Flood Insurance Delay Paints Bleak Picture for Sandy Victims
Many have yet to receive claim checks for flood insurance following Hurricane Sandy.
Bel and Jim Racanelli stand in their backyard. JIm holds a photo taken the day after Sandy. Water had receded yet still covered the entire yard.
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His wife leaves the room to tend to their youngest. Jim Racanelli talks about being a man, about the responsibility of providing emotional and financial stability for his family. His icy-blue eyes are stern and unblinking, but when he talks his voice wobbles a bit, like the legs of a man shouldering a burden that’s suddenly grown too large to carry.
Driven from his home by Hurricane Sandy, Racanelli stands among the ruin. The walls of his Toms River home are stripped up to his waist, electrical lines like exposed nerves. The foundation is cracked, the house and its upside down mortgage shifted. You want to be strong, he says standing in the middle of a warped and rotting floor, but there’s always a limit.
If he hasn’t reached it yet he’s certainly knocking on the door.
In New Jersey, thousands of families are still displaced with little indication of when and if they’ll be able to return to their pre-Sandy lives. They are hoping their insurance can make them whole again by providing the funding necessary to make repairs and raise their homes, but the process is proving to be a slow one. As the winter creeps on, the future of many of those who’ve lost their homes to Sandy remains uncertain.
“I’m trying to keep my head my head up. I’ve always said things will be OK; everything will be all right. This time I’m not so sure,” Racanelli said. “I feel hopeless and helpless at the same time. To feel like that when you’re usually in control, it’s just people are looking to me ... my family is looking to me.”
Displaced and Homeless
The Racanelli’s have spent the last three months as nomads. The five of them, Racanelli, his wife Bel, and their three children ages 9, 7, and the youngest 3, have moved from place to place after being displaced from their home.
They had relatively comfortable accommodations in a hotel for a time but were tossed out, victims of overbooking and a reservation made with a credit card.
It hasn’t been easy for the kids, he says. The oldest has withdrawn. He’s sick of talking about the hurricane. Their middle son is acting out in school. He’s on edge. Administrators think it might be the result of the accumulated stress of seeing the only home he’s ever known destroyed. Racanelli said he knows it is.
On a trip to the mall during the holiday shopping season – a short-lived diversion for the children, a stark reminder to the parents of the loss of all their accumulated possessions – Racenelli said his daughter sat on Santa Claus’s lap. When he asked her what she wanted for Christmas, she told him she wanted her house back.
In their odyssey they spent a week in a neighbor’s camper, parked in their driveway and emerging only at night, after their hosts had gone to bed, to use the bathroom and take hot showers.
Looking for a house to rent for a longer, but still temporary solution, they found few available options for their family, despite assurances from the state and the Federal Emergency Management Agency that New Jersey has more than enough rental properties available for Sandy victims.
Eventually, after initially being denied rental assistance by FEMA without explanation and reapplying and being told that, yes, they did qualify for assistance, the Racenelli’s found a suitable home, agreeing to terms with a landlord. After several unanswered phone calls from Racanelli, he found out the property was leased to another family, he believes, with better connections or maybe a bit more cash.
A bright spot emerged recently in the form of an online connection via social media. A long ago high school friend, maybe better stated, an acquaintance, caught wind of Racanelli’s plight on Facebook. She offered him the name and number of a couple who spend their summers in Point Pleasant. This time the promise of an available rental home came through.
It’s home, for now.
Everything is temporary, of course, until their house is rebuilt, torn down, built over, raised up or swallowed by surging tidal waters during the next once a century storm. Racanelli said he isn’t sure what to do or how long the process will take. He hasn’t gotten his insurance check yet. The work that’s been done in the house so far – the stripping of the floor and walls and the debris removal – was done by a contractor who expects to be paid, eventually. Their life in disarray, the Racanellis, beaten down and frustrated, can only wait.
Unprecedented Storm, Unprecedented Delays
On a tour of the barrier island at the end of November, a month after the storm decimated much of the Jersey Shore and the first time the state Assembly at large was given the opportunity to see the devastation, Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver walked along a road where houses once stood and stated, confidently, that the state would be there to aid in recovery.
Insurance companies should take notice, too, she promised. The state would not look kindly on insurance companies that delayed writing checks to displaced homeowners. Never mentioned, however, as she continued along, stopping for a moment to survey an Ortley Beach home crumbled on top of a pile of sand that didn’t belong there, was FEMA’s role in the payback.
The federal agency operates the National Flood Insurance Program, which is in the process of making good on the policies Sandy’s victims have been paying into for years. But in many instances, the payouts have not come quickly enough. Even now, nearly three months since the storm passed, some residents, like the Racanellis, are still waiting for their checks. Homeowners are eager to get back to work, to begin rebuilding their lives, but without money there’s little they can do.
FEMA has asserted its position as the helping hand during Sandy recovery, offering displaced families assistance in finding rental properties, providing funding to pay for rent, and even supplying temporary housing at previously unused facilities at Fort Monmouth and in the form of mobile homes driven into New Jersey on 18-wheelers and dropped on concrete slabs in trailer parks throughout the area. Help is here, but it might not be in the form residents are looking for. The shear total of claims, the lengthy process through which FEMA assesses damage, has meant a delay in insurance payouts, officials said.
“It’s taking a little bit of time because of the inordinate amount of claims,” FEMA Spokesman Christopher Mckniff said recently, noting that hundreds of thousands of claims have been submitted in New York and New Jersey. “It’s taken its toll on the system because it was such a catastrophic event.
“If you’re having an issue, if you’re waiting a long time on insurance, there are things we can do to assist you.”
"This is your job. Let's go here."
Typically, insurance companies have 30 days to respond to claims. When it comes to unprecedented storms, like Sandy, that deadline is suspended. How long the suspension lasts depends on a number of factors, including the number of claims submitted, the personnel needed to assess damage, and having funding available in your coffers.
Earlier this month and prior to the passing of a complete Sandy relief package, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a measure to allow the National Flood Insurance Program to borrow $9.7 billion to pay insurance claims made by Sandy victims. In all, Sandy damaged or destroyed nearly 350,000 homes throughout the state. According to statistics released by Gov. Chris Christie’s office, 72,000 of them were covered by the NFIP.
Among them is the Racanelli home.
“The insurance companies are crying, asking people to be patient, but we’re 10 weeks out here,” Bel Racanelli said. “I understand you’re overwhelmed, but you’re paid to do this. This is your job, let’s go here. Let’s hire people, let’s get off our butts and get this done.”
Racanelli’s words are earnest and delivered so. In the past few years, the 31-year-old has raised her children while having to deal with multiple surgeries, a home fire that destroyed many of her family’s personal belongings, and the strain of a cancer scare that caused her son to be admitted to the hospital. But the weary look that weighs on her still youthful face has everything to do with Sandy.
