New York Senator Mark Walczyk has introduced Senate Bill 7391, aiming to improve flood insurance awareness among residents and businesses along Lake Ontario – an area historically impacted by flooding events.
The bill seeks to amend the state's insurance law by requiring the New York Department of Financial Services to publish an annual notice in local newspapers specifically serving communities bordering Lake Ontario. The notice would provide essential information clarifying how flood coverage differs from standard homeowners or tenants insurance.
Under the proposed legislation, the annual DFS notice may include the department’s disaster hotline, key contact details, and a link to the department’s online disaster and flood resource center. Additionally, it must feature a clear statement highlighting that standard homeowners and renters insurance policies do not typically cover flood-related damages, underscoring the necessity of separate flood insurance coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program.
The notice would also inform property owners and businesses about available resources for addressing concerns related to insurance claims, hurricane and wind deductibles, policy cancellations or non-renewals, and coverage for additional living expenses for individuals displaced following disasters.
Businesses, in particular, would benefit from targeted information about business interruption insurance and off-premises service interruption coverage, further ensuring clarity about their policy options in disaster situations.
Walczyk’s bill has been referred to the Senate Insurance Committee for review. If enacted, it would take effect immediately, signifying New York State’s increased focus on proactive communication and preparedness in flood-prone regions.
