In accordance with its catastrophe plan, The Massachusetts Property Insurance Underwriting Association (MPIUA) has activated a special telephone number, 1-866-384-3803, for new claim submissions as a result of Hurricane Irene. The MPIUA says that use of this number will substantially increase the organization’s efficiency in responding to you and the association’s mutual clients. To inquire about the status of a reported Hurricane Irene claim, the MPIUA asks that you call 1-800-297-3554.
Agents should also be aware that as of 3:08 p.m. on August 25, 2011, the MPIUA also instituted a Windstorm and Hail Coverage Limitation. These endorsements to policies can attach under certain circumstances such as when the National Weather Service has issued a Watch or Warning for a Tropical Storm or Hurricane for a Tropical Storm or Hurricane for any point on the United States coast North of Latitude 35.5º North (North Carolina – Virginia State boundary).
The Association attaches the “Windstorm and Hail Limitation” endorsements in the following situations:
- Immediate certification and New Business Approvals – the Association will attach the endorsement on those applications where no prior insurance has been in effect or where prior coverage has been allowed to lapse.
- Endorsements – Where the request is for an increase in coverage limits, the “Windstorm and Hail Limitation” would apply to the amount of increase if the increase is approved.
The Windstorm or Hail Limitation does not apply and the endorsement will not be attached when:
- The “Windstorm and Hail Limitation” endorsements will not be attached when coverage is needed for a new purchase where the passing date falls during the period where a Watch or Warning has been issued.
- The endorsement will also not be attached to policies seeking coverage as a result of cancellation or non-renewal by the prior carrier so long as the application is otherwise acceptable to the Association and coverage has not been allowed to lapse.