Information on what to expect has been limited. Jim Racanelli said two different adjusters came to take a look at his property on two different days. They each had significantly different opinions and perspectives on the situation. As to the official word, Racanelli doesn’t know. The adjusters have taken a look at the property, filled out paperwork, and submitted it up the line. In the mean time all there is to do is wait.
The Department of Banking and Insurance has taken on the task of assisting the state’s residents when it comes to filing complaints, answering questions, or, as it’s been recently, serving as the vent for so many Sandy-related concerns. Despite delays, DOBI Spokesman Marshall McKnight said claims are being paid off and that legitimate complaints, those that include proof that insurance companies violated department regulations, have been few.
In all, approximately 488,000 Sandy-related claims have been submitted by residents since the October storm. Of that total, 300,000, or roughly 60 percent of all claims, have been closed, paid out, resolved. When it comes to homeowners insurance, DOBI has methods of applying pressure to help urge things along. Dealing with the National Flood Insurance Program is a bit different. It’s a federal issue and not part of the department’s jurisdiction. Helpful advice is available, but getting your claim answered is out of the state’s hands.
Unsurprisingly, perhaps, the majority of complains DOBI has received following Hurricane Sandy are specifically related to flood insurance and delays in insurance payouts, McKnight said.
An Uncertain Future
The Racanelli’s home on Elizabeth Avenue is a 1920’s bungalow with a view of a lagoon that’s never even once risen to reach their property line. In the distance, past the reeds and marsh are a few scattered mansions – new construction taking advantage of a natural vista – in a crowded part of a crowded state that’s likely unattainable for blue-collar families.
They haven’t built homes like these for years and they may never again. They’re small, built below grade, and now, thanks to Sandy and FEMA’s new flood elevation maps, are located in flood prone areas. Even if the Racanelli’s are able to rebuild their existing home, new flood insurance rates expected to come online next year will make it too expensive to live there. Raising it is an option, one Racanelli said he’ll pursue, but Increased Cost of Compliance, or ICC, coverage only provides a maximum of $30,000 to raise a structure. Racanelli said he’s gotten estimates, the lowest of them coming in at $40,000.
In the end, the point may be moot. The ICC funding requires a number of steps before it’s made available, including compliance from towns to follow FEMA’s new flood maps. Even then the money doesn’t come quickly. At a recent information session with Sea Bright residents, FEMA officials acknowledged that some property owners in the Gulf Coast still haven’t received ICC funding to elevate their homes after Hurricane Katrina, a storm that hit in 2005.
“A lot of the builders are saying ‘Jim, by the time we repair this all it’s going to cost too much’,” Racanelli said. “I don’t know what to do.”
You can find more articles from this ongoing series, “Dispatches: The Changing American Dream” from across the country at The Huffington Post.
Paula Bistak
7:26 am on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
After the delay in getting the insurance checks, they then need to deal with the banks who will place even more obstacles in the way to proceeding with restoration, The banks claim to be protecting their customers from themselves, but are hanging on to the money to drive up their earnings. Wells Fargo is showing the way backward for sure.
Dentss Dunnagun
11:48 am on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
I deal with a bank that won't even let you pay down your mortgage with the insurance check then I read the paper that they handed me they will cut you a check (33%) for "documented " repairs to be done ,a check fee of 15.00 they also have a $45.oo inspection fee to be done before any more money can be disbursed .No wonder any time I tell a carpenter that I' must get my banks approval ...they walk ....
barbara
7:34 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
for sure, we were lucky to get flood ins. money in a timely manner, but the bank is delaying us...Horrible to have to see my children, who rent my "secondary" home go through this....hubby and family working butts off to get the house restored, but sure FEMA going to say we have to raise it. Well, can't wait forever for FEMA....so sad
Martin
9:41 am on Monday, January 28, 2013
Mass EXODUS from the shore soon, as $31,000/yr. flood insurance premiums or $60,000 to elevate house (impossible because it's on a slab) -- put us between a rock and a wet place!
Thousands are in the same boat, and we're all sunk... underwater. Christie didn't think it through when he adopted the crazy FEMA ultimatum. Thousands will walk away when they see how much property values have already dropped because of that hasty decision! The Fat Man has sung. The last one out of NJ... please turn off the lights.
Michael Capo
7:40 am on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Stop paying property taxes, mortgages and insurance premiums. You will be amazed at how quickly things start to move along.
I have spoken
8:13 am on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
yea like foreclosure.....what a ridicilious statement.
Jack N. Coke
12:32 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Foreclosure takes and average of 4 years in NJ.
anthony esposito
7:44 am on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Ed I have a lovely 3 bedroom home for rent in bay vile nj. Ask these people to contact me If they are interested
Tony
ellen mcmenemy
8:52 am on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
hi tony my daughter is looking for a place could you email me your information thank you mmckeetex@aol.com
shorebabe
12:33 pm on Thursday, January 24, 2013
Anthony, where in Bayville?
Its over!
7:44 am on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Mike, I totally agree. People in New Jersey must group together and put an end to this
den of thieves who run this state.
mike
8:32 am on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
nice thought good luck with that one
Chief Wahoo
7:51 am on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Property tax revolt. Cash is king. Do not give any more to the thugs and fraudsters. Breathe again.
Look at your neighbor as not the Jonses. Look at them as the solution.
Volunteerism.
Anarcho-Caputalism.
1stcav
9:06 am on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Chief you're burning too much hemp again in that Tepee...Don't pay , loose all and jail... now there's free room. Debtor 's prison Is alive and well in this USA..We as tax payers have supported 2 wars, rebuilt 2-3 countries, sent food & aid to 30 Nations in the last 5 yrs, tracked & killed enemies that want us ALL dead..and now a few need a helping hand because of Sandy and NOW there's all kinds of red tape...but all the aforesaid was done over night & some behind our backs...but done just the same..NO other Nation even sent a card ( correct if wrong ) , Sorry for your loss..USA...
Jack N. Coke
12:33 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
There is no debtors prison what in the world are you talking about.
grmahigold
7:59 am on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
As the owner of a second home only a few blocks from the Racinelli's i can only imagine what they are going through as a primary residence. The rates the flood insurance companies are offering to repair and replace are ridiculous. i have hired a private adjuster now to handle my claim. i wish i could do all the work needed at the rates they are quoting. If you have paid your premiums and filed a legit claim i don't see why it is so hard to get a fair settlement. Good luck to all the primary owners, our heart goes out.
shorebabe
12:38 pm on Thursday, January 24, 2013
Having a public adjuster work for you doesn't move anything faster. I have one and am in the same boat as everyone else, still waiting. I haven't even gotten a settlement number yet because they are still negotiating. Sounds to me maybe just maybe the public adjuster is doing their job. Although they hardly ever contact me about the status of both of our claims. But that's the least of my worries right now. Right now I'm worried about having enough money to do what I need to do to put my house back together as everyone else. My thing is that we all shouldn't have to borrow money and wait for any money to do what we need to do to be incompliance to the state and fed regulations. Since the state and federal gov. are the ones requiring us to raise our homes, they should be helping us more.
