Advocacy in action blog

The federal government shutdown has created a great deal of confusion about the federal flood insurance program among insurance professionals and their clients who are homeowners or are in the process of purchasing homes. Advisors may face questions from frustrated clients, and not all of the answers are clear at this point. Policies issued under the federal program remain in force during the shutdown, but the processing and payment of claims may be delayed, according to media reports. Pending applications and renewals are frozen until the government funding impasse ends. Flood insurance requirements for federally backed loans are suspended during the shutdown, according to FEMA and banking regulators.

The New Jersey state Senate has passed the New Jersey Insurance Fair Conduct Act, which would permit a consumer to bring a private cause of action lawsuit against an insurer accused of an unreasonable claim denial or delay in payment of benefits.

NAIFA-NJ recently put out a call to action to its members, asking them to contact their state senators to vote "No" on S-1559. The bill, the New Jersey Insurance Fair Conduct Act, would establish a private cause of action for first-party claimants against an auto insurer for an unreasonable delay or denial of a claim or for violating statutes prohibiting unfair or deceptive acts or practices. 

NAIFA-IL has sent a call to action to its members to urge Gov. J.B. Pritzker to veto a bill that sets a prejudgment interest at the rate of 9% per year on all tort actions seeking recovery for personal injury or wrongful death.