If you have damage to a vehicle as a result of the severe storms and tornadoes that occurred May 24-27, you may qualify for assistance from FEMA. Here’s how to find out if you qualify for vehicle repair or replacement assistance:
First, file a claim with your insurance company if you have a comprehensive policy. Comprehensive policies usually pay for storm-related damage to a vehicle. Federal disaster assistance may help fill the gaps for those whose coverage does not pay for any or all storm-related damage costs.
To begin the process with FEMA, you need to verify the following:
- Your vehicle was damaged during the storms and tornadoes. Damage can be recorded by the FEMA housing inspector, or you may refer to your FEMA eligibility letter for help on where to send documents.
- Ownership of the vehicle with valid registration and title.
- A minimum of liability insurance that meets the State of Arkansas requirements for insurance at the time of the disaster-damage.
- You have no other usable vehicle, can confirm the vehicle was damaged within the disaster-designated area - Baxter, Benton, Boone, Fulton, Greene, Madison, Marion and Randolph counties - and provide a mechanic’s statement listing the cause of damage, the cost of repair and whether the vehicle is repairable or totaled.
- FEMA accepts copies, so please keep all original documents for your own records.
Other vehicle needs:
- If you have more than one storm-damaged vehicle, you will have to write a statement explaining why your household needs more than one working vehicle. Include the number of vehicles and an insurance settlement or statement for each vehicle.
Applying with FEMA
The application process with FEMA requires information such as insurance policies and bank information for possible direct transfer of funds. If you have phone and/or internet access, you may apply in one of the following ways:
- Online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
- By phone: 1-800-621-3362 from 6 a.m. - 11 p.m. CT. Help is available in most languages. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service.
- Download the FEMA App.
FEMA grants do not have to be repaid. FEMA assistance is nontaxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid, or other federal benefits.
You are encouraged to apply, even if you have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but underinsured applicants may receive help after their claims have been settled.
For the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4788. Follow FEMA Region 6 at X.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.