After Helene: Tips for assessing storm’s damage to your home & filing insurance claims
Following Helene, North Carolinians are examining damage to their homes and properties and planning for clean-up and repairs.
Filing an insurance claim may be part of that process.
As recovery efforts continue, here’s what to know about taking an inventory of the damage and preparing to file an insurance claim.
How to assess damage to your home and property
If your home was damaged by the storm, follow these tips from the N.C. Hurricane Guide:
- If you evacuated, don’t return home until local and state officials say it’s safe to do so.
- Don’t walk or drive through flood waters, and don’t drive through or around barricades. Many roads in western North Carolina have been rendered impassable by Helene, The News & Observer previously reported.
- At home, walk around your property to check for loose power lines, gas leaks and structural damage. If you smell gas or see structural damage, make sure local officials inspect the home to ensure it’s safe before you enter. Don’t block roadways, fire hydrants and utility boxes when cleaning up debris.
- Separate debris into limbs and brush, household trash and other materials, such as construction debris. Local officials will provide directions on how to properly dispose of it.
- Stay aware of announcements about the safety of public water supply. In Asheville, where preliminary assessments showed that the water system had been damaged, a boil water advisory is in place, The Asheville Citizen-Times reported Sept. 29.
What to know about filing an insurance claim after storm damage
Here are some tips from the N.C. Hurricane Guide:
- Your first step should be talking with your insurance company. Contact your agent as soon as you can, but be patient because companies are likely dealing with many requests.
- Take photos and make a detailed inventory of all damaged property before making any repairs.
- Only make repairs that are necessary to prevent additional damage.
- Don’t make any permanent repairs before speaking with your agent because you may not be reimbursed for unauthorized repairs.
- Keep receipts for items purchased to make temporary repairs.
- Ask your insurance company about which expenses will be reimbursed before renting a temporary shelter.
- Ask your insurance agent before calling a tree removal service, because some removal costs may be covered.
Homeowners may file a claim with the Federal Emergency Management Agency if their insurance does not adequately cover loss of or damages to a home, according to North Carolina Emergency Management. But the claim with FEMA can only be filed after a homeowner has filed a claim with their insurance company.
Flood damage is not covered by standard homeowners insurance. To protect your home from flood losses, you’ll need flood insurance.
Homeowners and renters in 25 counties in western North Carolina and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians who had uninsured damage or losses caused by Helene may be eligible for disaster assistance from FEMA.
This story was originally published September 30, 2024 at 2:39 PM with the headline "After Helene: Tips for assessing storm’s damage to your home & filing insurance claims."
