Residents of Galveston and throughout many parts of Texas are all too familiar with the ravages that extreme weather can bring to their land and property. Hurricane Beryl is just the latest example.
If you’ve been one of the lucky ones who hasn’t had to deal with insurance claims and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) relief, it can be confusing to figure out how these work together.
Dealing with insurance claims – not to mention loans and grants that you may qualify for after a disaster – can feel overwhelming. That’s especially true when your home may be inhabitable and you may have lost most or all of your belongings. Whether you’re dealing with insurance now or just want to be prepared if you have to in the future, it’s important to understand a few things.
Can insured Texans get FEMA assistance?
Contrary to popular belief, you may qualify for assistance from FEMA even if you have homeowners’ insurance. However, you need to file a claim with your insurer first. FEMA can’t duplicate your insurance settlement.
You can seek assistance from FEMA if:
- You still haven’t received a settlement after 30 days of filing your insurance claim.
- Your insurance settlement doesn’t cover all financial losses and needs (including living expenses).
- You can’t find “suitable rental resources” locally.
Further, you can apply for FEMA assistance even if you’ve applied for aid with other organizations. Typically, the sooner you reach out to FEMA, the better your chances are of getting the help you need to supplement your insurance settlement.
As noted, it can all be overwhelming. Dealing with insurance companies even when damage only affects your home is unpleasant enough. Getting the help you need when you’re one of hundreds or thousands of people is far more difficult. If you don’t believe your insurer has lived up to their responsibilities as detailed in your policy, it can help to get legal guidance.
