Eight months after Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico, a member of the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation will travel to the island tomorrow to assist families and individuals with insurance claims and other issues.
According to a recent statement, the Office of Insurance Regulation member will partner with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners in Puerto Rico on May 12, 2018, to assist those impacted by Hurricane Maria.
Chief financial officer of Florida Jimmy Patronis said business and consumers in Puerto Rico require critical access to insurance help and resources.
“As we gear up for the 2019 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,” he said. “My office’s bilingual insurance experts stand ready to assist with any consumer concerns.”
The OIR staff member is expected to assist policyholders with claims processing. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners will cover the travel costs associated with the initiative, the statement said.
Governor Rick Scott said that since Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico, Florida has provided “steadfast support for our neighbors.”
“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,” he said. “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.”
Florida Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier added: “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.”
