Action steps to take when you believe you are not being treated fairly.

Log a complaint with FEMAINFO.US. There is strength in numbers. The media, public officials and lawmakers all respond more effectively to a pattern of complaints than an individual one.

Insurers and FEMA often try to make things as complicated as possible such that there appears to be two sides to the story of a victim being low-balled.

Rather than reinvent the wheel, make use of what we have learned by logging a complaint. The data will remain confidential unless you provide permission for it to be released.

Call your agent. Explain the difference that you are seeing between the policy your agent sold you and the service you are receiving. Request that your agent advocate for you. Reputable agents will stand up for you and can be a powerful ally.

Call and email the president of the carrier. If you need help locating carrier contact information, send your request for information to webmail@femainfo.us .

Treat the carrier as a delinquent debtor. Most people understand how corporations operate when they are in a bill collecting mode. Victims need to operate in the same way. The squeaky wheel often really does get oiled. You need to call and email often. Be polite but assertive. Low level staff will very likely be unable to help you. Go to the top.

File a complaint with your State Insurance Commissioner immediately. Although State Commissioners have little direct authority over the flood insurance program, however, they do have tremendous powers over the insurance carriers. In addition, the commissioners of all states affected by recent storms have been notified of low-ball tactics being used by flood and wind carriers.

All flood insurance carriers are also property insurance carriers. State commissioners have the power to demand a review of claims associated with a particular carrier or its third party adjusting firms. In other words, although the state insurance commissioner does not have the authority to order a review of a flood insurance adjuster, that adjuster is often also adjusting wind claims. The commissioner can review the wind claims to see if problems exist.

File a complaint with your US Senators and US Representative.

FEMAINFO.US has been instrumental in four congressional hearings. More are on the way.

Congress has oversight for the flood insurance program. There are also members of Congress that feel that the insurance industry is in need of federal oversight. Your US Senators and US Representative can request congressional hearings and investigations into a wide range of topics, including insurance claims payments. It is important that you help your elected officials understand that flood insurance related problems are systemic and cannot likely be solved by a caseworker.

Last Modified: 100305 0029