Pending Citizens Request: 72- Hour Notification Requirement
Mar 3, 2016 in Case Law Updates by bronsteincarmona
In an effort to slow the rising number and costs associated with delayed reporting of insurance claims, Citizens Property Insurance is seeking the imposition of a policy to require damage or loss be reported within 72-hours after damage or loss is discovered, or should have been discovered. The state-backed insurer’s 72-hour notification requirement qualifies existing policy language that merely states the policyholder is to provide “prompt notice” to the carrier of damage or loss. The change would have to be approved by the Office of Insurance Regulation.
This notification requirement, if approved, serves as important purpose, in that it will allow Citizens to have its adjusters inspect, evaluate, and approve the budget for repairs. The move will limit the often used present-day practice, wherein Citizens is informed of the loss or damage after repairs are made, and after the inflated invoices are submitted by third parties who have obtained assignments of benefits from policyholders.
This proposed notification requirement is sensible reform to curb excessive and unnecessary costs that are ultimately paid by all policyholders. We support this proposal and the Office of Insurance Regulation would be wise to approve it to protect honest policyholders.