How to file an insurance claim or to apply for FEMA aid

Sept. 20--Insurance companies and officials with the Federal Emergency Management Agency fanned out across North Carolina this week to assist those affected by Hurricane Florence.

On Wednesday, the Allstate insurance company set up a mobile claims unit in the parking lot of Home Depot off Eastwood Road in Wilmington.

Jennifer Datte, a senior claims adjuster with Allstate's National Catastrophe Team, came in from Chicago to work on her fourth hurricane, after Irma and Harvey in 2017 and Matthew in 2016. It's been on the slow side so far, Datte said, but she's expecting it to get busier as more people return home.

"We are out here today to assist customers with either filing a claim or following up on a current claim, answering questions, just anything they may need," Datte said. "We'll be here as long as we need to be."

Datte said she expects to see claims for wind and water damage and that "it's never a bad idea" to file a claim, "especially with disasters like this one."

The four main ways to file an insurance claim, she said, are online, via phone, stopping by the mobile unit or in person with your agent -- who's probably pretty busy right now, and might not be able to respond immediately.

"That's one of the reasons we're here," Datte said.

Many people don't have insurance, or have needs beyond what their insurance covers, and that's where FEMA comes in.

FEMA spokesman John Mills said he's been in North Carolina since Sept. 11 helping get the government agency's response to Hurricane Florence in place. He estimated that 86 percent of households in New Hanover County don't have flood insurance, "and this is a flooding event."

Mills stressed that "FEMA is not in charge" but is part of a team working with local and state agencies, both governmental and non-governmental, to get people the assistance they need.

Mills said that Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams are reaching out to those affected, including those in shelters, nursing homes and assisted living facilities. People can also register for assistance at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362 or 800-462-7585 between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.

Be prepared to offer information including Social Security number, annual income and bank information, as well as the names of occupants of any affected properties. FEMA field personnel should have photo IDs and FEMA logos on their shirts. FEMA encourages people to ask for official ID before giving out personal information.

Mills said FEMA may provide assistance for loss or destruction of property, and money for rent if their primary residence is uninhabitable. Low-interest loans are also available for some businesses, homeowners and renters.

Mills said those registering for disaster assistance who can't live in their homes should report that their home is not safe to occupy. FEMA can provide grants for basic repairs and temporary housing for families and individuals.

He said that "FEMA is not designed to make people whole," but to get help to those who need it most.

Contact John Staton at 910-343-2343 or [email protected].

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