4/9 – Christie Seeking Sandy-Related Insurance Deadline Extension

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By John Burton
TRENTON – Gov. Chris Christie is asking the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for more time to allow New Jersey residents, who had Sandy-related property damage, to complete the necessary flood insurance claims or collect proof of property damage.
Christie is asking that FEMA’s current April 28 filing deadline be extended until Oct. 28.
“Many property owners have begun to rebuild only find there was more damage than they originally thought,” Christie said, in a statement released by his office. “This extension would give New Jersey residents the vital extra time they need to successfully navigate the flood claims filing process and restore and rebuild their properties.”
In many cases, flood insurance policy holders are required to complete and submit a proof of loss form, attesting to what they have lost. The forms, which can be lengthy and complex, have to include supporting documentation, be signed and notarzed to be submitted to the insurance company.
An extension, Christie argued, would give property owners much needed additional time to evaluate newly discovered damages and cost and collected the needed documentation.
FEMA already has extended the filing deadline twice, first time a year after the Oct. 29, 2012 storm, the second with an additional six months.