For Immediate Release
DHS Press Office
Contact: 202-282-8010
As I have stated previously, flood insurance policyholders who are the victims of Hurricane Sandy deserve every dollar they are owed from their insurers. FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate and I are both determined that FEMA support this effort. Today, I can report that thanks to the hard work of Administrator Fugate and Deputy Associate Administrator for Federal Insurance Brad Kieserman, we are making significant progress to resolve the Sandy National Flood Insurance Program claims that are now in litigation.
This week, several Write Your Own companies, who issue flood insurance policies and process claims, have agreed to pay costs associated with the litigation. Additionally, representatives from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Small Business Administration, and other third party interests, have agreed to expedite determinations on what duplication of benefits from their recovery programs may apply to litigants in order to settle claims. FEMA and flood insurance policyholders can now move forward with an expedited settlement process.
FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security are committed to administering a flood insurance program that puts victims first. Flood insurance is vital to protect the American public. Those who purchase flood insurance must be able to count on it being there when it is needed to help rebuild their lives.
In addition to working toward settling the litigation, FEMA – with the full support of the Department of Homeland Security –will soon be announcing a process to review all flood insurance claims resulting from Hurricane Sandy for survivors who have questions or concerns about their claims. Additionally, FEMA will work to implement long term reforms to the program to ensure it continues to protect the families and communities we serve.
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