COLUMBIA, S.C. - Hurricane Helene’s aftermath has some South Carolinians grappling with storm-damaged vehicles. If your insurance doesn’t cover all storm-related vehicle damage, FEMA may be able to provide financial assistance to help fill the gap.
In order to file, a claim must be filed with your insurance company if you have a comprehensive policy. This policy usually covers storm-related damage to a vehicle. You can apply with FEMA even if you have insurance. Underinsured applicants may receive help after their claims have been settled.
To be eligible for FEMA’s assistance, applicants must meet the following conditions:
The vehicle was damaged during Hurricane Helene within the disaster-designated area, which includes Abbeville, Aiken, Allendale, Anderson, Bamberg, Barnwell, Beaufort, Cherokee, Chester, Edgefield, Fairfield, Greenville, Greenwood, Hampton, Jasper, Kershaw, Laurens, Lexington, McCormick, Newberry, Oconee, Orangeburg, Pickens, Richland, Saluda, Spartanburg, Union and York counties and the Catawba Indian Nation.
The applicant can provide proof of ownership of the vehicle with valid registration and title.
The vehicle was in compliance with South Carolina’s registration and insurance requirements at the time of the disaster.
The applicant has no other usable vehicle.
Applicants with more than one storm-damaged vehicle, must write a statement explaining why the household needs more than one vehicle working. This statement should include the number of vehicles and an insurance settlement or statement for each.
To submit an application, visit disasterassistance.gov.