Florida Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier announced today that staff from the Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) will travel to Puerto Rico to assist those impacted by Hurricane Maria. In partnership with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), an OIR team member will deploy on May 12, 2018 to assist families and individuals with claims and other insurance issues.
Governor Scott said, “Since Hurricane Maria, Florida has provided steadfast support to our neighbors in Puerto Rico and I am proud to continue this aid by sharing an insurance expert from Florida to provide claims assistance to homeowners and business owners as they work to rebuild their lives. I am proud of the work Florida has done to help families from Puerto Rico and we will continue to do all we can to make sure they have the resources needed to get back on their feet.”
CFO Jimmy Patronis said, “Access to insurance help and resources is critical for consumers and businesses in Puerto Rico impacted by Hurricane Maria. As we gear up for the 2018 Hurricane Season, it’s important that we do all we can to provide resources to the people of Puerto Rico to help recover and now prepare ahead of June 1. My office’s bi-lingual insurance experts stand ready to assist with any consumer concerns.”
Florida Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier said, “OIR’s mission is to protect insurance consumers and cultivate a stable insurance marketplace in Florida, and we’ve worked closely with Governor Scott, CFO Patronis, Commissioner Putnam, and Attorney General Bondi to carry out this mission before, during, and after storms. I am proud that our team will now have the opportunity to extend our efforts by providing direct assistance in Puerto Rico.”
Julie McPeak, Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance Commissioner and National Association of Insurance Commissioners President, said, “Having OIR staff available to assist with policyholders with claims processing will be an invaluable service, and the NAIC is thrilled to partner with Governor Scott and Commissioner Altmaier on this initiative.”
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners will provide financial support for travel costs associated with the initiative.