Georgia has enacted House Bill 1344 which, among other provisions, establishes requirements for claims processing following the declaration of a catastrophic event and for the use of certain aerial or satellite imagery.

Following a catastrophic event, the Commissioner may issue a directive requiring every insurer to comply with the requirements set forth in the bill regarding property claims processing. This includes acknowledging a claim and providing necessary claims forms within 15 calendar days of receiving notification of such claim, as well as providing payment within 10 calendar days after coverage is accepted and the full amount of the claim is determined and not in dispute. Additionally, the bill establishes requirements for using certain aerial and satellite images as the basis for the cancellation or nonrenewal of the insurance on an owner-occupied residential property. This includes providing such images, or instructions on how to access them, in the notice of an adverse underwriting decision and establishing an appeal process so that property owners may correct any errors or misunderstandings.

Please see House Bill 1344 for more information.