THE Financial Services Commission (FSC) is targeting October 16 for the publication of a verified assessment of Hurricane Melissa insurance claims as households and businesses continue to await payouts nearly a year after the storm.

The review comes after the insurance industry’s end-September target for settling the vast majority of claims, excluding complex and litigated matters, and amid complaints from tourism operators about delayed payments and deductions.

In a statement on Thursday, the FSC said it is examining the number and value of claims settled, amounts paid and outstanding, and the reasons for delays. It noted that clear distinctions will be made between claims fully or partly settled, agreed but awaiting payment, disputed or still under assessment.

“Nearly a year after Hurricane Melissa, many households and businesses are still waiting for their insurance claims to be settled. We recognise what these delays mean for families trying to repair their homes and businesses working to restore normal operations,” said FSC Executive Director Lt Col Keron Burrell.

“Our focus is on establishing a reliable picture of the outstanding claims and working directly with insurers to address the issues slowing the settlement process.”

Recent industry figures show uneven progress. The Insurance Association of Jamaica (IAJ) reported that, by the end of September, 90 per cent of motor claims and 77 per cent of Jamaican dollar- denominated claims had been fully settled and paid. The corresponding figures were 54 per cent for non-motor claims and 49 per cent for US dollar- denominated claims. Meanwhile, tourism operators have reported a substantial backlog. A Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association survey, reported in late September, found that only 39 per cent of tourism claimants had received full settlement and payment, leaving 61 per cent still in the claims process. The association warned that operators were financing repairs themselves while facing pressure on working capital.

The IAJ said insurers were intensifying reviews of outstanding cases, including those awaiting loss-adjuster reports, unresolved settlement offers and reinstatement works still under way. It acknowledged pressure on loss-adjusting resources and said members were strengthening communication with policyholders.

In the update, the FSC noted that its assessment will also examine how a small number of exceptionally large or complex claims affect the overall industry position. The publication remains subject to the completeness and verification of insurers’ submissions.

FSC said it is meeting with insurers to identify obstacles and determine whether further supervisory action is required, focusing on prolonged settlement periods, communication and outstanding documentation.

The review follows its June advisory warning that the volume and complexity of Melissa claims did not remove insurers’ obligation to handle them fairly, transparently, and without avoidable delay.