South Carolina – Emergency adjuster bulletin released activating the section of insurance code allowing non-resident adjusters or motor vehicle physical damage appraisers to enter the state and handle storm related claims without having to become licensed in South Carolina.

9/6 – Today South Carolina issued a bulletin directing insurers, HMOs, and all licensed or authorized entities and individuals that the Director of Insurance expects the insurance industry to work with insureds and businesses directly impacted by Hurricane Dorian to provide relief from certain insurance requirements. The relief can include, but is not limited to, extension of payment deadlines, additional time before cancellation/nonrenewals become effective, extensions on proof of loss deadlines, waivers of limitations related to using out-of-network providers, one early or replacement refill on prescription drugs, and waiver of fees, penalties or other charges related to late payments. The directive also states that exceptions or relief offered will not be considered discriminatory if it is focused on providing additional protections for those impacted by the storm as long as it is applied consistently to all those so impacted.

The department has also issued a data call relating to Hurricane Dorian claims. All P&C and surplus lines insurers must submit completed reports to the department by Monday, September 23 for all claims reported as of Wednesday, September 18th. Subsequent reports are due October 21 for claims through October 16; January 6 for claims through January 1, and April 6 for claims through April 1. If insurers do not have any claims or any subsequent claims after the first submission, no further reports are required. Even with no claims, one report must be submitted indicating that the insurer had no storm related claims.

 North Carolina – The Governor issued an executive order due to the pending hurricane reminding health benefit plans of compliance requirements to allow residents to obtain extra prescriptions during a state of emergency or disaster. This is valid from 29 days of issuance of the bulletin, which was dated August 31. The department has a HurriClaims center where consumers can find answers to common questions about coverage, flood insurance, storm preparation and mediation, and other information. https://ncdoi.com/HurriClaims/Default.aspx

 Virginia – Virginia only licenses public adjusters and any properly licensed out of state public adjuster must apply for a Virginia non-resident license in order to adjust catastrophe claims. Company and independent adjusters are not required to be licensed in Virginia therefore; those adjusters do not need emergency adjuster licenses. Virginia has not issued any orders related to Hurricane Dorian at this time.

Maryland – While not expected to be impacted by Dorian, in light of September being National Preparedness Month the department released a notice offering tips on preparing for a disaster including creating an inventory, determining if property is insured to value, and other recommendations. It refers users to FloodSmart.gov and ready.gov

Louisiana – While not in the path of Dorian, the department website has a Hurricane Resource Center to help consumers prepare for future storms, including guidance on how to review coverage, how to obtain flood insurance, how to update a home inventory, and other information. #http://www.ldi.la.gov/consumers/insurance-type/homeowners/hurricane-resource-center