Post-Katrina claims rules eased in Mississippi.

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina and in the midst of insurance-related issues that have surfaced as a result, the Mississippi Insurance Department issued a bulletin to insurers pushing back the deadline regarding "notice of claim" and "proof of loss" practices.

The new bulletin replaces one issued on Oct. 24, 2005, by Insurance Commissioner George Dale.

The previous bulletin created a deadline of Jan. 31, by which policy-holders would have to submit claims and proof of loss information to their insurers.

Now that the deadline has passed, the new edict eases requirements for policyholders, requiring insurance companies that haven't waived the filing requirement to provide insureds with a written request, a blank proof-of-loss form and essentially no deadline.

Under the rule, policyholders who miss any insurer-mandated deadline for submitting the form can't be barred from claims or recovery, though the insurance department warns that those who submit their claims beyond the insurers' deadline can expect the process to take longer.

According to the state agency, requiring insurers to work with policyholders to set reasonable time frames for submission of proof-of-loss statements was necessary "due to the massive devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina."

"We are aware, as happens in every disaster, that rumors and inaccurate information spread like wild-fire," Dale said in a statement. "I would urge Mississippi policyholders to remain calm, and if they have questions regarding an insurance company or a rumor they have heard, to contact our offices before becoming unduly alarmed."

According to Dale's office, the National Flood Insurance Program has waived its proof-of-loss requirement except in the case of a dispute over payment or an adjuster's settlement offer.