Long Island couple says they lost insurance after storm

Long Island couple says they lost insurance after storm

Jackie and Greg Northrop said that their homeowner's insurance company turned into a Grinch after the couple filed a claim with them after Superstorm Sandy.

Jackie is 5 months pregnant and the couple bought their first home in Long Beach, Long Island and closed on it five days before the storm devastated the city. The storm ripped shingles off the roof and tore away some siding.

The damage was estimated at $5,500. They paid their $2,500 deductible, and Ocean Harbor Casualty Insurance wrote them a check for $3,000 to make repairs.

But a letter arrived with the check telling the couple that Ocean Harbor was terminating their brand-new policy as of January 2, 2013.

Before Sandy hit, Gov. Andrew Cuomo implemented a moratorium prohibiting insurance companies from dropping policies. The moratorium is in effect until January 16, 2013, so Ocean Harbor cannot drop the Northrops until then.

Denis Miller, an independent insurance agent in Long Beach, said the couple should not panic and that they will be able to get homeowner's insurance from another company.

Ocean Harbor Casualty Insurance did not return a call for comment.