Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., chairman of the Housing, Transportation, and Community Development Subcommittee of the Senate Banking Committee, called for the hearing. Menendez railed at the way NFIP customers were treated. He said the "fact is, the entire claims process—from the initial filing, to the way claims are processed, to the appeal process—is tilted against homeowners."

Menendez said the NFIP "needs to protect policyholders and ensure they're treated fairly."

He said the "question is how can we strike the proper balance between protecting taxpayers against overpayments while not systematically shortchanging hardworking families who played by the rules."

Griffin chairs the Write-Your-Own Flood Insurance Coalition that includes all the primary insurer trade associations and WYOs.

He was more objective in explaining why homeowners hit by the huge storm became so frustrated.

He said the lack of claims adjusters delayed the claims-settlement and rebuilding process. 

In addition, Griffin said "preparation is a key factor in minimizing financial loss after a natural catastrophe." He said PCI, as well as other insurers, are promoting strong building codes and responsible land-use policies, calling them "crucial for all stakeholders, to promote public safety and to be as prepared as possible for the next hurricane, tornado, or flood disaster."

He also said that "consumers need to be educated about the importance of having flood insurance and encouraged to continue purchasing it."

He added that in the immediate aftermath of a natural catastrophe, "it is critical" for local, state, and federal officials to coordinate their efforts to get basic services up and running as quickly as possible, in order that "people can get back to their homes and businesses to begin remediation and rebuilding."

Griffin also announced PCI will be hosting a national flood conference next year in Washington that will bring together FEMA and all of the different flood insurance stakeholders to discuss how to simplify and improve the flood program in advance of the next Congressional reauthorization cycle.