Flood Insurance Claim Deadline Extended 

Release Date: November 7, 2003
Release Number: 1490-76

» More Information on North Carolina Hurricane Isabel

Raleigh, NC -- North Carolina residents who have flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) now have an extra 60 days to file claims related to Hurricane Isabel.

The extension applies to all NFIP-insured flood losses in the state from September 17 through September 19.

For example, policyholders who had a flood loss on September 18, the day Isabel made landfall, now have until January 15, 2004, to submit their claim.

Claims usually must be filed within 60 days of a loss. The extension to 120 days has been given because of the widespread flood damage caused by the hurricane.

"We do not want NFIP policyholders to worry that their flood insurance claims could be denied because they are late filing their claims," said Gracia Szczech, the officer in charge of coordinating the federal response to the disaster for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). "The 60 day extension will give policyholders plenty of opportunity to make their claim."

Dr. Kenneth B. Taylor, the officer in charge of coordinating the state response to the disaster for the North Carolina Division of Emergency Management, added, "Don't wait until the busyness of the holiday season to make your claim. If you have flood insurance, and you had flood damage from Isabel or storms near that time, call your insurance agent and make your claim now."

For information on NFIP or how to make claims, call 1-800-427-4661.

On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages Citizen Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.

Last Modified: Friday, 07-Nov-2003 13:39:46