Arthur Williams
8:02 am on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
DOBI states that legitimate complaints are few---WHAT ARE THEY SMOKING???? Maybe they should come to Sunshine Harbor to discuss the delays and deliberate "low-balling" on estimates which are coming in 2 1/2 months after the loss. After the initial shock of estimates which appear to be running 50% of actual covered damages, the wait begins again!! There is a concerted effort to wear us down and take what is offered so we can forget this experience. No use going to the press of television-the problems are already documented and NOTHING has changed! I suggest that the victims out there go to the website FEMAINFO.ORG, click on Flood Insurance/Common Problems and Frequently asked questions. You will probably see there some misrepresentation that your adjuster made to you. Also, I would suggest that you take advantage of the Appraisal Process in your policy and demand Appraisal -- otherwise, this Chinese Water Torture is going to on forever! It is very hard to sue in New Jersey because the way the law is now, you are just suing to get what you are entitled to. See the "bad-faith" actions against the carriers in Hurricane Isabel where all these abuses were previously documented--and apparently nothing has changed in New Jersey. If we had a "bad-faith" statute in New Jersey we could sue for the carrier's egregious actions, maybe they would properly staff and train!! ...and settle fairly!!!
Skitch
11:37 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
A. Williams. NJ does have a bad faith statute. DOBI stated that legitimate complaints are few. If you will recall the article also states that they only have jurisdiction over the homeowner carriers. They have no jurisdiction over the flood program. Most of the complaints are regarding the flood program. Not the homeowner carriers. Being a NJ claims adjuster myself, I know how to navigate thru the program, the policies etc and i too am having the same problems getting my claim paid like everyone else thru the flood program. It is extremely frustrating. Essentially my house is a total loss in the real sense of the word but they only want to pay me for 1/3rd of the cost of repairs. Your best course of action is to document, document, document in the form of photos, videos, expert reports etc. offer those powers to be one last inspection opportunity, start your repairs, document every step along the way, file under the appraisal clause, if that fails file suit. I am now at the point where i have to start dealing with the bank to have my house repaired. I am demolishing. They are going to make it extremely difficult for me to get any of the proceeds from my payment to help rebuild or get repairs started. I have 160k coming out of my own pocket to pay for repairs in the form of refinance funds and they want me to spend that first before they distribute any of the insurance proceeds. Oi Vey. Will the road blocks ever end?
Wanda
8:10 am on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
My church, Pt Pleasant Presbyterian, is hosting a group from PA, Lend A Hand, who have skilled workers who will do the work for free. You only need to provide the materials. They will be coming once a month indefinitely to help year round residents. They are looking for families who need help now. 899-0587
Paul Ryan
7:29 am on Thursday, January 24, 2013
Great Job by your church Wanda
proud
5:47 pm on Monday, January 28, 2013
That statement Paul Ralph Ryan Sherm would make you a hypocrite
Bob Alou
8:26 am on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
And wait till the government starts running the healthcare system. This is just a preview.
Mary Chase
12:03 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Absolutely! This will be remembered as a dream once that nightmare reaches full force. Stay healthy!
Sententia
12:04 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
I hate to break it to you, but the government already runs a very large health care system. It’s called Medicare. Maybe you’ve heard of it.
Jack N. Coke
12:35 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
We have heard of medicare it is a joke. This muslim from kenya wants us all to live like kenya and iraq while he gets his way spending millions taking the government to hawaii for vacation!
Concerned
3:08 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Are you kidding me, I've made more on my investments under this guy then ever before. Wake up. look at the dow or the s&p. God bless B.O.
Drivingtoofar
3:19 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Jack N Rod. - take off your tin foil hat
Jack N. Coke
4:17 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Even so you are still a 99% so making 20% on a few bucks doesnt matter. Look at the national debt under the muslim and the state of this country.
Paul Ryans a tool
6:34 pm on Monday, January 28, 2013
Bob look in your wallet your medicare card is there
shorefriend
8:37 am on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
The most honest solution for this family is that there property is probably still valuable. They may need to sit on it for a few years but probably could sell if for a good chunk of change and walk away to buy a nice home in-land. The sad truth!
Christina Weaver
8:39 am on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
I, too, am at my wit's end. Everyday that I wake, I must gird for battle. Flood Insurance Adjuster Brewer, at my house for the first time on December 1, talked about "making you whole." Then she proceeded to submit a report that omitted significant items- things she had noted WHILE surveying my house. I alerted her to omissions&was told to "File a Supplemental Claim".On 12/1,she told me I would get an "Advance Payment", comprising reimbursement for expenditures I had made to mitigate damages (as required under the terms of the policy) AND to begin repairs. Immediately, I gave her receipts for the mitigation. Soon after, I supplied TWO estimates from builders. I received nothing. In January, when I pressed my Flood Insurance Broker's Claims Handler to pursue this, the Flood Insurance Company told her that my claim had wended its way from Adjuster, to Adjuster's Supervisor and now was being considered by the Flood Insurance Company itself. It would take "between 1-6 weeks" for processing& I "would be receiving the final check before the ADVANCE CHECK. Therefore, I was told to wait, WITHOUT getting the "Advance" Check. I pushed the Flood Insurance Broker's Claims Handler some more. SHE pushed the Flood Insurance Company. I was given $8,000, which covers my mitigation expenses, but nothing towards carpenter's 25% installment needed to start the job. In the first two days of this week alone, I've paid the Dumpster(omitted from Adjuster's report)&subfloor plywood+7 floor joists-
Beth Woolley
8:49 am on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
I think we start naming the insurance companies , those that were good those that were terrible..Progressive my car insurance were fabulous I was issued my storm damage check the same day the adjuster came.However Tower Group my business insurance - it still 3 months later since an adjuster came and they haven't even sent a letter confirming his visit. NOTHING despite numerous phone calls and emails. I put in two claims one for the power surge that blew out all the electric parts of our office furnance and one for my damage to the Aluminum on the building I did find out I had a $12,000.00 deductble for wind damage( they did send me a letter letting me know I did not meet that deductable but nothing at all on the larger power surge claim) If you know a good business insurance company please let me know I refuse to pay my final payment to a company who was totally not there for my company the only time we have ever placed a claim.
