DAMAGED VEHICLE ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE FOR SOUTH CAROLINIANS AFTER
HURRICANE HELENE
[https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20241024/damaged-vehicle-assistance-available-south-carolinians-after-hurricane]


Release Date: 
October 24, 2024 

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, some South Carolinians are
grappling with storm-damaged vehicles. If your insurance doesn’t
cover all of your storm-related vehicle damage, FEMA may be able to
provide financial assistance to help fill the gap.

The first step is to file a claim with your insurance company if you
have a comprehensive policy. This
type of policy usually covers storm-related damage to a vehicle. Apply
with FEMA even if you have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance
payments, but underinsured applicants may receive help after their
claims have been settled.

To be eligible for FEMA 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 working vehicle. The statement should include the number
of vehicles and an insurance settlement or statement for each vehicle.

HOW TO APPLY FOR FEMA ASSISTANCE

	* Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov
[http://www.disasterassistance.gov].
	* Use the FEMA App
[https://www.fema.gov/about/news-multimedia/mobile-products].
	* Call 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay
Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your
number for that service. 
	* Visit any Disaster Recovery Center. Click here
[https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4829#block-views-block-disaster-recovery-centers-block-3]
to find centers that are open in South Carolina.  To find locations
of all other centers, including those in other states, go
to fema.gov/drc [http://www.fema.gov/drc] or text “DRC” and a Zip
Code to 43362.

For a video with American Sign Language, voiceover and open captions
about how to apply for FEMA assistance, select this link
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZGpWI2RCNw]. FEMA programs are
accessible to survivors with disabilities and others with access and
functional needs.