FEMA Begins Offering 2nd Look At Flood Damage Claims For Thousands Of Sandy Victims In NJ
By David Madden
NEW JERSEY (CBS) -- You may be one of the more than 100 thousand New Jersey homeowners who got a letter from FEMA offering you a chance to re-file your damage claim from Hurricane Sandy, but a local insurance claims expert suggests you take a good, long look at things before you take them up on that offer.
Yes, it appears there were problems in the way many claims were processed. At least FEMA's willing to consider that, given a recent 60 Minutes probe of the situation.
Kevin Kaufmann, President of Property Adjustment Corporation, is just one of many professionals offering help to homeowners. But he insists, right up front, people like him can't perform miracles.
"If you were unhappy with the fact that they didn't pay for your damaged dock and you received one of these letters, pursuing this with FEMA is not going to change anything for you."
Because a review won't change what's covered under your flood insurance policy. And if you've maxed out the money allowed for in your policy, you're done.
Kaufmann says these reviews will help those who not only believe they were shortchanged, but can prove they're owed more money.