Navigating insurance and FEMA after Hurricane Helene

Relying said since flood insurance is backed by the federal government, claims often process quicker and smoother than home insurance claims.

“Typically, these adjusters get in quick. They can come from anywhere in the country because it’s the same policy whether we're in Florida or California,” Roeling said. “You have a much more educated pool of adjusters to pull from to come in and start adjusting claims.”

To help put your claim on the fast track, experts advise to:

Mitigate the damage the best you can.

Call your agent or carrier as soon as possible.

Save all of your receipts.

Take lots of pictures and video

The more details you can provide to your claims adjuster, the easier it will be for them to process your claim.

Even with flood insurance, there are limitations, including what you can get reimbursed for and how much. Experts also advise being on alert for scammers who may offer a quick fix for cash up front.

For homeowners with flood damage but without flood insurance, FEMA may be an option.

On Sunday, President Joe Biden approved federal disaster assistance for Florida counties hardest hit by Helene, including Pinellas County, where Shore Acres is located and where homeowners like Craig Williams are just getting started on rebuilding a life that took him years to create and one night for Helene to shatter.

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