NY governor directs state regulator to issue temporary permits to out-of-state insurance adjusters

Following a historic winter storm that has buried parts of the state in nearly seven feet of snow, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has ordered the Department of Financial Services (DFS) to issue temporary adjuster permits to qualified independent insurance adjusters from out-of-state.

The measure is being taken to expedite insurance claims related to the historic winter storm, which heavily impacted numerous communities in New York. In particular, the areas of Buffalo and Watertown were hit the hardest by the heavy snowfall.

“My administration is using every tool at our disposal to deliver relief to New York businesses and homeowners following this historic winter storm,” said Hochul. “This new guidance will help to expedite insurance claims for New Yorkers in need and fast-track our recovery effort as we continue to work around the clock to assist Buffalo and Watertown area residents. I urge all New Yorkers to file claims as soon as they can to help rebuild their communities and homes.”

“DFS stands ready to help impacted homeowners and businesses with insurance questions and claims related to the winter storm,” said DFS superintendent Adrienne A. Harris. “DFS will be issuing temporary adjuster permits to those responding to property losses in Western, Central and Northern New York counties, and we will continue to assist in emergency response efforts in partnership with fellow state agencies and local partners to help these communities rebuild and recover.”

A lake-effect storm hit the areas east of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario over the weekend, burying some communities in nearly seven feet of powder and breaking previous snowfall records. At least three deaths were recorded related to the winter storm, the Associated Press reported.

US President Joe Biden earlier this week approved a Federal Emergency Declaration for 11 counties in New York. The declaration allows the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to coordinate disaster relief efforts in the region and provide assistance.