Irene’s August Rampage Prompts Conn. to Consider New Hurricane Deductible Rules; Could Save Homeowners Thousands

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut insurance officials are considering new guidelines that could save homeowners thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses the next time a hurricane hits the state.

The Hartford Courant reports that the state Insurance Department is revising guidelines for hurricane deductibles.

George Bradner, director of property-casualty at the Insurance Department, says new rules would allow insurers to offer higher deductibles only if sustained, hurricane-force winds of 74 mph or stronger hit the state.

The review began shortly after the remnants of Hurricane Irene battered Connecticut Aug. 28. Many Connecticut homeowners were angry because some insurers imposed higher deductibles while others were not.

Some insurers waived deductibles and others had policies that didn’t consider Irene a hurricane.

“Current guidelines allow carriers to impose a hurricane deductible,” Debra J. Korta, spokeswoman for the Connecticut Insurance Department, told New England Post in a statement.

This deductible “begins at the time a hurricane warning is declared by the National Hurricane Center for anywhere in the state to 24 hours after a hurricane warning is terminated, or 24 hours after the hurricane is downgraded from a hurricane, by the National Hurricane Center for the state.”

The Department began reviewing its rules for use of the hurricane deductible immediately following Irene and — as mentioned above — intends to modify the current guidelines.

According to Korta, “The department wants to be sure the new guidelines are fair to consumers while ensuring that Connecticut’s insurance marketplace remains competitive.”

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Information from: The Hartford Courant, http://www.courant.com

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.

(Information also provided by New England Post)

Related posts:

1. Few Insured for Irene’s Losses in Conn.
2. Conn. Asks Insurers: Waive Some Storm Deductibles
3. Irene Prompts Mandatory Evacuations in Conn.
4. Conn. Town Battles Over Home Helicopter Landing
5. About 70,000 Without Power in Conn. Ahead of Irene

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