December 01, 2011
Joint Field Office: Neptune, NJ
DR-4021-NJ NR-079
FEMA News Desk: 732-918-4431
State: 609-963-6818


Recovery News
NJ RESIDENTS COVERED UNDER NFIP MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR UP TO $30,000 IN EXTRA ASSISTANCE
NEPTUNE, N.J. – New Jersey residents whose damaged homes or businesses are covered under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) may be eligible for up to $30,000 in additional assistance, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
The benefit, called "Increased Cost of Compliance" or ICC coverage, is part of most NFIP policies and may be used to protect properties against risks of future flooding. In other words, it helps pay for the increased cost of complying with local floodplain ordinances.
Only local officials can designate buildings damaged by one or multiple floods as “substantially damaged." The policyholder would then be required to use flood-safe practices when rebuilding, which generally means elevating or moving the structure. Under this scenario, up to $30,000 may be available to pay for mitigation techniques to reduce future flooding risks.
Flood victims seeking ICC assistance should apply on a separate form, which may be obtained from their NFIP agent. The money may be used to elevate, demolish or relocate the damaged structure. The total insurance payout, including ICC coverage, cannot exceed $250,000 for a residence or $500,000 for a non-residential structure. Non-residential structures may use only ICC funds for flood-proofing.
For further information, contact your local flood insurance agent.
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Recovery News
DEADLINE EXTENDED FOR FLOOD INSURANCE CLAIMS
NEPTUNE, N.J. –New Jersey policyholders who suffered losses as a result of Hurricane Irene damage (Aug. 27 through Sept. 5, 2011) have been given an extension to file the Proof of Loss (POL) form with the insurance company handling their claim.
National Flood Insurance officials said that New Jersey policyholders now have 150 days from the date of the event that caused the damage to file the POL, or until January 23, 2012.
The claims process starts with the affected policyholder contacting his/her insurance agent, reporting the property damage and meeting with an adjuster.
The adjuster may, as a courtesy, provide a POL — which is the statement of the amount claimed under the NFIP policy — but the property owner is responsible for making sure that it is complete, accurate and filed in a timely manner. It must include a detailed estimate and other supporting documentation to replace or repair the flood-damaged property, and must be signed and witnessed.
If the property owner notices additional damage after the POL is submitted, the owner may file a supplemental Proof of Loss documenting the newly discovered damage. This, too, must be within the time period allowed by the extension.
If the claim for additional damages is presented after the extension period, the insured must request a waiver of the time limitation from NFIP in order to submit the supplemental claim.
Those who wish additional information on flood insurance or who have questions or concerns about their flood insurance should contact their insurance agent or visit www.floodsmart.gov.
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