§ 58-44-85.  Request for mediation.

(a) If an insured requests mediation before receipt of the notice of the right to mediate or if the date of the notice cannot be established, the insurer shall be notified by the Administrator of the existence of the dispute before the Administrator processes the insured's request for mediation. An insured must request mediation within 60 days after the denial of the claim; failure to request mediation within this time period shall only bar the right to demand mediation; it shall not prejudice any other legal right or remedy of the insured nor prohibit the insurer from voluntarily accepting the request for mediation.

(b) If an insurer receives a request for mediation, the insurer shall electronically transmit the request to the Administrator within three business days after receipt of the request. If the Department receives any requests, it shall electronically transmit those requests to the Administrator within three business days after receipt. The Administrator shall notify the insurer within 48 hours after receipt of a request that has been filed with the Department.

(c) In the insured's request for mediation, the insured shall provide the following information, if known:

(1) Name, address, and daytime telephone number of the insured and location of the property if different from the address given.

(2) The claim and policy number for the insured.

(3) A brief description of the nature of the dispute.

(4) The name of the insurer and the name, address, and phone number of the contact person for scheduling mediation.

(5) Information with respect to any other policies of insurance that may provide coverage of the insured property for named perils such as flood, earthquake, or windstorm. (2006-145, s. 1.)