North Carolina Settles Irene Claim Disputes

North Carolina regulators have recovered over $400,000 for policyholders stemming from claims filed in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene.

Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin released a memorandum summarizing the state’s response to Hurricane Irene.

Irene swept through parts of the state in August 2011, causing widespread damage to homes and crops. In September, North Carolina officials estimated the total damage would top $150 million including $70 million in personal losses and more than $37 million in crop damage.

Goodwin said that as of January 1, the department had handled 272 written complaints submitted by homeowners and farmers along with 725 phone calls. As a result, the department recovered more than $400,000 from insurers to resolve the Irene claims.

The majority of complaints stemmed from unsatisfactory claim settlement offers, delays in payment, and claims denials.

Policyholders also complained that banks and mortgage lenders refused to sign off on claims checks until those repairs were complete, leaving some homeowners without the funds to fix any damage to their property.

Along with the wind damage, many homeowners along the state’s coastline suffered from severe flooding, which led to criticism over the federal government’s response in handling flood claims. Since then, Goodwin has encouraged the North Carolina congressional delegation to support the extension of the National Flood Insurance Program by five years.