Former Beach Native
10:54 am on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
I have the same insurance you have for your business, Beth. I agree with you. I got this policy through Allstate (which I THOUGHT I had), and am running into the same problem. Also, like you, I was NOT reimbursed for the power surge to new appliances (I was a new homeowner when the storm hit--two months). When you find an acceptable insurance company, let me know.
Bob Alou
8:53 am on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Shorefriend
That's the banks strategy....many of these homes will eventually rebound in value but it may take 10 years to get there. Many homes have mortgages. The banks have time on their side and also control the insurance money as you cannot sign off on the insurance check without them. The next screw job is coming from the banks. We are already experiencing this.
Glenn
9:04 am on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
"In all, approximately 488,000 Sandy-related claims have been submitted by residents since the October storm. Of that total, 300,000, or roughly 60 percent of all claims, have been closed, paid out, resolved." Where did this info come from? I know of 1 check received last week. Yesterday I was told that my claim has now been sent to a 3rd adjustor to write-up for the insurance company. Best case scenario is now 2 more months. The house is destroyed, documented and ready to be torn down. What write adjustors report is needed. Look at the photos, take a drive by and send us our damn check now. We lost a neighbor from the stress and everyone is at the end of their rope. Mental health is repadidly becoming a problem and will become an even bigger issue to be dealt with very soon. To all you politicians promising help, NOW IS THE TIME and it starts at the insurance companies' front doors. Get there before we do!
Arthur Williams
9:05 am on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Allstate has been absolutely horrible--and the experiences of my neighbors with Allstate had been the same...delay after delay, "refusal to return phone calls, "low-balling" raised to a science. Suggest you google "Allstate Mckinsey & Company "which will give you a better insight into Allstate's claim practices. Delay means profit!!!! After years of trying to suppress suits to obtain these documents, the New Mexico courts finally obtained access and found that that Allstate's claims practices based on McKinsey recommendations are routinely violative of unfair trade and claims practices in most states. These findings indicate these were done as a general business practice. The court goes on to say that these practices amounted to a malicious abuse of process. Also read The Huffington Post on-line for December 13, 2011 entitled "Insurance Claim Delays deliver Massive Profits To Industry By Shorting Customers".
My last of 4 Allstate policies is done this month and I am moving on-my son is in the process of closing his 6 policies with Allstate!
ellen mcmenemy
9:09 am on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
it is so sad that our families are going through this heartache, my home was also destroyed in sandy, i am on the other end of the problem. even though i was close to the water i did not have flood insurance. so i have to rely solely on sba and my mortgage company. i will have to take out a second mortgage to rebuild my house and know that i will never be out of a hole with the cost. The mortgage company has no answers because they will not cooperate with S.B.A. i can not get no answers because every time i call the morgage company i get s customer service representative from other countrys who just transfer me to other departments i have spent several hours a day on the phone, in fema offices, in the township munciple building but there is no hope. i have every paper faxed, sent, certified u name it i did it, still no answers. we were lucky to get into a winter rental until May, but after that we have no where to go. one issue i have and i wonder if anyone else has, if you got money from fems it was to fix the home a separate amount was to help with rental assistance. i have applied for an s.b.a. loan and with the amount that they award you they deduct the fems grant money, and tell you the money is only to be used on repairs of the home not rent. but people who have not applied or received s.b.a can use the awarded grant where ever they need fit i dont get it. good luck to all my sandy suffers, shame on the government for letting us lose our american dream
Bob Alou
9:24 am on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Anyone looking for a year round rental in Chadwick Beach area for $2000 per month. Available in March. 3br, 1 bath.
Corner if 35N and E Atlantic Way. House had no damage
Crincolip@verizon.net
Todd Garris- Metuchen
9:37 am on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Selective Insurance Co was awesome! adjuster out within a week of Sandy, 2 large advances and final payment by mid January!
Mary Ann
11:33 am on Thursday, January 24, 2013
Really? We have Selective Insurance. We did receive an advance, but still do not have a final payout number (they call it an "advance", but it took six weeks to receive it and another 4 to cash it). The advance did not cover what we've already spent for demo and removal of flood damaged materials, installation of new heat & hot water system, electric & plumbing work, joist repairs, and sub flooring installation. We had some insulation replaced yesterday because of freezing temperatures. How do we proceed with rebuilding without knowing how much money we will have to pay for it? Getting a little tired of living on second floor without a kitchen. Not looking forward to dealing with Wells Fargo again either. That bank did nothing but delay cashing the advance check and refused to give us the entire amount sent to us from insurance! It's been a nightmare! Why is so difficult to get what we have been paying for for 20+ years? We are not waiting for a handout or charity! We are all so very tired.
Todd Garris- Metuchen
9:45 am on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
BTW, our vacation property is located in Toms River on a lagoon (not Metuchen).
Good luck to all with your rebuilding and hopefully your insurance companies come through and do the right thing NOW.
Markith
10:02 am on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Selective Flood Insurance has been nothing short of a nightmare to deal with. It took the adjuster until December 5th to get to my home, and when he fianlly did arrive, he was combative and rude to my wife (he is lucky I wasn't home, as I would be writing this from the county prison). It is now January 23rd and out of the goodness of their hearts, they just released an initial payment of $15,000, but conveniently issued it to the wrong mortgage lender, hence delaying the process even longer. Reading all of the posts concerning how shady and useless so many insurance companies are, makes me feel for so many who lost so much, and rely on insurance to make them whole. I am fully disgusted by this whole process, yet amazed that they are legally able to get away with destroying peoples lives even further than they already have been. On a more positive note Met Life was wonderful to deal with when it came to processing my flooded auto claim and getting me a check quickly.
Skitch
12:11 am on Thursday, January 24, 2013
@Markith. Selective Insurance does not have any inhouse flood adjusters. They are a servicing carrier for the NFIP. All claims are assigned to certified NFIP adjusters thru an independent adjusting firm to handle the flood claims. Most carriers do not have inhouse flood adjusters. The independent certified NFIP adjusters are the ones making your life hell. Same goes for me. My life is hell because of my assigned independent adjuster. I am learning that some adjusting firms are much better than others (the one who come from out of state). And apparently we drew the bottom of the barrell on the day our claim was assigned. If the company put the wrong mortgage company on your check it is because YOU failed to notify them or your agent to make the change when you changed mortgage companies. Sometimes the mortage company will do this for you but not always. This was your mistake not theirs.
Markith
12:14 pm on Thursday, January 24, 2013
Skitch,
The funny part is, i did notify them of the mortgage company change in order to avoid any issues, should we ever need to file a flood claim. They confirmed the change, yet they decided to do no anything about it until after the claim was filed, hence the situation i'm in now.
