The North Carolina Department of Insurance published a bulletin announcing the availability of the NCDOI Disaster Mediation Program. It will be available from September 25, 2024, and ongoing until rescinded.
President Biden approved a major disaster declaration for North Carolina on September 25, 2024, in anticipation of Hurricane Helene. This gave Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey the authority to activate the Disaster Mediation Program, per NC General Statutes §58-44-70.
The program provides fair and timely resolution to disputed claims arising from residential property damage caused by a disaster. A disputed claim must have at least a $1,500 difference in position between the insured and insurer to be eligible for the program unless both parties agree to mediate a smaller amount. The dispute must be over the amount of a claim, and not for a denial of coverage due to an exclusion in the policy.
An independent mediator is provided, free of charge, who will be in charge of the mediation conference. The American Arbitration Association will serve as the Program Administrator. The mediator will not settle the dispute but will help to negotiate. The insured must request mediation within 60 days of their claim being denied.
The Mediation Request Form is available here.
Insurers are required to notify consumers who have residential property damage claims as a result of the hurricane of their right to mediate. A Right to Mediate Notice template is available in the bulletin.
The bulletin can be found here.