Hurricane Irene Proof of Loss Deadline Extended

Hurricane Irene Proof of Loss Deadline Extended

Hagan supported Commissioner Goodwin's request to FEMA

November 23, 2011

Contact: Sadie Weiner 202-379-8421

Jack Pfeiffer 202-657-2007

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Yesterday, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced a 60-day extension of the Hurricane Irene Proof of Loss deadline under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). On Tuesday, U.S. Senator Kay R. Hagan (NC) supported North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin's request for an extension of the November 23, 2011 deadline. The 60-day extension runs through January 23, 2012.

NFIP policyholders in North Carolina can contact Hagan's Greensboro office for assistance at 1-877-852-9462.

The text of Hagan's letter is below and can also be found here. http://hagan.senate.gov/files/NFIPProofofLossExtension.pdf

November 22, 2011

The Honorable William Fugate

Federal Emergency Management Agency

500 C Street, SW

Washington, DC 20472

Dear Administrator Fugate:

I write in support of North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin's request for an extension of the Hurricane Irene Proof of Loss deadline.

As you know, the devastation of Hurricane Irene is still being felt by families throughout North Carolina. I appreciate the efforts of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which has been instrumental in providing over $64 million in much needed disaster assistance to North Carolina thus far.

Unfortunately, some residents remain unaware of the pending November 23, 2011 deadline for filing a "Proof of Loss." Others have only recently become aware of the deadline and may be rushing to complete a "Proof of Loss."

More recently, I have heard from concerned residents in the Outer Banks that National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims adjusters may be applying regulations in an incomplete or inconsistent manner due to several letters of guidance issued by NFIP in just the last few months.

As residents of North Carolina pick up the pieces from Hurricane Irene, I urge you not to unnecessarily exclude eligible NFIP policyholders by observing the "Proof of Loss" deadline and ask you to extend the "Proof of Loss" deadline for several weeks. This extension will give residents the time they need to file proof of loss and provide additional time to look into practices by NFIP claims adjusters.

Sincerely,

Kay Hagan

United States Senator

Cc: James A. Sadler, Director of Claims, NFIP