Insurance Hotline To Help Residents Rebuild

November 14, 2012

Assemblywoman Malliotakis speaks with a local resident impacted by Superstorm Sandy.

Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis (R,C-Brooklyn, Staten Island) is urging constituents with insurance issues resulting from Superstorm Sandy to call the Department of Financial Services (DFS) disaster hotline at 800-339-1759, which is now open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In addition to receiving counsel over the phone, callers can be directed to the nearest available DFS mobile command center to discuss their issues in person. Homeowners unable to settle claims with insurers can file complaints through DFS at http://www.dfs.ny.gov/consumer/fileacomplaint.htm.

Homeowners must take note of several developments and designations regarding insurance claims as a result of the storm. DFS is urging claimants to file with their insurers as soon as possible. Homeowners with flood insurance must file flood damage claims through the FEMA-administered flood program. Hurricane deductibles will not apply as the storm lacked sustained hurricane-force winds when it made landfall in New York. The governor has directed DFS to instruct insurers to waive the on-site inspection requirement and accept photos and videos of losses to expedite the clearing of debris that poses health and safety issues. Per the governor’s instructions, DFS also will direct insurers to impose a 30-day moratorium on the cancellation of policies for home and small-business owners in areas ravaged by the storm.

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