[caption id="attachment_3242" align="alignleft" width="150"]ny sandy insurance claims, ny disaster insurance Photo: Melanie Stetson Freeman/Staff[/caption]

Reports of problems with insurance companies are surfacing.

The Washington Post is reporting that insurance companies are  shortchanging victims of Hurricane Sandy and either not paying or underpaying the claims.

The article states, “Many homeowners who got slammed by Hurricane Sandy one year ago are finding that their flood insurance checks are nowhere near large enough to cover their repairs, and consumer advocates put some of the blame on errors by the multitude of adjusters who were hired in a hurry after the disaster.”

Does this sound familiar to you?  If your home was badly damaged by Sandy and your insurance company is still dragging its feet paying your Sandy-related claims, or gave you less than you believe you are entitled - do not hesitate to file a complaint!

To file a complaint go to http://nyinsure.ny.gov/ or the Department of Financial Services website www.dfs.ny.gov. 

Although it’s not instant gratification (the company has up to 45 days to respond), it can lead to some relief, including a mediated settlement .  DFS has a Sandy insurance hotline you can call to get help as well,  800 339-1759.

Also your complaint will be counted for the NYS Insurers Disaster Response Report Card, one way to help “keep them honest.”  1-800-339-1759.

For more information on resources to help you with insurance issues are a result of Sandy visit our page: Sandy Insurance Problems.