PA - Hurricane Irene & Tropical Storm Lee
Late Aug., 2011, Hurricane Irene followed by Tropical Storm Lee produced torrential rain and caused substantial damage to the northeastern part of the United States. This page centralizes core information on the hurricane and useful links for you and your clients.
| Insurance Department notice (09/22/11) - The notice cautions producers against insufficient assistance to clients with or without coverage. |
General claim-handling information
Lee: 45-day extension for filing proof of loss (Bulletin W-12004) - 02/03/12
Irene: 60-day extension for filing proof of loss (Bulletin W-11120) - 11/22/11
Lee: 60-day extension for filing proof of loss (Bulletin W-11107) - 10/18/11
Revised Increased Cost of Compliance form for proof of loss (Bulletin W-11106) - 10/14/11
Basement coverage under the SFIP (Bulletin W-11093) - reminds producers that the NFIP provides some coverage for basements.
Pennsylvania Flood response Office (Bulletin W-11089) - 09/20/11
Irene/Lee: 30-day extension for filing proof of loss (Bulletin W-11082) [superseded. See Bulletins W-11107 & W-11120]
Hurricane Irene FICO number (Pennsylvania: 284) & closure of FICO number
Tropical Storm Lee FICO number - Pennsylvania: 293
Irene & Lee: Modified handling of claims with prior losses W-11074
Coverage questions
I.I.I.: What’s covered, what’s not - some basic consumer-oriented reminders which can help in discussing claims with clients. Remember however, that ultimately the claim determination rests with the insurance company and isbased on that company's specific policy language
Wind vs. flood—reminder of past bulletins - FEMA issues bulletin
Wind or water - an article by Jerry Milton
Other disaster assistance for clients (whether or not they have coverage)
Counties eligible for individual assistance (assistance to individuals and households):
► Tropical Storm Lee - last updated 10/27/11
Counties eligible for public assistance (assistance to State and local governments and certain private non-profit organizations) - Counties are listed by category:
► Tropical Storm Lee - last updated 10/15/11
Understanding FEMA assistance - If a hurricane or other catastrophe is declared a federal disaster and you have customers who do not have flood or other insurance coverage to respond to their losses, they may need to apply for assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Association. The deadline to apply for assistance has been extended to Dec. 14, 2011 for both Hurricane Irene and T.S. Lee.
How to appeal a FEMA decision - 11/08/11
SBA disaster loans - low interest loans to individuals or businesses to repair or replace real estate, personal property, machinery & equipment, inventory and business assets that have been damaged or destroyed in a declared disaster.
► SBA loan applications to be returned promptly - the loan application must be returned even if the applicant doesn't want a loan. A completed form is the gateway to determining the type of assistance the person may be eligible for.
Checklist for clients (links embedded) - basic information to help clients understand and file property &/or flood insurance claims as well as identify and apply for any disaster assistance available (print version with links apparent)
Tax relief from IRS for disaster victims - 11/03/11
Mold May Be Lurking In Flood And Water Damaged Homes - tips to prevent mold growth after a flood
Flood cleanup and mold remediation contractors - A list of registered contractors compiled by the Insurance Department & Attorney General's office (09/21/11)
Beware of fraud: Ask for identification - FEMA and its Pennsylvania office warning against scammers impersonating FEMA/PEMA representatives, insurance adjusters, local building inspectors or others
Recover & rebuild -Assistance information from FEMA
Senior citizens won't lose benefits if they receive disaster aid (10/06/11)
Disaster unemployment assistance filing deadline nears (10/06/11) - lists deadline by county
What to expect if you applied for disaster assistance from FEMA (Harrisburg, PA - Sept. 18, 2011)
Disaster Assistance is for Renters Too - Reminder that renters can also apply for disaster assistance & steps to take
Federal disaster aid: Answers to questions survivors ask (Harrisburg, PA - Sept. 15, 2011)
Preparing a Home Inventory
► Personal property inventory - from the NAIC
► Know Your Stuff Home inventory software - Read more and download this free software by III
► Smartphone apps:
- Trusted Choice® Mobile App: Compatible with iOS and Android platforms, this app allows consumers to find a local Trusted Choice® agent, create their home inventory, document an accident, ask a question and read relevant headlines - all from their smartphone or mobile device. The customized format includes the agency logo and color scheme. It's also integrated with Project CAP and IIABA online systems to provide single sign-on and easy account administration. Discounted rates with Portal-Bronze enrollment. Free to the end-user.
- myHOME Scr.APP.book app for Android | iPhone - Both apps allow users to create a home inventory, letting users quickly photograph and capture images, descriptions and serial numbers, and storing the information electronically for safekeeping. The app organizes everything by room and category, and creates a back-up file for e-mail sharing.
State-specific information
President declares emergency for Pennsylvania - lists the counties eligible for federal aid
Pennsylvania FAIR Plan - The FAIR Plan is asking that all claims be faxed to 215-409-9100 or by calling 800-462-4972.
FOR AGENTS: Trusted Choice® Disaster Relief fund
Agents affected by hurricane Irene or Tropical Storm Lee may be able to apply for assistance through the Trusted Choice® Disaster Relief fund. The fund assists those who have suffered losses due to natural or manmade disasters by making cash grants to those in the insurance industry to pay for immediate or ongoing financial needs when other funding sources (such as insurance and other grants) are not available.
Agents who were not affected by the severe weather conditions and wish to help their brethren can donate to the relief fund. The foundation is a 501(c)(3) entity and all contributions are tax deductible.
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