Veronica Acosta, of Freeport, Long Island, nearly lost everything to Hurricane Sandy. Now she is losing patience with her insurance company. That prompted her to call Fox 5.
The Acosta family has been living in a hotel room since the storm hit more than two months ago.
Their insurance company has told them the house has $29,000 worth of damage. That is far less than the full value of her $250,000 policy, Veronica said, and not enough for a long list of repairs.
After Fox 5 first aired their story, the company said it will take a second look at her case.
Freeport Mayor Andrew Hardwick stopped in to check on her. He said the situation is not unique. By his count, more than 3,000 Freeport homes need major repairs. He said many homeowners are haggling with insurance companies. He said he thinks state and federal leaders could step in and do more. He said the village may hire a law firm to go after insurers not doing their part.
Veronica is pleased with the effort, but is only interested in one result: When the home can be repaired and her family can move back in.
Town hall meetings are scheduled for Thursday morning and Friday night to help residents deal with ongoing problems.
Friday, May 17 2013 1:09 PM EDT2013-05-17 17:09:46 GMT
Powerball's estimated jackpot has soared to a record $600 million dollars for Saturday's drawing because of brisk sales across the states involved in the lottery.
Powerball's estimated jackpot has soared to a record $600 million for Saturday's drawing because of brisk sales across the states involved in the lottery. The lump-sum cash value of the jackpot is an estimated $376.9 million.
Thursday, May 16 2013 1:40 PM EDT2013-05-16 17:40:30 GMT
A proposal to build a major Long Island casino with video slot machines is part of closed-door negotiations to expand casino gambling in New York.
A proposal to build a major Long Island casino with video slot machines is part of closed-door negotiations to expand casino gambling in New York, according to the head of the Nassau County Off-Track Betting Corp. and a legislative bill.
Tuesday, May 14 2013 3:59 PM EDT2013-05-14 19:59:22 GMT
USDA photo
The tree-killing Asian longhorned beetle has been eradicated from Manhattan and Staten Island, but remains a problem in Brooklyn, Queens, and parts of Long Island.
The tree-killing Asian longhorned beetle has been eradicated from Manhattan and Staten Island, but remains a problem in Brooklyn, Queens, and parts of Long Island, according to state agriculture officials.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo wants to freeze Long Islanders' energy rates for three years as part of a proposal to end operating control of the Long Island Power Authority.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo wants to freeze Long Islanders' energy rates for three years as part of a proposal to end operating control of the Long Island Power Authority.
Monday, May 13 2013 8:03 AM EDT2013-05-13 12:03:24 GMT
A non-profit organization based in Rockaways, Long Beach and the Jersey Shore since November, hosted a "Gifts for Groms" event Saturday afternoon. The Gifts for Groms event took place at unsOund Surf
A non-profit organization based in Rockaways, Long Beach and the Jersey Shore since November, hosted a "Gifts for Groms" event Saturday afternoon. The Gifts for Groms event took place at unsOund Surf shop.
Monday, May 13 2013 6:57 AM EDT2013-05-13 10:57:44 GMT
Students and staff at Baldwin High School on Long Island are seeing tighter security at the school on Monday following a threatening message found scrawled inside the building.
Students and staff at Baldwin High School on Long Island are seeing tighter security at the school on Monday following a threatening message found scrawled inside the building. Investigators won't say was said in the message discovered over the weekend.
Sunday, May 12 2013 8:33 PM EDT2013-05-13 00:33:35 GMT
On this Mother's Day, a mom on Long Island knew something was wrong when she saw another mother in need. A mother riding home to Dix Hills after a Mother's Day dinner became an animal rescue worker.
On this Mother's Day, a mom on Long Island knew something was wrong when she saw another mother in need. A mother riding home to Dix Hills after a Mother's Day dinner became an animal rescue worker.
