Insurer flexibility urged for those impacted by storm

The Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID) this week called on insurers to provide flexibility for Pennsylvanians affected by Tropical Storm Debby. On Aug. 9, Governor Josh Shapiro issued a proclamation of disaster emergency (amended on Aug. 20) for 28 counties that were affected by catastrophic flooding from the storm.

Pennsylvanians in at least 28 counties lost their homes, vehicles, medications, and other belongings. Counties listed in the proclamation are Adams, Bedford, Berks, Bradford, Cambria, Cameron, Carbon, Centre, Clearfield, Chester, Cumberland, Dauphin, Elk, Fulton, Indiana, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Lycoming, Monroe, Pike, Potter, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, Union, Wayne, Wyoming, and York.

"Experiencing significant home, property and business damage from a storm is incredibly difficult. We want Pennsylvanians to focus on recovery, and we urge our insurance community to provide flexibility where possible to aid consumers in that effort," said Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Michael Humphreys. "This flexibility is crucial for people who are trying to rebuild their lives after Tropical Storm Debby."

PID encourages insurers to assist Pennsylvanians in affected counties by considering the following actions:

Relaxing due dates for premium payments;

Extending grace periods;

Waiving late fees and penalties; and

Allowing payment plans for premium payments to otherwise avoid a lapse in coverage.

Additionally, insurers are asked to only consider cancellation or nonrenewal of policies after exhausting other efforts to work with policyholders to continue coverage.

PID also encourages health insurers to allow patients to fill prescriptions early, and at no cost where possible, for medication that has been lost or destroyed.

Pennsylvanians with questions or wishing to file a complaint with the Department may contact PID's Bureau of Consumer Services at 1-877-881-6388 or online.

Follow PID on X and like the Department on Facebook.