Friday, September 5, 2008

Harkin Requests Proof of Loss Waiver for Iowans With Flood Insurance

Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) joined senators from other Midwestern states, including Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), today in asking the Federal Emergency Management  Agency (FEMA) to waive the filing deadline for claims for flood-insured buildings in Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Kansas, and Wisconsin that were damaged by the recent flooding. FEMA requires those with flood insurance to submit a Proof of Loss (POL) as part of their claim package within 60 days of the loss. Though a 60 day extension has already been granted, there is recent precedent for granting a waiver to ensure those affected do not have to go through additional steps to receive their claim.

The letter also expresses concern that the additional time will not be enough because a POL is typically submitted by an insurance adjuster and due to the widespread loss across the Midwest, there are simply not enough qualified adjusters to handle this many requests.

"Iowans affected by the floods have enough to deal with and by removing one additional bureaucratic barrier we can hopefully get them their insurance claims more quickly," said Harkin. "This type of waiver was granted for residents in hurricane-ravaged states, including those affected by Hurricane Katrina, and Iowans deserve the same treatment. The federal government needs to step up and show they are an equal partner in helping Iowans recover."

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