Navigating the Claims & Recovery Process After Hurricane Helene

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - As people impacted by Hurricane Helene across the Southeast continue to assess damage and begin the recovery process, the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) encourages homeowners to contact their home, auto, and/or flood insurer as soon as possible to file their claim and to work closely with their insurer throughout the claims process. Insurers can be contacted through their toll-free claims number, website, or by app or text, if available.

"Insurers' overwhelming priority is to help their customers rebuild and restore their property after Hurricane Helene by paying covered claims as quickly as possible," said Logan McFaddin, vice president of state government relations at APCIA. "Many people suffered significant damage to their property and are navigating their next steps, which is why insurers are deploying all available resources to help their policyholders get on the road to recovery."

Damage associated with wind and other severe weather is typically covered under a standard homeowners, renters, or business policy. Flood damage is not typically covered under a homeowners or business policy. If a homeowner has purchased flood insurance, flood insurance policies are typically with the National Flood Insurance Program or possibly with a flood insurer in the private market. Water damage to a vehicle is typically covered under an auto policy if the policyholder has purchased comprehensive physical damage coverage.

"In the midst of a catastrophe the claims process may feel daunting, but your insurer will assign an adjuster to your claim, and they will help walk you through the process step by step," added McFaddin.

To help impacted residents begin the recovery process, APCIA is answering common questions related to insurance after a disaster:

I have reported my claim; now what should I do?

• Take steps to prevent further damage. However, do not attempt permanent repairs or dispose of any damaged property before an adjuster can see it to assess the extent of your damages. If debris is dangerous, homeowners should carefully document their losses and then dispose of the debris.
• Photograph or video any perishable items and retain all receipts for emergency repairs and additional living costs to substantiate claims.

How long does it take to settle a claim?

• Generally, the priority of settling claims goes to the most severe losses. Larger claims typically are settled in stages, not all at once. Each claim is unique, and insurers are working as quickly as possible to take care of their customers' needs.
• In some cases, it may take additional time to determine if the damage was caused by wind or flooding, which typically is covered by different insurance policies.

What can I do to speed up the claims process?

• Steps such as taking photos or videos of the damaged property are helpful. If possible, create records listing all damaged property and include any receipts for these items.

What if I cannot live in my home due to damage or because it is being repaired?

• Ask your insurer if your policy covers additional living expenses, which can help pay for things like temporary housing, restaurant meals and laundry. Keep all receipts for such expenses so you can discuss them with the adjuster. If the cause of loss is due to flooding and you have flood insurance, the terms of your flood policy will outline your coverage. However, flood policies generally do not cover additional living expenses. In these situations, homeowners may be eligible for natural disaster assistance from the federal government.

What if I have questions about how much my policy will pay out?

• Check your policy and discuss the payment amount with your adjuster. Your policy may have a replacement cost provision, which means the insurer will provide benefits that will financially cover the cost to replace your damaged covered property up to your policy's dollar limit. Otherwise, actual cash value coverage will subtract from replacement cost some amount for depreciation or age. Even if you have replacement cost coverage, your insurer may issue an initial payment for the actual cash value of your damaged property, and the remaining amount when the repair or replacement is completed.

If your vehicle is flooded:

• Report the loss to your auto insurer and protect the car from further damage by covering any broken windows. Water damage to a vehicle is typically covered under an auto policy if the policyholder has chosen to purchase comprehensive physical damage coverage.
• Be cautious about starting a vehicle that has been exposed to flood waters, and if your vehicle is missing, report it to the police.
• If the water is above the floorboards, or the seats are wet, do not try to start the car. The electrical system is the most sensitive to water damage and trying to start the car could cause more damage.
• Open the hood and check the air filter. If it is wet, do not try to start the car.
• If your vehicle is an EV, do not attempt to drive or charge it. Tow or move the vehicle away from other structures

Editor's note: Experts from the insurance industry are available to answer questions about the claims and recovery process Hurricane Helene. Reporters can contact Sarah Revell at [email protected]to ask insurance-related questions or set up interviews.

Additional APCIA resources:

Hurricane Preparedness & Recovery

What to Do After a Hurricane

Flood Insurance: What You Need to Know

How to Avoid Contractor Fraud & Abuse

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.