AAA Provides Insurance Advice for Carolinians Recovering from Hurricane Helene

AAA – The Auto Club Group is providing advice to help residents who suffered either wind or flood damage from Hurricane Helene. 

"Once conditions are safe to do so, begin assessing your property, take pictures of any damage, and contact your insurance provider immediately to begin the claims process," said Tiffany Wright, Public Affairs Director, AAA – The Auto Club Group in the Carolinas. "Many providers like AAA offer multiple ways to file a claim, whether that be over the phone, online or a mobile app."

Filing an Insurance Claim

To file a claim, residents should contact their insurance provider. Carolinians who have insurance from AAA can visit AAA.com/Claim for information on filing a claim for home, auto and flood policies.

Know your Coverage

Hurricanes can cause both wind and flood damage, yet not all events are covered by the same insurance policy.

• Damage caused by wind and debris is covered by a residents’ homeowners insurance policy. However, that policy does not cover flood damage to the interior of your home.
• Flooding is covered by flood insurance, which is a separate policy provided by National Flood Insurance Program or other private flood insurance providers. Without flood insurance, homeowners could apply for federal disaster assistance via a loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Unlike claims payments for flood insurance, SBA loans must be repaid.
• Wind and flood damaged vehicles are often covered by "comprehensive" auto insurance policies. However, because Floridians are not required to carry this coverage option, some may not be protected. 

What to do if you suffered wind/debris damage to your home

1. Document the damage. Take photographs and videos of any damage for your claim.
2. File your claim immediately. The sooner you file, the sooner you get assistance.
3. Prevent further damage. Only do what’s necessary to prevent further damage, until an adjuster can review the damage. This includes covering broken windows with plastic or getting a professional to cover the roof with tarps to keep rain out.
4. Document expenses and keep receipts for any preliminary repairs, displacement or other out-of-pocket expenses related to the claim, which can count toward your deductible. This could include tree removal, tarps, ice chests for food, overnight stay in a hotel, etc.
5. Contact your insurance company immediately to begin the claims process.

What to do When your Home is Flooded:

1. Contact your insurance provider immediately to begin the claims process.
2. Measure and record flood water levels. Take photos of the water line with a visible tape measure to show how high the water rose in your home.
3. Do not clean the flood debris line before the adjuster arrives.
4. Carefully remove water and dry out the area as long as it’s safe to do so. Do not enter rooms with standing water if electricity is on. Take precautions to limit exposure to flood water, which can contain harmful bacteria and other pests.
5. Don’t immediately dispose of trash debris. Pile up damaged furniture and other items for the adjuster to inspect and document.

Flooded Parked Vehicles

When a car has been partially or completely submerged, AAA recommends the following:

• Do not attempt to start a vehicle if the water level rose above the door opening. Doing so could cause irreversible damage to your vehicle’s engine and other components.
• Take photos from the exterior of the vehicle. Do not open the doors if the water levels are still high. 
• Once the waters have receded, take photos of the interior.
• Contact your insurance provider.
• Have your vehicle towed to a mechanic for a full inspection to ensure it’s safe to be driven.

Flood-Damaged Electric Vehicles

Batteries in hybrid and electric vehicles are highly corrosive and should not be exposed to standing water. EVs that have been submerged in water, especially salt water, have a higher potential to combust due to the battery short circuiting. If your EV has been exposed to flood conditions and you suspect your battery is damaged, do not drive it or connect it to a charging station. Instead, have the vehicle inspected by a certified technician. Seek emergency help immediately if you see or hear anything unusual coming from underneath the EV.

Causing Flood Damage While Driving

• Do not drive down flooded streets. You may not realize how deep the water is or what’s lurking underneath.
• If you drive through deep water and your engine cuts off, do not try to restart it. Doing so could flood the engine. Instead, quickly exit the vehicle and go to a safe location to call for help.
• Have the vehicle towed to a repair facility to be inspected.

Homeowners Beware of Contractor Fraud

AAA cautions residents about the potential of contractor fraud. The aftermath of a hurricane or other severe storm creates the opportunity for scammers and unlicensed contractors to take advantage of those who need help.

Dishonest contractors may try to profit by:

• Accepting payment then never completing (or even showing up for) the job.
• Using inferior materials or performing work that’s not up to code.

Red Flags to Watch For:

• Contractor shows up unsolicited.
• Points out damage you have not previously noticed.
• Asks for full payment up front and/or in cash only.
• Promises services at no charge to you or offers to waive your insurance deductible.
• Pressures you to encourage your family, friends, or neighbors to hire them for services.
• Offers you a discount for letting them use leftover materials from a previous job.

AAA’s Advice

• Before hiring someone to make repairs, contact your insurance company to file your claim and ensure the damage is covered by your policy.
• Don’t sign any paperwork or authorize a contractor to start work until after your insurance company reviews the damages.
• Get itemized written estimates from at least three different licensed, insured contractors before hiring someone for the job.

Check the Contractor’s Credentials

Do not allow a contractor to inspect your property, including your roof, until you have verified that they are licensed and insured.