Corbett Waives Hurricane Insurance Deductibles for Homeowners

The bad news is that homeowners will have to deal with rising insurance costs from Hurricane Sandy claims but the good news is they won't have to pay specialized hurricane policy deductibles.

According to a new release from the Gov. Tom Corbet, he said, "Insurance deductibles could have added significant costs to Pennsylvanians already struggling to clean up and rebuild after Hurricane Sandy. Insurance companies have deployed catastrophe teams to Pennsylvania and they have been advised that hurricane deductibles should not be applied to any homeowner's insurance claims."

Homeowners will still be responsible for paying standard homeowner deductibles for wind and storm-related claims, but higher hurricane deductibles from special coverage policies will not apply.

Here are some additional tips released by the state to help when filing a claim:

• Before calling your insurance company, try to locate your policy number and other relevant information. Your company representative will prepare a "Notice of Loss" form and an adjuster will be assigned to assist you.  Ask for a timeline on when your agent can help you.
• Take photographs/video before clean-up or repairs. If you have already taken your damaged items out of the house, take pictures of the debris. After you've documented the damage, make the repairs necessary to prevent further damage, but do not make any permanent repairs until an adjuster or company representative is able to inspect the damage and your carrier approves the repairs. 
• Save all receipts. Keep a diary of all discussions with your agent or carrier. Cooperate fully with the insurance company.  Ask what documents, forms and data you will need to file the claim.

For more Sandy-related information, visit www.pa.gov or www.insurance.pa.gov.

Consumers with insurance questions or complaints can call the Insurance Department's toll-free, consumer hotline at 877- 881-6388.