On November 29, 2012, the Superintendent of New York State’s Department of Financial Services issued a Twelfth Amendment to Insurance Regulation 64, which amends Section 216.5(a). Most significantly, investigations of Storm Sandy claims require that the insurer commence investigation of specified claims within 6 days instead of 15, and that if an inspection is to be performed, it must be performed within that 6-day time frame. The changes are provided as follows (underlined portions reflect amendments):

(a)(1) Every insurer shall [establish procedures to] commence an investigation of any claim filed by a claimant, or by a claimant’s authorized representative, within 15 business days of [receipt of] receiving notice of claim. An insurer shall furnish to every claimant, or claimant’s authorized representative, a notification of all items, statements and forms, if any, which the insurer reasonably believes will be required of the claimant, within 15 business days of receiving notice of the claim. A claim filed with an agent of an insurer shall be deemed to have been filed with the insurer unless, consistent with law or contract, such agent notifies the person filing the claim that the agent is not authorized to receive notices of claim.

(2)(i) Notwithstanding paragraph one of this subdivision, for claims that would otherwise be subject to the provisions of paragraph one the provisions of this paragraph shall instead apply, with respect to any claim occurring from October 26, 2012 through November 15, 2012 in the counties of Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk or Westchester, including their adjacent waters, with respect to

(a) loss of or damage to real property;

(b) loss of or damage to personal property; or

(c) other liabilities for loss of, damage to, or injury to persons or property.

(ii) Every insurer shall commence an investigation of any claim filed by a claimant, or by a claimant’s authorized representative, within six business days of receiving notice of claim, provided, however, that if a claimant, or the claimant’s authorized representative, filed a claim between October 26, 2012 and November 29, 2012, then the insurer shall commence an investigation of the claim within six business days after November 29, 2012 or 15 business days of receiving notice of claim, whichever is sooner. If the insurer wishes its investigation to include an inspection of the damaged or destroyed property, the inspection, whether performed by the insurer, an independent adjuster, or other representative of the insurer, must occur within the time frames specified in this paragraph.

(iii) An insurer shall furnish to every claimant, or claimant’s authorized representative, a notification of all items, statements and forms, if any, that the insurer reasonably believes will be required of the claimant, within six business days of receiving notice of the claim.

(iv) A claim filed with an agent of an insurer shall be deemed to have been filed with the insurer unless, consistent with law or contract, the agent notifies the person filing the claim that the agent is not authorized to receive notices of claim.

(v) Where necessary to protect health or safety, a claimant may commence immediate repairs to heating systems, hot water systems, and necessary electrical connections, as well as exterior windows, exterior doors, and, for minor permanent repairs, exterior walls, in order to enable property to retain heat, and any policy requirement that the policyholder exhibit the remains of the property may be satisfied by the policyholder submitting proof of loss documentation of the damaged or destroyed property, including photographs or video recordings; material samples, if applicable; and inventories, as well as receipts for any repairs to or replacement of property. This subparagraph does not apply to claims under flood policies issued under the national flood insurance program.

The amendment is effective upon the filing of the amendment with the Secretary of State.

On the same date, Governor Cuomo issued Executive Order Number 82, which temporarily suspends New York Insurance Law § 2108 requirements regarding licensing of public adjusters. The Executive Order allows for the temporary licensing of public adjusters in specified counties.