09/30/2024
This has been a hard week for so many people. Good information from Allen Tate Insurance.
From Chad Smith -Allen Tate Insurance
***Insurance Tip of The Week***: How to handle insurance if your home or car were damaged from Hurricane Helene
Experiencing the aftermath of a hurricane can be overwhelming—both emotionally and financially. The devastation, uncertainty, and stress that follow such an event are difficult to navigate, especially when dealing with insurance claims and repairs. For thousands of South and North Carolinians, putting our lives back together can start with working with our insurance company. If you’re in that group, you should do one thing first: contact our team at Allen Tate Insurance if you have your insurance with us. If not, call your respective agent or insurance carrier to start the process.
Which insurer should I contact?
This depends on what kind of damage your property experienced. If your home got flooded — and you have flood insurance — reach out to the National Flood Insurance Program or your private flood insurer. For all other damage to your home, contact your homeowners insurance agent.
The difference between flood policies and homeowners policies is a frequent source of confusion. A typical homeowners insurance policy does not cover flood damage, and carriers will refuse to cover any damage they believe was caused by flooding. Most flood policies are through the federal National Flood Insurance Program, which is overseen by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Homes can experience both types of damage, such as a tree falling through the roof or several inches of flooding. In those cases, contact both of your insurers. To report any damage to your vehicle, contact your auto insurer.
What do I do after I call?
After you call, your insurance company should send an adjuster to document and assess the damage. That could take a day or two (or more), depending on the company and the level of damage. In the meantime, you should document the damage. Before you start cleaning up, take photos and videos of the affected areas and of any items that were damaged. Make a list of those items. Record serial numbers, and hang on to receipts if you have them.
What if my insurance company isn’t responsive?
The state is also likely to host “insurance villages,” where policyholders, state officials and the insurers can meet to hash out disputes. Licensed public adjusters can also sometimes help policyholders navigate their claim, but will do so for a fee of whatever your claim payment is. As your agent at Allen Tate Insurance, we are here to help you in any instance of unsatisfactory service from the insurance carrier. We’re here to serve.
Losing the safety and comfort of your home, or seeing damage to personal belongings, is deeply unsettling. It’s not just about the physical loss, but also the emotional toll of displacement, frustration with delays in the recovery process, and the anxiety of rebuilding after the storm. The journey to return to normal life may feel like an uphill battle. Know that your concerns, whether they involve property damage, insurance complications, or the difficulty of starting over, are valid. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed by the magnitude of recovery, and taking things one step at a time is key. This is a moment where you shouldn't have to navigate things alone—support from neighbors, friends, or professionals can be invaluable. If you're feeling lost in the process of working with insurance companies or repairs, or if you're just needing some guidance on the next steps, Allen Tate Insurance is here to help however we can.
