An uprooted tree blocks the sidewalk on Market St. in Harrisburg on Aug. 9, 2024. The remnants of Hurricane Debby caused flooding and felled trees throughout Pennsylvania.
Rachel McDevitt / StateImpact Pennsylvania
Pa. urges insurer flexibility for people affected by remnants of Debby
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Rachel McDevitt
Rachel McDevitt / StateImpact Pennsylvania
An uprooted tree blocks the sidewalk on Market St. in Harrisburg on Aug. 9, 2024. The remnants of Hurricane Debby caused flooding and felled trees throughout Pennsylvania.
The Shapiro Administration is asking insurers to be flexible in helping people affected by the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby.
Debby, as a post-tropical depression, tore through the middle of the state, from the Maryland to the New York border, on Aug. 9. It created catastrophic flooding for some areas and high winds. A tornado was confirmed in Harrisburg.
Gov. Josh Shapiro issued a disaster proclamation for 28 counties, including Berks, Cumberland, Dauphin, and York.
His administration says people along the storm’s path lost homes, vehicles, medications, and other belongings in the resulting damage.
The Pennsylvania Insurance Department is now asking insurers to consider a few policies for people in the affected counties that will ease financial burdens and prevent a lapse in coverage. Recommendations include relaxing due dates for premium payments, extending grace periods, waiving late fees, and allowing payment plans.
The agency is also asking health insurance companies to allow people to fill prescriptions early and at no cost for drugs that were destroyed or lost.
The Insurance Department says flexibility from insurers is key in helping people rebuild their lives after the damage.
Noah Karn with the Insurance Federation of Pennsylvania, a non-profit trade association, said it’s too early after the storm to know if any policy holders have experienced a lapse in coverage or missed payments.
He recommends people look over their policies, document damage with photos or video, and reach out to their insurance agents with any questions and concerns.
Karn said disaster situations are unique and insurers are taking steps to help smooth claims processes.
“Our members are in the business of being responsive to policyholders and assisting them in time of need,” Karn said.
Emergency motor vehicle physical damage appraisers are now active, following the storm and disaster proclamation, Karn said. These are people not licensed as vehicle damage appraisers in Pennsylvania, but who may come in from other states to help vehicle owners file claims faster.
Karn also cautioned against signing any new policies or contracts offered by public adjusters who claim they can get a bigger payout from an insurance company, as the offers typically come with fees.
Pennsylvanians can ask questions and file complaints with the state Insurance Department by calling 1-877-881-6388 or visiting their website.
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