Info on Insurance & FEMA Claims
From Senator Bernie Sanders’ Office:
Most Homeowner’s Insurance Does Not Cover Floods
Homeowner’s insurance covers damage to your home, property, personal belongings, and other assets in your home. Unfortunately, most standard homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover floods. Some homeowner’s policies cover damage done by rain falling from the sky (i.e., damage caused by rain falling into a home after a roof blows off) but will not cover flood water coming into the home via the ground. In order to avoid a denial, Vermonters should notify an insurer promptly of any loss and understand the requirements/time limits for filing a claim, document all damage, pay premiums on time, and take all reasonable steps to protect the property and mitigate the damage after the disaster. Homeowners should check their specific policy and contact their insurance company for full details. If you have concerns with your insurance company’s determination, please contact the Vermont Department of Financial Regulation.
According to Vermont insurance officials, most insurance claims for this disaster will be filed under flood insurance and car insurance, not homeowner’s insurance. Like homeowner’s insurance, Vermonters with car insurance or flood insurance should contact their insurance company as soon as possible to discuss coverage details and report damage.
FEMA Support & Claims
President Biden approved Governor Scott’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration, which will make financial assistance available to eligible homeowners and individuals in Chittenden, Lamoille, Rutland, Washington, Windham, and Windsor Counties. FEMA is still assessing damage in other Vermont counties. The assistance that will be available will depend upon each person’s unique situation. The types of assistance that may be available to people in these counties includes:
The Individuals and Households Program, which can provide financial assistance for underinsured or uninsured losses, as well as assistance with home repairs and cover rental expenses if you have to leave your home.
The Other Needs Assistance Program, which can cover the cost of replacing your essential furnishings and personal belongings.
This federal assistance is not a substitute for private insurance and likely will not compensate for all losses.
Importantly, Vermonters have up to 60 days from today, July 14, to register with FEMA for Individual Assistance.
If you have homeowners or renters insurance, you should file a claim as soon as possible. By law, FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. If you are uninsured or underinsured, you may be eligible for federal assistance.
The fastest and easiest way to apply is to visit disasterassistance.gov or download the FEMA mobile app (also in Spanish), wherever you access your mobile applications.
If it is not possible to apply online, call 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585). The toll-free telephone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. EDT, seven days a week, with language translation services available.
When you apply for assistance, have the following information available:
A current phone number where you can be contacted
Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying
Your Social Security number, if available
A general list of damage and losses
If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name
As soon as it is safe to do so, start cleaning up. Take photos to document damage and begin cleanup and repairs to prevent further damage. Remember to keep receipts from all purchases related to the cleanup and repair.
Disaster assistance may include financial help for temporary lodging and home repairs along with other programs to assist families recovering from the effects of the event.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest disaster loans are available for homeowners, renters, businesses of any size and most nonprofits. Similar to FEMA, SBA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance.
Businesses of all sizes, homeowners, renters and private non-profits can apply online at disasterloanassistance.sba.gov For questions and assistance completing an application, call 800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. SBA will answer specific questions about how a disaster loan may help each survivor recover from the disaster damage.
Many Vermonters are going through a traumatic period. If you or someone you know is having a hard time with the emotional impact of this crisis, you can call or text the National Disaster Stress Hotline,1-800-985-5990, or9-8-8.
Bernie’s office also has case workers who may be able to help.
They have caseworkers on staff who help Vermonters navigate federal agencies every day. If you think Bernie’s office can help, please do not hesitate to call 1-800-339-9834 or click here.
