N.J. Judge Refuses to Allow Appraisal in Superstorm Sandy Flood Case

NEWARK, N.J. — A federal judge in New Jersey has rejected a homeowner’s appraisal request in a Superstorm Sandy insurance coverage action, ruling that there are issues apart from the actual cash value of the claimed loss that remain under dispute in the case.

In a March 10 decision, Judge Cathy L. Waldor agreed with defendant Standard Fire Insurance Co. that use of the appraisal process in a manner proposed by the plaintiff violates the terms of his flood policy, as well as a FEMA directive prohibiting appraisals in circumstances where they would not result in complete resolution of the …