EIOPA urges insurers and intermediaries to continue to take actions to mitigate the impact of Coronavirus/COVID-19 on consumers

01 Apr 2020

• Access to and continuity of insurance services should be considered essential in the context of the outbreak.
• Insurers and intermediaries are asked to:
  • Provide clear and timely information to consumers on contractual rights;
  • Treat consumers fairly and be explicit in all communications;
  • Inform consumers about contingency measures taken;
  • Continue applying product oversight and governance requirements and, where necessary, carry out a product review; and
  • Consider the interests of consumers and exercise flexibility in how they are treated, where reasonable and practicable.

The European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA) has issued today a statement to insurers and intermediaries, urging them to take steps to mitigate the impact of Coronavirus/COVID-19 on consumers.

While the unprecedented disruption caused by the outbreak has focused insurers’ attention on ensuring business continuity, it is important that consumers continue to be treated fairly. Consumers still rely on insurance during this difficult time and it is essential that insurers continue to provide access to and continuity of service.

EIOPA welcomes initiatives already taken by insurers and intermediaries in recognition of the particular circumstances that consumers find themselves and which may prevent consumers from fulfilling contractual obligations.

Nevertheless, unfair treatment of consumers as a result of disruption to the market is a risk to the entire sector.

With this statement, EIOPA specifically asks insurers and intermediaries to consider a number of different actions, taking into account developments relating to the Coronavirus/COVID-19 outbreak. These include:

• Providing clear and timely information to consumers;
• Keeping consumers informed about contingency measures that have been put in place;
• Continuing to apply product oversight and governance requirements; and
• Exercising flexibility in the treatment of consumers where reasonable and practical.

Whilst highlighting the need for flexibility in the interest of consumers and for their continued fair treatment, EIOPA also highlights that imposing retroactive coverage of claims not envisaged within contracts could create material solvency risks and ultimately threaten policyholder protection.

EIOPA and national supervisory authorities (NSAs) are working collectively to ensure financial stability, market integrity and consumer protection during this time of disruption.

This call to action follows the publication of a statement on actions to mitigate the impact of Coronavirus/COVID-19 on the EU insurance sector; and Recommendations on supervisory flexibility regarding deadlines of supervisory reporting and public disclosure by insurers.