View this article online: https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/east/2012/11/06/269554.htm
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Monday, Nov. 5, that he is ordering insurance companies to ease rules on documenting Sandy-related damages during the claims filing procedure.
The governor said that, at his direction, the Department of Financial Services is instructing insurers to accept homeowners’ documentation — including photos and video — of losses so residents can discard debris before a second storm hits the region. Typically, insurers require an on-site inspection first before a claim can be processed.
Additionally, Gov. Cuomo said the state has imposed a 30-day moratorium on cancelling or terminating homeowners’ and small business owners’ insurance policies in storm-stricken areas for any reason, including non-payment of premiums.
“Health and safety must come first. If debris is creating unsafe conditions, people must be able to clear it away without hurting their right to make an insurance claim,” Gov. Cuomo said. “We are acting to preserve homeowners’ insurance rights when much is beyond their control. They have suffered enough and should not be hurt further by red tape or technicalities.”
Financial Services Superintendent Benjamin Lawsky said, “If debris is dangerous, homeowners should carefully document their losses and then dispose of the debris. Taking photos and videos and even keeping samples of damaged materials is a good idea. We will be vigilant in protecting homeowners who have already suffered so much.”
Both the directive dealing with dangerous debris and the moratorium on terminating policies cover the storm damaged areas: New York City and Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, Rockland and Orange counties.
The moratorium on terminating policies will last for 30 days, but may be extended if necessary, Gov. Cuomo said. The insurance law gives the Financial Services Superintendent the power to modify or suspend provisions for a limited period in any area of the state where the governor has declared a state of emergency. More information on the directive and the moratorium can be found on the Financial Services Department’s website (a PDF file).
With respect to the moratorium, Financial Services Superintendent Lawsky said, “Many people have lost everything, others cannot return to their homes. They should not be penalized if they are unable right now to make a payment on their insurance policy, which they desperately need to help them recover.”
Gov. Cuomo has already announced that hurricane deductibles in most downstate homeowners’ insurance policies will not apply because Sandy did not have sustained hurricane force winds when it hit New York. The governor said most insurers have agreed not to apply these deductibles, which can amount to tens of thousands of dollars.
The directive covers homeowners’ insurance policies. Flood insurance policies are covered by FEMA regulations. FEMA is also expected to issue guidance on this issue. Homeowners with both homeowner’s and flood insurance should follow FEMA rules to preserve their claims under flood insurance.
For claims under homeowners’ insurance, if dwelling debris must be removed before the adjuster is able to examine it, homeowners should:
• Inventory all the damaged items.
• Take individual color photos of the damaged property, targeting any high ticket items. If possible, videotape the damage items.
• Have the camera set to record the date / time.
• If possible, take samples or swatches of carpeting, wallpaper, furniture upholstery, window treatments, and other items where quality will be a claims factor.
• The inventory should reflect the corresponding picture for validation.
• Keep this information in a secured location to share when the adjuster arrives.
This process applies to all contents that are damaged and will be claimed.