In response to my previous post, The Time to Hesitate is Through – Superstorm Sandy Proofs of Loss are Due April 28, 2014, a reader commented and asked the following question:
Can the Insured file a supplemental [Proof of Loss (POL)] or are they stuck with the amount the Insurer may have already paid in response to their initial POL?
After receiving the comment, I decided it would be better to have a full post instead of just a simple response in the comments section, as many readers might have the same question.
On February 1, 2009, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) published National Flood Insurance Program – “Flood Insurance Claims Handbook” FEMA F-687, which explicitly addresses this issue:
If you notice additional damage to your Building Property or Personal Property after filing your claim, you may file a Supplemental Claim. This means, essentially, that you must repeat the documentation and filing process for your original claim, including a Proof of Loss—but only for the newly discovered damage.
Supplemental Claims should start with immediately notifying your adjuster, agent and/or company representative. Once you have completed documentation, present it to your adjuster who may need to make another property visit to verify your loss.
While you are permitted to file a supplemental claim, there is a time limit just like for submitting your original claim. The handbook notes:
A Supplemental Claim, like your original claim, must be filed within 60 days after the loss. If you discover additional damage after the 60-day limit has passed, contact your adjuster immediately. Claims filed after 60 days are decided on a case-by-case basis.
Please note: this standard time limit of 60 days is no longer applicable to Superstorm Sandy flood claims. As I indicated in my prior post, FEMA extended the deadline to submit Superstorm Sandy proofs of loss. This means that all Superstorm Sandy claims, original or supplemental, must be submitted no later April 28, 2014.
