Even though it’s been ten months since Hurricane Sandy hit, many business and homeowners who suffered damage are still waiting for their insurance companies to settle their claims. However, according to a recent announcement by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Agency may pay for items that your insurance company denied.
“Stay In Touch With Us!”
That was the message FEMA sent out on 7/9/13 in a press release. The Agency urged survivors who have registered for disaster assistance to call its helpline (800-621-3362) when they receive their insurance settlement. If your insurance didn’t cover all of your losses, FEMA may help – depending upon the facts and circumstances of your situation.
According to the Agency, part of the reason why many homeowners may have received a letter from FEMA saying they were not eligible for assistance is because FEMA didn’t have information about homeowners’ insurance settlements. Anyone who has appealed an original FEMA assistance decision can use their insurance settlement information in their appeal.
FEMA reminds applicants who call to:
- Make sure you have the registration number FEMA assigned to your application.
- Keep contact information with FEMA current to ensure timely delivery of important assistance updates.
- Keep appointments with FEMA home inspectors.
Applicants who need to update their contact information or who have questions regarding their application can call the toll-free FEMA helpline, 800-621-3362, from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., seven days a week. Help is available in most languages.
Insurance Company Settlements Ongoing
Although it’s been ten months since Hurricane Sandy hit, it’s clear from FEMA’s recent message that insurance company settlements are ongoing. All homeowners who can take advantage of FEMA funds are encouraged to do so. However, even if you do contact FEMA, any homeowner who has been treated unfairly by their insurance company should also contact an experienced bad faith insurance lawyer to force your insurer to abide by their contracts.
Regardless of whether you need assistance in matters of bad faith insurance practices, disputed or unfair settlement amounts, improperly calculated deductibles, undervalued claims, delayed settlements or denials, at Belluck & Fox, we are dedicated to protecting your rights, exploring all of your options and getting you the money you deserve. Contact us today!