What To Do If You’ve Got Questions About Your Insurance Policy & Hurricane Deductibles

Information is power.

Yesterday we reported on vows by the governors of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut that homeowners would not be on the hook for high hurricane deductibles on their insurance policies, but we’ve heard from readers who have received conflicting information. It’s a confusing time for many impacted by Sandy, so here’s what we suggest you do if you have questions or concerns about your insurance policy and any claims you might make.

Any consumers who have either been contacted by a claims representative discussing hurricane deductibles or who just need information should contact both their insurer as well as their state’s insurance department. Check out the links and hotline below for your state:

New York: http://www.dfs.ny.gov/
Consumer hotline: 1-800-339-1759

New Jersey: http://www.state.nj.us/dobi/consumer.htm
Consumer Hotline: 1-800-446-7467

Pennsylvania: Click here for the state’s insurance department.
Consumer Hotline: 877- 881-6388

Connecticut: http://www.ct.gov/cid/site/default.asp
Consumer Helpline: (800) 203-3447

We’ve heard from Liberty Mutual after a reader wrote in to say she’d been told a hurricane deductible would apply. That spokesman told Consumerist:

I can affirm for you that Liberty Mutual Insurance is not imposing hurricane deductibles in New Jersey.

He did say other policy deductibles could apply so it’s important to be in touch with your insurer and have everything properly explained.

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