Insurers, Agent Sued for Unlawfully Boosting Flood Premium, Botching Coverage Ahead of Superstorm Sandy

NEW YORK — A New York man whose home was damaged by Superstorm Sandy while he believed he was appealing a proposed three-fold increase in the cost to renew his flood coverage has sued his broker and the insurers that ultimately denied his claim.

James Norris says in the Queens County Supreme Court lawsuit that he assumed the policy covering his Breezy Point, N.Y., property was in full effect when he filed a claim with Standard Fire Insurance Co. and Travelers Insurance Co. days after Sandy floodwaters caused more than $100,000 worth of damage. Norris, however, later learned that an …