Markith
12:14 pm on Thursday, January 24, 2013
Correction: Do nothing about it
grmahigold
10:43 am on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
i have Fidelity nat'l. indem. flood insurance. Very polite and understanding thru the process. Problem arose when the claim came. They sent me the lowball check recently even though i wouldn't sign or agree to damages. I guess they just try to wait you out and hope you cash the check and ghive up. One ex. of payout. Base kitchen cabs installed in june 2012 at purchase cost $8k. I was given $2,800 to "remove, purchase and replace " the cabs????? the $2,800 payment was then depreciated at 16% ????
Resident of Lacey
11:01 am on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
I have them as well... was your adjuster chuck? I am still trying to get all our kitchen covered. I lost brand new high quality cabinets he did tell me he would make me whole, he to has made me a hole!
I am still waiting Chuck!
Skitch
12:15 am on Thursday, January 24, 2013
Provide the adjuster with a copy of your original receipt to document your claim damages. He would have a hard time disputing a receipt.
grmahigold
8:59 am on Thursday, January 24, 2013
skitch, I gave them the cab receipts........
Resident of Lacey
10:51 am on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Sure the insurance companies claim to make you whole however they do in fact leave you with a hole and drive you deeper into a hole, as the debt I have to incur to become whole again will linger on for many years to come. Since the broker misled us to believe that content coverage on our homeowners policy was all we would need that to will be yet another long road leading into a deep dark hole of debt! I have had people ask me "I went the benefit concert to help sandy victims, how much did you get from that?" my answer to them is always the same, "we got nothing and we never will, that money went to cover the cost of the event and administrative fees of the orientations involved!" We will never see any of that! Please if I am off base someone tell me where I go to get in line for help as insurance has left me with a big hole and FEEMA has provided nothing, as for the SBA I am still waiting but that too will be just another HOLE!
I paid for insurance to make me whole, well i guess I am some type of hole for believing they would. It would seem that insurance is just a legal scam.
I just want our home back -{sigh}-
Skitch
12:38 am on Thursday, January 24, 2013
@ Lacy. As hard as this is to believe, it is not the insurance carriers. The ins. carriers are servicing carriers only for the NFIP. The write the policy your agent tells them too, they collect the premiums for the NFIP, they assign the adjuster to handle a flood claim (usually to a certified NFIP adjusting firm) and they pay the claim when they receive authorization from the NFIP adjuster to do so. They then get reimbursed for the payment thru the NFIP. That is all. From what I am learning they actually have very little say on how your claim is handled by the NFIP adjuster. I have had to refinance my primary home, and going to rebuild by shore property as i was left with 2 choices-walk away or rebuild on pilings because of the substantial damage issue. I am going to go thru the appraisal process as a condition of the policy and if that doesn't work out i will file suit. My flood policy is only providing coverage for approximately 1/3 of my damages which is still very hard for me to wrap by thoughts around. I am finished dealing with incompetants who have not a clue what their doing. I am done wasting my time talking to brick walls. I am done with hearing the words, be patient, it takes time, we are waiting for your report to come in, get in line etc. I am tired of the emails going back and forth between the adjuster trying to justify my total loss house etc when all one has to do is look at it. It's pretty obvious to even a lay person that there is nothing left.
Jake
11:31 am on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
I'm sorry to hear so many people including my neighbors are having such a difficult time with ins. FEMA etc.Perhaps we are lucky but we started immediate filing before the water(4 ft. inside) receded,FEMA had monies in our account within 5 days and our car ins. (Allstate) NDA a check for lost autos.We started ripping everything out carpets walls insulation then started drying then after 6 weeks a final mold test we were good to go. I believe the terms used when applying for relief were key!Thank You FEMA, Allstate,JCP&L and NJNG for allowing us to be returning to a somewhat normal life.
grmahigold
11:39 am on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Jake, did you have flood insurance?? It seems it was much easier to get a check WITHOUT flood insurance, then for those with flood insurance. Typical of our gov't.
Mary Chase
12:14 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
There must be an attorney out there willing to start a class action suit against FEMA for breach of contract, bad faith, overreaching - whatever the appropriate terms - to force this bloated dishonest arm of the federal government to handle these claims promptly and reasonably or incur fines and penalties, payable to the policyholders. I realize it's all taxpayer $$$, but the politicians looking at the next election will be quite concerned...
Mary Chase
12:17 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
FEMA not helping me at all despite promising me the world. One BS delay after another. On the other hand, Encompass Insurance has been a godsend - highly recommend them for homeowners and auto insurance.
Susan
12:21 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Governor Christie, where are you?
Paul Ryan
7:35 am on Thursday, January 24, 2013
all you can eat buffet followed by steaks unlimited with Jon mia Runyan and the Ocean County Freeloaders
remember my running mate said Fema is immoral
grmahigold
12:28 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Is it FEMA at this point in the claims?? I was under the impression that the insurance companies are on their own in adjusting the claims and then go to FEMA after they are settled??? How are the insurance companies benefitting from lowball claims if the gov't eventually covers them???? i'm not talking about fraudulent claims here. Is there a monetary incentive for the insurance companies to underpay the policies????
Arthur Williams
1:03 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
I don't understand it either! The WYO companies basically run their own operation-but are subject to audit and re-inspection. The re-inspection has mostly to do with coverage issues-such as the pre/post firm issues and the basic directives. The problem is the misinterpretation of those directives-see FEMAINFO.ORG. This is a consumer-run watchdog and highlights how wrong the coverage and damages calls are. The carriers are just giving their adjusters bad information-I had to go directly to the head of FEMA to get Allstate to change the directives they were giving their adjusters about water mixing with oil. Also, in the new environment of review after review after review, each level of review tends to take more money off the table to show how important they are to the process!!! Do this enough and the adjusters get gun-shy! Very few reviewers suffer the consequences of "low-balling"-they don't have to justify the claim!
Skitch
12:48 am on Thursday, January 24, 2013
See my above post. All adjusters who handle flood claims have to be NFIP certified adjusters. The carriers pay the policy holder based on the recommendations of the NFIP certified adjuster's report. The carriers really are not handling these claims. They are only paying them. If you read your estimate they say on the front or last page or somewhere within the settlement papers "Subject to the approval of the Federal Gov". All of you seem to be blaming the carriers here. It's not them its the federal govt who is running the flood program.
kerry
12:57 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
there is a good reliable company out there that does great work, very affordable, you pay for the materials, they will pick it up, and only charge a daily fee per man, journeyman carpenters, working to help others. fully insured, licensed, skilled tradesman, BCD Construction, 609-384-5773. you wont be disappointed.
smitty
Resident of Lacey
1:20 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Is it just me or is this off topic? Will they help me get my insurance company to make me whole?
