Federal Aid, State Insurance Department Help Still Available for Ike Recovery
Galveston County residents needing home repair assistance resulting from 2008’s Hurricane Ike can get federal help through a nearly $100 million grant program.
In addition, the Texas Department of Insurance reports that it remains available to assist consumers with unresolved Hurricane Ike claims and other insurance issues. The department says insurers settled most claims promptly, but some Texans have experienced problems with the claims process, including delays in claims handling, unsatisfactory settlement offers, and claim denials.
Hurricane Ike struck the Texas coast near Galveston on Sept. 13, 2008. The storm caused an estimated $13 billion in losses and resulted in approximately 815,000 insurance claims.
The Galveston County Housing Assistance Program expects to use about $15 million of the federal Housing and Urban Development funds for administrative costs. Coordinator James Wilson says more than 200 people have applied through the Recovery for Ike Survivors Enterprise, created by the state and managed by Lutheran Social Services.
Catholic Charities is also coordinating applications. Wilson says for now Galveston County is only taking applications through those two groups for repairs from the September 2008 hurricane.
Applications will be accepted from four outreach centers, expected to open in the next week or so, in Bacliff, Crystal Beach,Texas City and the county courthouse.
Through November, TDI has assisted more than 5,800 Texans with Hurricane Ike-related claims issues and has helped return $39.1 million to consumers through complaint resolution efforts.
In fiscal year 2009 (September 2008 to August 2009), TDI assisted more than 28,000 consumers with insurance issues and helped consumers receive an additional $74 million in claims payments and refunds.
www.co.galveston.tx.us/HousingDept/index.htm
Sources: Associated Press, Texas Department of Insurance
- 4,800 Claims Handled by Unlicensed Adjusters in Florida After Irma, Lawsuit Says
- Beyond the Claim: How Social Canvassing is Transforming Insurance Fraud Detection
- Jury Awards $80M to 3 Former Zurich NA Employees for Wrongful Termination
- EVs Head for Junkyard as Mechanic Shortage Inflates Repair Costs
- Poll: Consumers OK with AI in P/C Insurance, but Not So Much for Claims and Underwriting
- Millions of Recalled Hyundai and Kia Vehicles, With Dangerous Defect, Remain on Road
- California Sees Two More Property Insurers Withdraw From Market
- California Chiropractor Sentenced to 54 Years for $150M Workers’ Comp Scheme