FEMA May Help with Storm-Damaged Cars

Mississippians whose primary vehicle was damaged or destroyed in the March 24-25 tornadoes may be eligible to receive help from FEMA.

Who is eligible?

Not all damage is covered, so survivors must check with FEMA to see if their vehicle is eligible. General eligibility requirements include:

• The car complies with state registration and insurance requirements.
• All minimum insurance requirements required by the state of Mississippi have been met.
• Proof the vehicle was damaged because of the disaster such as a mechanic’s statement certifying the damage
• Either the cost to repair or a statement the car was damaged beyond repair.
  • If car was destroyed and taken to a salvage yard, you will need to provide a salvage title.
• The vehicle was working and in use at the time of the disaster.

What assistance will eligible survivors get?

The assistance is not like insurance and is capped at a pre-set amount. It may be enough to use as a down payment towards another car or repairs if the vehicle is repairable. Each case is different. Check with FEMA.