Arthur Williams
1:03 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
...and to you Mary Chase-we are also exploring class-action, but it is not against FEMA. It has to be against the carriers-that's quite clear from previous actions in other states and I believe it might also be right in the contract. Again, the main problem is that we do not have a "bad-faith" statute in New Jersey where the plaintiff can sue for extra-contractual damages. Believe me, I worked in the industry for 40 years (10 as a storm adjuster) and when a "bad-faith" suit in New jersey came through the door, it usually elicited a laugh because management knew it was an exercise in futility in New Jersey. I believe Senator Scutari in Linden has been attempting to pass a "bad-faith" statute, but has not made much headway. There is a lot of money out there fighting it-and guess where it's coming from?
Resident of Lacey
1:22 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
My first guess is...
...insurance companies and their stake holders?
Do I win?
Arthur Williams
1:23 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Mary-I take it back about being in the policy about suing FEMA. I think it was in some of the class-action suits I was reading in which FEMA was released as a defendant , but the cause of action against the carriers still remains. But it seems that you are only getting what you were entitled to in the first place-and so many cannot pursue the carriers and so just accept the "low-ball" because they cannot afford to pursue it. So the carrier wins! With "bad-faith" statutes, the company can actually be penalized far and above actual damages----which makes them think twice on some of their claim handling. But even that doesn't stop them all the time....I think about this often, and I think a lot of the problem is in the DNA. One of my colleagues many years ago hit it right on the head when he "There is an arrogance which will not be changed"
Skitch
1:10 am on Thursday, January 24, 2013
@A. Williams. NJ does have a bad faith statute. As a claims adjuster this is drummed into our heads by my employer day after day to treat claims consistently, fairly, on time and within the alotted time frame and to respond to all inquiries/correspondence within a reasonable time frame. The best thing that i can tell people out there who are going thru the same garbage as i am is to document, document, document. Take down names, dates, conversations, get and keep receipts, get multiple repair estimates from reliable and legitimate contractors who are not trying to price gouge and take advantage of the situation, keep a journal and log in all activities on your claim damages, take tons of photos and make it clear to the adjuster what your intentions are. For example you have one last opportunity to inspect my house for supplemental damages before i demolish it etc. If you give them the opportunity and they don't take advantage for shame on them. Most of your correspondence should be in writing if possible so it's hard to dispute what was and wasn't said back and forth. As a home owner i have to move on. We could all be sitting here for years before any of this get resolved. I for one am not willing to wait that long. I have to take action now and will decide along the way which way to go later. Class Action suit or individual suit rings a bell for me.
Mary Chase
7:20 am on Thursday, January 24, 2013
How about suing both and letting them point the finger at each other in front of a jury? I think there would be a settlement before anyone would let that happen....
kerry
1:35 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
resident of lacey,
if you need a full estimate for your insurance company, pictures taken to submit, they will do it. check out their work on facebook. two customers have gotten monies faster by having everything documented, written estimates, pictures before and after the work was completed. doesn't hurt to check their site out.
kerry
Resident of Lacey
2:40 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Yup, I did all that and more, as far as they are concerned I have my final settlement and should be happy spend my own money to incur debt to become whole again. Their final is more like a deposit to get things started not what is actually needed to make us whole, but sure will clean me out and leave a hole.
Sal
1:48 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
If the Republicans in Congress did not delay and stall from Oct. 29th until Jan12th in approving the Flood Insurance payouts____ the homeless displaced by Sandy would have been two months ahead of where they are now in the rebuilding process. Both FEMA and Flood Insurance had their hands tied by the Republicans in Congress. And even more sadly EVERY Republican Congressman in the State of Florida voted AGAINST the funding requested by President Obama and Gov. Christie for NJ. It is unimaginable after all the Hurricane aid that has gone to the State of Florida over many decades that the $cum Republican Congressmens down there would ALL vote against aid for NJ. I for one will NEVER again vacation down in FL again and give their state one cent of my money.
Freetobeyouandme
2:04 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
I do not understand why every municipality effected by Sandy has not joined forces against the insurance companies. Their property tax base and therefore their tax revenue is being hurt by this prolonged disrepair. I understand they need FEMA money to repair municipal property but their failure to unite to triage their long term revenue will cause the pre-Sandy problems to multiply.
grmahigold
2:24 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
i agree with Free. All legitimate claims should be paid according to their policies . I really haven't heard any pols speaking of this. My adjuster complained of being overburdened by the amount of claims he had to handle. Congress had nothing to do with our delays, the insurance companies are the ones holding every claim up. Tks for the rant though Sal, it's really on topic.
Jack N. Coke
4:41 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
What do you want the municipalities to do? These local yocal mayors work a feew hours a week and have real jobs they arent politicians like our cuban senator FOR miami from nj and our weekend at bernies guy.
jackie pascual
2:39 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Our prayers are with Jimmy and Belle!
From Jackie and Kenny and the Surf Club Crew!
William Cooper
4:12 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
You really should have done a better job of vetting these people. The Racanellis are perpetual victims and known attention wh*res. They've been in the paper before, and they will be again.
No tears from me. Their "hard luck" story is no different than tens of thousands of others in the same boat. Everyone else just toughs it out and does what they have to do. The Racanellis do what they always do. They cry to the media.
Jack N. Coke
4:39 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
No one said there arent others in the same boat. If everyone toughed it out and kept thier heads in the sand nothing will ever get changed. There should be no housing rebuilt in flood zones.
William Cooper
4:57 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Jack, please don't post while drunk.
Thank you.
Jack N. Coke
5:24 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
I can tell you are from ocean county billy.
Halpha2
5:11 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Its a shame how most people affected are waiting for a gov't decision to help them out. However according to polls its not surprising. Try possibly doing what more ambitious residents are doing. Front some funds out of pocket to at least get started and back into your homes with minimals. Then when the insurance check comes, pay off what you used. Your houses and belongings weren't acquired overnight and certainly not with govt help, not this govt anyway. Little by little it will all come together. Have some heart and motivation. Stop waiting for someone else to pick you up. And that advice is free.
Favorite Teacher
10:36 am on Friday, January 25, 2013
Halpha2, we pay for insurance, we are not asking for a handout.
claude stevens
5:38 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Obviously you didn't read article correctly or were confused by these posts halpha2. It is the insurance not gov n no advance check and no money or credit. So how do you suggest they do it? Maybe you can pay and wait for an inadequate check? Here we go again judging others when u don"t know them or their situation
claude stevens
6:14 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Mr cooper, i have known this family for a long time and can tell you i don't know how they carry on with all they have been through. It is obvious that you have some motive or agenda and don't know what it is and personally don't care. The posts here and other stories i have read tell the same story so obviously the story is true. What you see, or so you say, is crying. What i and many others here see are advocates looking to fix an injustice or problem for EVERYONE in this mess.
