ALBANY, N.Y. — (Editor's note: The video above previously aired on Nov. 19.)
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has requested the state's Department of Financial Services (DFS) issue temporary permits to qualified, out-of-state insurance adjusters to help speed the claims process along for those who were impacted by the November 2022 storm.
The state says increasing the number of adjusters will help speed the claims process so people will get paid faster.
"My administration is using every tool at our disposal to deliver relief to New York businesses and homeowners following this historic winter storm," Governor Hochul said in a release.
"This new guidance will help to expedite insurance claims for New Yorkers in need and fast-track our recovery effort as we continue to work around the clock to assist Buffalo and Watertown area residents. I urge all New Yorkers to file claims as soon as they can to help rebuild their communities and homes."
"DFS stands ready to help impacted homeowners and businesses with insurance questions and claims related to the winter storm. DFS will be issuing temporary adjuster permits to those responding to property losses in Western, Central and Northern New York counties, and we will continue to assist in emergency response efforts in partnership with fellow state agencies and local partners to help these communities rebuild and recover," said Department of Financial Services Superintendent Adrienne A. Harris.
Several homes and businesses, especially those living in the southtowns where the snow was the heaviest, suffered damage.
Because this is an emergency need, DFS expects all insurers to:
• Promptly process and investigate insurance claims made by claimants;
• Allow claimants to provide as reasonable proof items such as: photographs or video recordings (without the need for a physical inspection); material samples, if applicable; inventories; and receipts for any repairs to or replacement of property; and
• Allow claimants to make immediate repairs to damaged property, if necessary, to protect health or safety.
Residents needing assistance with how to document their losses, can call the Department's Disaster Hotline at 800-339-1759, daily, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and by accessing the Department's website at www.dfs.ny.gov.