Tips for flood-damaged homes, vehicles

Anyone with car or home damage from last week’s historic flood may be confused about where to start when it comes to cleaning up and filing claims.

Russ Dubisky, executive director S.C. Insurance News Service, has some tips for those who need a starting point. The service is a trade association that represents property and casualty companies in the state.

The first step is for people to report the damage to their insurance company, Dubisky said. Many agencies have open office hours if you’d like to file a claim in person, and most companies have online claim systems, he said.

“You’d want to report that damage first before you take any steps in drying off,” Dubisky said.

Since most of the floodwaters have receded along the Grand Strand, the chance of developing mold in your home or car grows. To reduce the risk of mold – especially given the current sunny weather – people should take pictures of their damaged property and submit them with their claims, Dubisky said.

Getting the claim process started as soon as possible is key, he added.

The good news for those with damaged vehicles: about 75 percent of the state has flood coverage under their policies, Dubisky said. Flood coverage is optional, but those with comprehensive policies should have the coverage already; if you lease or finance your car, chances are the lender already requires comprehensive coverage, he said.

Homeowners aren’t as lucky.

“For homeowners, it’s unfortunately a different story,” Dubisky said.

The agency estimates only 10 percent of homeowners have flood insurance. Common home insurance likely covers damage from fallen trees, however, and any water damage after the tree falls.

“Regardless, people should call their insurer and see if any coverage applies,” Dubisky added.

Those with property damage should register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to apply for federal disaster assistance, Dubisky said.

After registering, you should receive a copy of your registration in the mail along with a booklet on the agency’s programs, according to FEMA’s website.

The booklet “explains how FEMA’s disaster assistance program works; describes additional kinds of help you may qualify for from other federal, state and voluntary agencies; and gives you many important tips on how best to make all these programs work for you,” according to the website.

After registering, a qualified inspector will call you to establish the type and amount of damage your house or property suffered. The inspector will confirm personal detailed information you provided during registration and will not charge for a inspection, FEMA said.

Horry County damage assessors canvassed the damage late last week for a “rapid-fire assessment” of personal and business damage, which gives FEMA’s agents a starting point, said Robin Fowler, chief inspector with Horry County. Residents should still register with FEMA even if Horry County assessors logged the damage, Fowler said.

After FEMA’s inspection, you will receive a letter of the inspector’s decision. If you qualify for assistance, you will then get a check in the mail or an electronic funds transfer. You may also be able to apply for a low-interest disaster loan if you don’t qualify for assistance. You do not have to accept the loan, but you should fill out the form and return it to see if you qualify for other financial assistance, according to the agency.

This story was originally published October 12, 2015 at 4:33 PM with the headline "Tips for flood-damaged homes, vehicles."