I know them to be a sweet, kind, humble and caring family who has helped others. They have been dealt so much more than this article says in such a short time and i don"t care to post all their personal business here. They are down and out, have no money or options or both. I hope nobody goes through what they have had to and iif they do they don't have people like you waiting to lie/slander them.
My grandmother taught me many years ago that if you don't havee anything nice/kind to say, then don"t say it at all.
claude stevens
6:29 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
A fDon't judge others until you walk a mile in their shoes. How long should they wait for check, new building requirements, a fair estimate of all damages and pay.ent for covered losses? All while carrying burden of lifes problems, additional expenses, longer commutes, many medical issues and so much more. If this articcle didn"t feature them,
a) it would have been one of these others
b) would your post be the same
c) would you have posted at all.
also for free mr. Racanelli has been an advocate for professionals with not only no benefit to himself and ity actually costs him money. He has also volunteered at ground zero and has saved peoples lives.
enough said. No need to defend suc awesome people who help others even while they suffer. Good day sir.
Halpha2
6:40 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
@ claude stevens FEMA was mentioned in the article which is a govt agency. According to your post people should just roll over and give up? Good idea. We need more people in this world like you. Do what you have to do.
Tonysoprano_62
7:33 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Travelers sent the entire check. Now I sign it and send it back to Arizona for the mortgage company to endorse and send me the remainder of the first third minus the advance. They will send the second third following an inspection proving 40% completion. These checks aren't wired as cleared funds to my checking account. It's 2013 and everyone is efficient and automated when it comes time to receive payment but when its pay the system becomes antiquated.
barbara
7:37 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
This whold situation just stinks. I am sick of it!!!!! Ready to crack!
Halpha2
10:22 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Cmon favorite teacher who said anything about a hand out. But i understand why you would think that.Please proofread your post also. The insurance companies work harder not to pay out than to just settle. Im sure lots of people are reading their policies and now realize that its written to benefit the insurance companies loop holes and gotchas. They make it confusing for this exact reason. Im simply saying that people are going to have to take care of a lot of things on their own. And you say.........
Skitch
1:41 am on Thursday, January 24, 2013
Get a clue Halpha2. The insurance companies don't write the policy the NFIP does. Says so right on the front of the policy. It's a standard policy and everyone gets the same one. They are easy to read and are pretty clear on what is covered and what is not covered. The problem is, is that nobody takes the time to read the policy when they purchase it and just assumes that it covers everything. (myself included who should know better). It isn't until you need it after the fact that you find out it covers what i would consider very little and in addition usually carries very high deductibles. What I was most surprised about was that i was only covered for ACV because it was not my primary residence. Yet i pay the same premium that the primary homeowner does. go figure. I am now looking into private supplemental insurance which would be excess over the flood policy to fill in the gaps where NFIP flood doesn't cover me. Will probably be way too unafordable when all is said and done anyway. Another one of the reasons i have to raise my house 10'.
Claire
4:18 am on Thursday, January 24, 2013
The pain in these stories is beyond my imagination. I believe every story. Some of you feel there is nothing left to lose. My grandparents were too proud to accept help during the depression because they could get through it themselves. They did but they lost every bit of savings they had. Use the volunteers. Someone knows something you don't. Keep calling any number that has any connection to what you need. Meanwhile, I will continue to pray that we get through this. I have never said: "I am luckier than most." so many times.....
Freetobeyouandme
2:37 pm on Thursday, January 24, 2013
Below is a good resource for an intro to flood insurance. It is a blog that discusses some of the technical points of how flood insurance claims are viewed in a dispute.
http://www.propertyinsurancecoveragelaw.com/tags/national-flood-program/
Halpha2
4:17 pm on Thursday, January 24, 2013
Very good skitch you pretty much used your own words to state what i posted.
Skitch
8:50 pm on Thursday, January 24, 2013
@ Halpha2 But the difference in my post indicates that the insurance carriers have nothing to do with how the policy is written. The policy is written for the national flood program which is run by the feds, not the carriers. If the carriers wrote the policies each one would be different instead of everyone having the same exact one. If the carriers wrote the policies themselves you would be able to pick and choose better coverages, lesser coverages etc. Here you have to take what is offered or go without. You don't have any choices. Carriers have nothing to gain by lowballing the claim. They want the claim settled and out the door. Trust me they want the claims gone and taken care of as much as we do. Whether you want to believe this or not. They can't pay the claim until authorized to do so by the NFIP certified adjuster. It's not the company adjusters that are killing us its the NFIP adjusters. They are the ones low balling the settlements. I AM one of those company adjusters but i am on the flip side this time and I see what some of the NFIP adjusters are doing and it's not right. I am really not sure how they are getting away with it either. I can use the same data base that their using and i can enter their estimate line for line and not come up with the same final number. Mine is higher while theirs is much lower. They should both come out the same in the end. Even those numbers are less than what the contractors are actually charging out there.
barbara
7:16 pm on Thursday, January 24, 2013
So agree Maryann......what a nightmare. I rent our toms river home to my kids. The flood ins co. did come right away and we got our "advance" which did not last too long. We got the final payout and bank harboring it. horrible. trying to get the kids back home, i have 3 homeless families here with me. Luckily, my neighbor went to fla. for a few months so mom and pop in law are there now. My hubby and family members breaking their asses to try to get the house habital again, but for what? now we have to raise it? makes me sick, can't take much more of this. Investors Savings Bank, just come and take it.......so done! not to mention what my poor in laws are going thru. Ugh!!!!
Its over!
9:34 am on Sunday, January 27, 2013
For more than 65 years, the American Association for Justice, also known as the Association of Trial Lawyers of America (ATLA®), has supported plaintiff trial lawyers—as the collective voice of the trial bar on Capitol Hill and in courthouses across the nation and by providing exclusive services designed for trial lawyers.
Its over!
9:34 am on Sunday, January 27, 2013
The American Association of Justice compiles a list of the 10 worst insurance companies in the United States. These companies are not only using the “deny, delay, defend” tactic but they are known for their shameful treatment of policyholders.
1: Allstate
2: Unum
3: AIG
4: State Farm
5: Conseco
Arthur Williams
9:25 pm on Monday, January 28, 2013
No question about Allstate-just try googling "Allstate McKinsey & Company to see why the hold this esteemed position!,,
Insidious
9:30 am on Monday, January 28, 2013
I am in a privileged position of reviewing some of these claims being made. 90% of these claims are either inflated or grossly inaccurate. Flood insurance is paid through NFIS. This is funded by an act of congress, vis a vis, your money. We must have due diligence and unfortunately this takes time. That is a fact! For instance, does any of you have shoes worth $30,000 half of these stored in your wine closet? Due diligence takes time and contracts, i.e. policies abide by the law. Its simple.
