NY proposal to require P&C insurers to offer bedbug insurance

There's an interesting proposal out of the New York state assembly this week: Bedbug insurance. Two New York politicians reportedly intend to introduce bedbug insurance legislation that would require property and casualty insurers in that state to offer bedbug policies.

The problem, they say, is that insurers are currently classifying bedbug infestation as a standard maintenance issue -- meaning coverage is denied.

This isn't the first bedbug legislation to his Albany. New York State Assemblywoman Linda B. Rosenthal has repeatedly called for legislation to force building owners to disclose potential infestations and offer some compensation to people battling the bugs.

It's a serious problem, according to insurancenewsnet.com. Hotel owners and retailers need to think about the risks of business interruption, third-party liability claims and reputation damage, the site says.