COVID-19 June 10, 2020
With Washington County going “Green” the health and safety of our employees, customers and company affiliates is of upmost importance. The office is available by phone, fax and email from 8am to 5pm Monday thru Friday. We will now allow customers and other visitors to enter the office by appointment. Please contact us to schedule your appointment. We look forward to seeing you again.
Thank you!
Al DeLucia – Agency Owner
COVID-19 April 8, 2020
Big ‘I’ Supports New Federal Proposal to Provide Additional Assistance to Businesses & Employees
Earlier this week, the Big “I” joined a range of business trade associations in sending a letter to the administration and congressional leaders of both parties seeking their support for a new federal proposal to further assist with the nation’s economic recovery. This proposed new relief program would provide liquidity to businesses to maintain their viability and ability to compensate employees.
The COVID-19 Business and Employee Continuity and Recovery Fund (the “Recovery Fund”) is a very streamlined version of the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund legislation, with important distinctions designed to simplify the application process and speed payment to COVID-19-impaired businesses, while reducing the potential for fraud. It would create another tool the administration could use to provide tailored federal assistance to keep COVID-19-impaired businesses solvent and workers employed.
The Recovery Fund would leverage private sector contractors, and potentially insurers and producers on a voluntary basis, to facilitate both expedited applications and interim payments, as well as auditing ongoing relief. A one-page summary of the Recovery Fund is available.
Over the past couple of weeks, the Big “I” has been working closely with a large coalition of insurance and commercial policyholder trade associations on this concept to deliver additional financial support to U.S. businesses and their workers. The unveiling of the concept on Capitol Hill earlier this week now takes the Big “I” from the drafting stage to the advocacy stage.
We will continue to provide updates in News & Views, but please know that the Big “I” is fully engaged in offering credible and competent national solutions to meet the needs of our members’ clients. Please use this letter and one page summary as you see fit and feel free to share it with your clients to demonstrate our advocacy on their behalf.
Wyatt Stewart is Big “I” senior director of federal government affairs.
COVID-19 April 6, 2020
The recent CARES Act Program was signed into effect Friday, but we recognize the volume of information may be a bit overwhelming to consume. Given the importance of the act to you as a small business owner as well as your customers, we wanted to share a high level overview of the pertinent points.
I. Background:
On Friday, the President signed the CARES Act, the $2 trillion stimulus package Congress passed to mitigate the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to providing checks to most taxpayers, the CARES Act expands the availability of small business loans under Section 7(a) of the Small Business Act. This new Paycheck Protection Program permits loans to be used for payroll costs, mortgage interest, rent, utilities, and interest on certain other debt. Up to 100% of these loans may, subject to certain restrictions, be forgiven.
II. Frequently Asked Questions:
- Who is Eligible?
Generally, any business (including 501(c)(3)s) with fewer than 500 employees is eligible for a loan under the Paycheck Protection Program. - What is the Maximum Amount That Can be Borrowed? The lesser of (A) $10 million or (B) 2.5 times the average total monthly payroll costs of the business concern.
- Are Borrowers Required to Provide Collateral or a Personal Guarantee?
No. Collateral and personal guarantee requirements are waived for Paycheck Protection Program loans. - What is the Interest Rate?
The interest rate cannot exceed 4%. - How Much is Eligible for Forgiveness?
Up to 100% of the Paycheck Protection Program loans may be eligible for forgiveness; however, decreases in employee headcount or wages may reduce the amount eligible for forgiveness.
If you have any questions related to your particular situation, please contact your lawyer and/or accountant. This overview is just one of the resources you have at your fingertips while trying to navigate today’s environment and the changes we’re all experiencing due to COVID-19.
Sincerely,
Albert E. DeLucia, Jr – Agency Owner
COVID-19 – March 20, 2020
Our office location is closed. You can still reach us by phone, email and fax as you always have. Myself and my team are still here to answer your questions, help with changes to your policy, report claims and billing activities. Our hours of operations will remain the same Monday – Friday 8am to 5pm.
You can locate links to the insurance companies websites to make payments, get ID cards and submit a claim on our website.
Thank you for your understanding and please be safe.
Sincerely,
Albert E. DeLucia, Jr. – Agency Owner
COVID-19 Update – March 17, 2020
DeLucia & DeZomba Insurance Agency, Inc. is here to serve our policyholders and clients. The health and welfare of our employees, customers, agency partners and the general public is of the utmost importance to us. We have plans to work remotely but we are still available by phone, e-mail or fax.
This is an unprecedented situation and we are working hard to keep everyone safe and healthy while still maintaining our customer service. We are asking that all policyholders, insurance company representatives and other vendors please refrain from visiting our office until further notice.
All of our insurance companies can accept premium payments via check, check by phone or credit card. You can access the company links on our website. To locate the links move the mouse over the word “About” at the top of the page, then click on “Insurance Partners”. Here you can select your company to obtain information on how to make your payment.