Virginia’s SCC Working with FEMA on Local Meetings for Hurricane Isabel Flood Claims

Virginia’s State Corporation Commission’s (SCC) Bureau of Insurance has initiated efforts with state and federal emergency management officials to assist Hurricane Isabel victims in Virginia who are concerned about their flood insurance claim settlement.

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), is currently undertaking a process of reviewing disputes regarding the handling of flood insurance claims as a result of Hurricane Isabel. Virginia insurance regulators are working with FEMA and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management to reach out to Virginians who have concerns over the handling of these claims.

Representatives from the Bureau will meet this week with officials from FEMA and other state officials to schedule local consumer outreach meetings. The meetings will allow policyholders an opportunity to meet with federal flood insurance officials to voice their concerns and request reviews of their claims.

If a resident purchased a flood insurance policy and they are not satisfied with the claims adjuster’s handling of their Hurricane Isabel flood claim, they may also contact the NFIP toll-free at 1-800-427-4661.

In addition, the NFIP will be sending a notice to all Hurricane Isabel flood claimants who were paid less than the maximum amount of their coverage minus their deductible. This notice will include a postage paid “Request for Claim Review” form. Claimants may also obtain information at www.fema.gov.