State Issues Mediation Process for Super Storm Sandy Claims

In the June 4, 2014 New York State Register the Department of Financial Services (DFS) has issued an emergency rule to allow for an expedited mediation process for insurance claims still outstanding from Super Storm Sandy.  Entitled the Unfair Claims Settlement Practices and Claim Cost Control Measures, the rule covers storm-related claims for the period of Oct. 26, 2012 through Nov. 15, 2012, and is directed to home owners and small businesses that have outstanding claims from the actual hurricane and the subsequent snow storm.

The rule would apply to any claim for loss or damage, other than claims made under flood policies issued under the national flood insurance program in the counties of Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk or Westchester, including their adjacent water ways. 

This is being adopted as an emergency rule which will expire as of Aug. 11, 2014 unless made permanent through the formal rule making process.

Members who still have outstanding insurance claims and feel that they may benefit from a possible mediation process should review the rule in detail.

Contact: Patrick Cucinelli, pcucinelli@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8827