Where do I start with insurance after Helene?

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — One of the most-used words in the past few months in Western North Carolina has been “insurance.”

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One Ask 13 viewer asks:

“Where do I start with Helene insurance? Is it different after natural disaster? Do I have the right kind?”

First, call your insurance agent or broker, not the direct company line, as they are better equipped to tell you the correct steps to take with that particular company.

You can also file with their claims department online or over the phone. You can find that information on the cover sheet of your policy.

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Your standard homeowner policy should cover many things that came through with Helene. This includes things such as tree and wind damage, alternate living expenses if you had to leave your home, and water being let into your house after a branch breaks structural integrity.

However, any other water damage would require flood insurance.

Something the community unfortunately has to be hyper-vigilant of is people taking advantage of vulnerable areas during these hard times. Pisgah Legal volunteer attorney Michael Majewski is warning people to beware of scams in these trying times.

“Sometimes, these helpers will come to people whose house has been injured, damaged, and say, ‘I can help adjust your claim but I’m gonna need you to provide me the power of attorney.’ That is a form that gives this stranger the power to sign his name on your accounts and your papers and even do things like cancel you mortgage or sell your house,” Majewski said.

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Some advice on how to avoid this: While there are many organizations in the local area helping people with Helene recovery, insurance companies will never go door-to-door asking how they can help you. That is a huge red flag for a scam.

Additionally, if you through the legitimate claims process and you and your insurance company disagree on the cost of loss, you have the right to file for mediation, contacting [email protected].

If you need further help with that process, visit a local attorney for help.

If you have a Helene-related question for us, e-mail us at [email protected].