NHT Prepares for More Peril Insurance Claims

The National Housing Trust (NHT) is preparing for an additional 100 claims under its Homeowners Comprehensive Policy (Peril Insurance), expected by August 26.

This increase follows an extended deadline for claims from mortgagors whose properties sustained damage during the recent hurricane.

Corporate Risk and Insurance Manager at NHT, Stefan Clarke, assures that the Trust is equipped to handle the anticipated volume of claims.

He said the organisation is deploying resources across its branches islandwide and streamlining processes to ensure that affected individuals receive timely support and assistance.

“We have made the process very easy to make a peril claim. You can access the form and guidelines on our website (www.nht.gov.jm) and visit any of our branches. We have representatives ready to serve you and ensure that the process is completed seamlessly,” Mr. Clarke told JIS News.

To file a claim, mortgagors need to provide a completed form, photographs of the damage, a repair estimate, their Tax Registration Number (TRN), and valid identification. If a claim is submitted on behalf of the mortgagor, a letter of authorisation is also required.

“We urge everyone who has not submitted [a claim] to do so immediately. Thus far, we have received some 170 claims that we have begun processing. We expect to process a little bit under 300 [applications] this time around,” Mr. Clarke said, adding that the organisation is relieved that the situation is not more severe.

Most claims have come from residents in Manchester, St. Elizabeth, and Clarendon, which are the areas that received the hardest hit from Hurricane Beryl.

The Manager anticipates that this trend will continue up to the August 26 deadline and emphasises the NHT’s commitment to transparent communication and ongoing support during this time.

Mr. Clarke has also advised individuals to consider improvements in home construction, highlighting a trend where around 90 per cent of damage reported during this period are roof related.

This, as most of the people who are submitting claims to the NHT benefited from the organisation’s Build on Own Land loan facility.