQ for businesses dealing with the sudden economic downturn.

Please submit your questions in advance by Wednesday, April 15th at 5 PM. Please note that the panelists will not be able to respond individually to every submitted question during the virtual town hall, and submitting a question does not constitute a request for assistance.

The Department of Insurance encourages all businesses to contact their agent, broker, or insurance company to learn what coverage applies to their individual insurance policies. If you have questions regarding your claim and/or wish to file a complaint about your insurance company, please contact the Department of Insurance at (800) 927-4357 or through our website at www.insurance.ca.gov.

After you RSVP for this Virtual Town Hall event, you will receive a call-in number via email in advance of the event.