Re Van Holt, Jo Van Holt v. Liberty Mutual Fire Insurance Company, Liberty Mutual Group

OPINION OF THE COURT

ROSENN, Circuit Judge.

This appeal presents this Court with an important question of first impression pertaining to federal subject-matter jurisdiction over a complaint by an insured predicated on the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (“NFIA”) but actually sounding in tort. The plaintiffs’ complaint alleges that Liberty Mutual Fire Insurance Company (“Liberty Mutual”), a private insurer, violated New Jersey state law during its investigation and adjustment of a claim under a policy issued by it pursuant to the NFIA. The plaintiffs do not allege diversity of citizenship…