A mediation process has been established that gives those affected by Hurricane Sandy the option to settle disputed cases without resorting to costly and time consuming lawsuits, the Christie administration has announced.
This process is needed to help alleviate the hardship being experienced by residents whose property was damaged or destroyed by Sandy, said Governor Christie.
As of Feb. 15, the percentage of claims closed was at 87 percent overall and 91 percent for homeowners. This mediation program is an opportunity to expediently resolve outstanding claims so that residents can continue to rebuild their lives, Christie said.
The new program will allow property owners to submit homeowner’s, automobile and commercial property claims to a mediator who will review the case and assist in settlement discussions.
Disputed non-flood Sandy-related claims greater than $1,000 that do not include a reasonable suspicion of fraud and are based on policies in force at the time Sandy made landfall will be eligible for mediation. Insurance carriers will pay for the cost of the mediator.
“Safeguarding the interests of policyholders is part of this Department’s mission to protect consumers,” said DOBI Commissioner Kobylowski. “We know that other states facing the aftermath of weather-related disasters and storms, such as Hurricane Katrina, successfully operated similar mediation programs. New Jersey’s program will help rapidly and amicably resolve claims to help residents recover from Sandy.”
The Mediation Program will not include flood insurance claims at the inception of the program because those claims are handled by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) pursuant to federal regulations. However, the Department continues to monitor and assess the viability of securing NFIP participation in certain mediations at a later date.
State regulated insurers are required to notify insureds with open or unresolved homeowner’s, auto and commercial claims that they can ask for a mediation conference and detailed instructions for filing that request. Participation by policyholders is completely voluntary.
Insurers authorized or admitted to transact business in New Jersey and the New Jersey Insurance Underwriting Association will be required to participate in the Mediation Program. Surplus lines insurers and risk retention groups (RRGs) may elect whether or not to participate in the mediation process on a case-by-case basis.
There were a few portions where he wanted more information and he didnt ask me for it before submitting. Now I have to file a supplemental claim. IF I do file the claim, they hold up my ICC money until it is settled. Also found out that if you receive the SBA loan as I did, I must turn over my flood insurance money to them. The process total stinks and benefits no one but the insurance companies....and of course the government.
Obama cut what and when? If he cut all the red tape how come so many people haven't gotten their money yet?
In Brick, councilmen are confronting the hardships imposed by FEMA: http://brick.patch.com/articles/brick-officials-feds-should-fund-all-house-raisings All along the Shore, there's a grassroots uprising against the 2012 Biggert-Waters Act that empowered FEMA to cause more damage than Sandy did: StopFemaNow.com ==> or ==> Facebook.com/StopFemaNow Come to a 1-hour meeting this Saturday, March 9th, 3PM at the Silverton First Aid Squad, 86 Maine St. (like the state), Toms River. Residents of all coastal towns are invited. Up to 20% of all US residents are affected by FEMA's expanding flood zones and onerous requirements and expenses. Our voices will be heard from Trenton to Washington!
Join our fight -- come to a 1-hour meeting Sat. March 9th, 3 PM, at Silverton First Aid Squad, 86 Maine St., Toms River (all towns welcome). Info at StopFemaNow.com and Facebook.com/StopFemaNow. Save our Shore Communities!
I feel for you. I do not have the answers but if you are being screwed by the state and Fema I feel for you. If you only new how many people that have asked me to do work on there homes that had prior damage to the sandy storm you might understand. I know so many people that had damage prior to the storm and now are trying to claim the damage under FEMA. Everyone that is ripping off Fema should go to jail then maybe there would be money left for those whom need it.
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