Is your insurer charging you a hurricane deductible for filing a claim from Hurricane Irene?
If so, make sure you were in an area subject to a hurricane warning.
Maryland Insurance Commissioner Therese M. Goldsmith sent out a reminder today to property insurers that hurricane deductibles can't be imposed unless a claim comes from a part of Maryland that was under a hurricane warning.
Maryland counties under such a warning were Caroline, Dorchester, Somerset, St. Mary's, Talbot and Wicomico and Worcester. Hurricane deductibles are higher than regular deductibles and can be a percentage of the total value of the home. If you have a $200,000 home with a 5 percent hurricane deductible, you have to pay the first $10,000 worth of damage before insurance kicks in.
If you think you have been unfairly assessed a hurricane deductible, contact the Maryland Insurance Administration.