Arthur Williams
9:23 pm on Monday, January 28, 2013
Insidious-I am also in a privileged position in that I was a storm adjuster for 10 years and have been answering questions Left and right by policyholders getting royally screwed in instance after instance. I have never in my experience seen such a pile of crap estimates being written. I actually had to go to Jim Sadler at FEMA to have Allstate reverse a wrong position-they would not budge in their "due diligence". Just about every misconception addressed in FEMAINFO.ORG has been fed to the victims out here and put into the estimates. As a result , we sit here for over two months waiting for a "low-ball" estimate and just bad estimate which you call "due diligence" , then have to lodge complaint after complaint to have someone listen and reassign the claim because the original adjuster has left town. If so many people were not being so badly treated by your "due diligence" it would be laughable!!!
Arthur Williams
7:22 am on Tuesday, January 29, 2013
...and as I again scan these posts and continue to wait for my revised estimate 1/4 of a year after I put in a claim, I cannot help but wonder if this handling is what is called "due diligence", imagine if they were really out to screw us!!!! I found out the new trick is to take the position in appraisal that if the house was torn down, the carriers state they cannot address the issues and are disputing any additional claims for damage. So my house which suffered 4' of water throughout, which has to be torn down per my engineer, is filled with mold to the second floor-will still sit while I rent another because all we have to date is a $60,000 estimate. WOW-I am sure glad for "due diligence".
Kieran Kole
9:30 am on Monday, January 28, 2013
While I have great respect for Pres. Obama and support him I am very saddened by what this couple is experiencing. Pres Obama stated very clearly that there would be "No redtape in the processing of of claims as a result of the Sandy damage". He stated such from the shore of NJ itself. Looks like there is little follow-up from that promise! It is not working!
proud
10:41 am on Monday, January 28, 2013
@Kisran Kole,I agree with you that President Obama is a liar. No red tape? Surely he jests. This is the government, after all. Obama lied when he promised that there would be no new taxes on the middle class. Then along came Obamacare and the mandate, which is clearly a tax, not to mention a step closer to America being a socialist state. Perhaps, that is the goal he has in mind. Obama also lied about middle class being taxed during the fiscal cliff negotiations. Then there's those pesky little payroll taxes. The latest tax lie comes in the form of FEMACARE,where thousands are at risk of losing there homes if they don't pony up the usurious policy rates coming down the pike. Does anyone really think the federal government should be in the insurance biz, or any biz for that matter?The beginning of the end has commenced as this socialist will bring us as Americans to financial armageddon. All to foster a society of takers and an economy of government. Barrack Obama : champion of the middle class?I think not! Absolutely nauseating!
Paul Ryans a tool
6:27 pm on Monday, January 28, 2013
Kieran
the red tape in question was the repubclions in the house
Didja see the republicon from Ms who was looking for Katrina money in May 12 but voted no for aid for Sandy
Paul Ryans a tool
7:29 am on Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Arthur
Fema is immoral according to Mitt
Did you see 36 Senators voted No for Sandy aid?
barbwhite
9:35 am on Monday, January 28, 2013
Welcome to the world of disasters! We are 18 months after the damage from Hurricane Irene here in eastern NC. We just last week signed the construction loan and morgage on building our home. Insurance paid for 6 months rent and furniture rental but then we were on our own. FEMA rental assistance is about $300 a month but runs out this month. We were referred to SBA for a loan, but the application was taking too long (into months and now a year) so we went to a community bank which took 8 months for the application to be approved. We had taken out a 2nd morgage on the house to send our son to college, so the insurance check was paid to the bank holding that morgage, which we have now paid off with the construction loan/new morgage and am hoping to get that check in a few weeks. Our house is about 50% finished by a church group, who left to head to NJ to help there so we are left with no help here. When Hurricane Floyd destroyed much of eastern NC, it took an average of 3 years to rebuild. There are others here still rebuilding after hurricane Irene. Lessons learned: hold tight to your family and friends as they are the only true treasures on your life, the rest is just stuff; don't depend on insurance or FEMA; you may have to rebuild your life but it is ok as long as you have your family.
Paul Ryans a tool
6:25 pm on Monday, January 28, 2013
Proud
aka Frank the retired school teacher
Tell the folks here how you voted for Mitt and that Fema is immoral
after all we have to pay for your pension and FREE Medical benefits
Melissa C.
11:43 am on Monday, January 28, 2013
Yes welcome to the world of disaster................There are still people and homes waiting for the ins .................. in Ms and La after Katrina. The insurance company's are a for profit organization. They want you to wait as long as you will so they can keep their money in the hopes that you will give up. Or move on.
George6090
4:24 pm on Monday, January 28, 2013
Much of the shore is heavy GOP run. The fact that Sandy aid was held up by Republicans in the House says it all. All of a sudden these same people want aid from the Government, yet many voted the GOP in power in the House, now they are looking at banking laws, insurance companies, food stamps, sounds like Rooney's 47% takers.
I live in NJ, this is what is sad, they voted many GOP House members in and now they want something for their money and votes.
Here is the really sad part, NJ in 201 got $0.61 back from the fed for every dollar we paid them, dead last and this is typical for NJ, we pay the most, get the least.
Then you hear someone like Jindal propose getting rid of the income tax in La. Yet in 2010, La got $1.78 back for every $1.00 they sent to the Fed.
Talk about gall.
Paul Ryans a tool
5:12 pm on Monday, January 28, 2013
George
Republicons are hypocrites void of reality and facts
KHill
10:41 am on Monday, February 4, 2013
Check out a LOMA letter on FEMA website, you can ask for a Letter Of Map Amendment to change your flood zone, you need to supply docs like flood maps,deed, municipal maps which you can upload and get an answer in 30-60 days
Spooner
12:13 pm on Monday, February 4, 2013
Your misleading people here. By applying now for LOMA...and if it is granted would be based on existing old oudated FIRMS
proud
12:37 pm on Monday, February 4, 2013
I don't think that it is the intention of @KHill to mislead people, @ Spooner. The voluminous information put out by FEMA can be very confusing, and is often outdated. I posted this on another thread, to assist the visitors that haven't gotten this far yet:
.[The flood zones have not been changed--YET. The FIRM maps that were in place prior to Sandy are still effective. The preliminary maps which may very well change your zone and/or BFE are expected to come out in August. That would be the time to assess and possibly act on your situation, be it via a LOMA request or some other measure.I don't know how FEMA will react. Remember, your talking about an agency that has advised a multitude of owners that their tiny building lot is "partA/partV-so let's call it a V". I know it sounds ridiculous--and, it is--but , sadly is the truth.]