Short answer: In New York, the biggest homeowners insurance question for downstate and Long Island owners is hurricane exposure. If no private insurer will cover your home, the New York Property Insurance Underwriting Association (NYPIUA) is the FAIR Plan, but it doesn't include liability, flood or theft coverage. Coastal owners who get a non-renewal can use the Coastal Market Assistance Program (C-MAP) to reach private insurers. New York Insurance Law §3425 limits non-renewals during the required policy period and sets 45 to 60 days' notice.
This guide is general information for New York homeowners. It isn't legal advice. Your policy wording controls.
Where New York's risk is concentrated
The New York Department of Financial Services (DFS) homeowners and tenants guide singles out the coastal counties of Bronx, Kings (Brooklyn), Nassau, Queens, Richmond (Staten Island), Suffolk and Westchester. For NYPIUA policies in those counties, a hurricane deductible applies to losses starting 12 hours before and ending 12 hours after a Category 2 or stronger hurricane, as declared by the National Weather Service, makes landfall anywhere in New York State. Private policies in coastal areas commonly carry their own hurricane or windstorm deductibles, so read the declarations page. See hurricane deductibles explained.
Flood isn't covered by homeowners insurance. Quote a separate policy through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private insurer.
Step 1: Shop the voluntary market first
DFS urges owners and their agents to make every effort to place coverage with a voluntary insurer, because NYPIUA coverage is more limited and costs more (DFS: problems obtaining insurance).
Step 2: Coastal non-renewal? Use C-MAP
C-MAP is a voluntary network of insurers and agents, administered by NYPIUA under Insurance Law §5414, that helps homeowners in coastal areas find coverage. DFS says you must first have received a non-renewal, cancellation or conditional non-renewal notice for a reason other than non-payment. A common C-MAP result is a "wrap-around": NYPIUA insures the building, and a private policy adds liability, personal property and other coverage.
Step 3: Understand NYPIUA, the FAIR Plan
According to DFS, NYPIUA's Basic form covers fire and extended coverage perils: wind (including hurricane), hail, explosion, riot, civil commotion, aircraft, vehicles and smoke, plus vandalism. A Broad form, at a higher premium, adds perils such as falling objects, weight of ice and snow, accidental discharge of water or steam and freezing. NYPIUA policies do not include liability, flood or theft coverage, so you'd need separate coverage for those. See also FAIR Plan vs. surplus lines home insurance.
Step 4: Non-renewal protections
New York Insurance Law §3425 restricts non-renewal during the three-year required policy period and requires 45 to 60 days' advance notice. Details: New York homeowners non-renewal rules.
Step 5: Claim deadlines
Under 11 NYCRR 216.4, insurers generally have 15 business days to acknowledge and act on a claim, 15 business days after proof of loss and requested items to accept or reject, and 5 business days to pay after a settlement is agreed. More: New York insurance claim deadlines.
See our tables: non-renewal notice rules by state, insurance claim deadlines by state and home insurance claim and lawsuit deadlines by state.
Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See New York insurance claim deadlines.
Frequently asked questions
What is NYPIUA?
The New York Property Insurance Underwriting Association is New York's FAIR Plan: an association of insurers that sells basic fire and extended coverage to owners who can't get a voluntary policy. It doesn't include liability, flood or theft coverage.
Who can use C-MAP?
Homeowners in New York coastal areas who received a non-renewal, cancellation or conditional non-renewal notice for a reason other than non-payment, according to DFS.
Which New York counties have NYPIUA hurricane deductibles?
Bronx, Kings, Nassau, Queens, Richmond, Suffolk and Westchester, per the DFS homeowners and tenants guide.
How much notice before a New York homeowners non-renewal?
45 to 60 days under Insurance Law §3425, which also limits non-renewal during the required policy period.
Alishahi Insurance · 439 N Canon Dr, Penthouse, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · (877) 711-4545 · CA License #4348151. General information only. This isn't legal, tax or financial advice or a coverage determination. Coverage depends on policy language and underwriting, and rules vary by state.