Assemblyman Weisenberg Announces New Mediation Program to Help Homeowners Challenge Insurers

February 27, 2013

Assemblyman Harvey Weisenberg (D-Nassau County) announced that the Department of Financial Services (DFS) has implemented a voluntary mediation process for those who are currently disputing their insurance claims or are dissatisfied with the denials of their claims following the devastating storm that uprooted thousands and left long-term destruction in its wake.

“For the families who have spent the last several months trying to rebuild their lives in the wake of Sandy’s devastation and keep coming up short because of frustrating insurance disputes, enough is enough,” Assemblyman Weisenberg said. “This program is an optional approach for these disputes, but more needs to be done.”

The mediation program is applicable for disputes over homeowner’s insurance claims that took place between October 26 and November 15, 2012, and requires insurers to notify homeowners of their right to mediate eligible claims. If a homeowner decides to mediate the claim, the insurer must then alert the American Arbitration Association. Mediation can be conducted face to face, by video conference or by telephone.

According to the Department of Financial Services (DFS), the mediation will not be binding on the homeowners and will not affect the homeowner’s additional legal rights to request an appraisal, file a civil suit, and any other rights provided by law.

For any insurance and banking related questions, homeowners can call the DFS Disaster Hotline at 800-339-1759.

Additionally, for those still looking to apply for FEMA aid, the deadline has been extended to March 29, 2013. Applications can be found online at DisasterAssistance.gov, via smartphone at m.fema.gov or by phone at 800-621-3362. Please visit www.fema.gov/apply-assistance for additional information. Hearing or speech-impaired residents may call TTY 800-462-7585 to apply.

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