Pro Bono News

Consumer Protection in Wake of Hurricane Florence (NC)

Tuesday, September 25, 2018

Consumer Protection in Wake of Hurricane Florence

"On Sept. 17, 2018 the North Carolina Commissioner issued an order invoking the protections of the North Carolina Statue requiring collection agencies and other specified institutions to allow consumers in disaster areas in North Carolina the option of deferring premium or debt payments that are due between Sept. 17, 2018 and Dec. 16, 2018. The commissioner may extend any deferral period in the affected areas, depending on the nature and severity of the disaster.

Pursuant to the statute, North Carolina § 58-2-46, the deferral period allowed by statute shall:

1. Be 30 days from the last day the premium or debt payment may be made under the terms of the policy or contract;

2. Apply to any statute, rule, or other policy or contract provision that imposes a time limit on a consumer to perform any act during the time period covered by the proclamation or declaration;

3.Apply to any time limitations imposed on insurers under the terms of a policy or contract or provisions of law related to individuals who reside within the geographic area designated in the proclamation or declaration;

4.Apply to any time limitations imposed on insurers under the terms of a policy or contract or provisions of law related to individuals who reside within the geographic area designated in the proclamation or declaration..."

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