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Insurance companies must act quickly to help looted businesses, governor says

Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Monday urged insurers to speed up the paying of claims for small businesses devastated by looters - and warned he'd take action against firms that fail to "do the right thing."

Underscoring an Illinois Department of Insurance bulletin that went out to the companies, the Democratic governor said he will not "hesitate to hold any bad actors accountable."

That would mean fines and the suspension of licenses depending on the severity of the situation, Robert Muriel, the department director, said.

"Insurance companies must do everything in their power and are obligated to give their customers the funds," Pritzker said. "They need to rebuild and get back on their feet, as soon as possible. Help can't wait."

This report was produced in partnership with the Chicago Sun-Times. For related coverage, visit chicago.suntimes.com.

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