Hurricane Helene

If you have flood insurance from FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program and experienced flooding during Hurricane Helene, visit How Do I Start My Claim to learn more about how to file your flood insurance claim. Further details on FEMA operations can be found on the following links: https://www.fema.gov/hurricane-helene Spanish: https://www.fema.gov/es/helene 

No Direct Physical Loss Decision Upheld Prior Flood

BUILDING COVERAGE: $250,000

PERS. PROPERTY COVERAGE: $100,000

DATE OF LOSS: September 2022

DATE OF DENIAL: January 2023

APPEAL SUBMISSION DATE: March 2023

APPEAL ELIGIBILITY DATE: August 2023

INSURER’S DENIAL: The insurer denied coverage for the wood wall in the living room, exterior French doors in the living room, and the water heater in the garage stating these items were not repaired or replaced after a prior 2014 flood loss.

Complying with Law or Ordinance Decision Upheld

BUILDING COVERAGE: $250,000

PERS. PROPERTY COVERAGE: $20,000

DATE OF LOSS: June 2023

DATE OF DENIAL: July 2023

APPEAL SUBMISSION DATE: July 2023

APPEAL ELIGIBILITY DATE: July 2023

INSURER’S DENIAL: The insurer denied coverage for asbestos testing.

POLICYHOLDER’S APPEAL: The policyholders appeal the denial of coverage for asbestos testing. [1] 

Result: Concur with denial

BASIS FOR DECISION UNDER THE STANDARD FLOOD INSURANCE POLICY (SFIP):[2]

NO Direct Physical Loss Decision Upheld Ceramic Tile

Summary

The policyholder's representative (hereinafter “policyholder”) appeals the flood insurance carrier’s (hereinafter “insurer”) denial of a claim under the Standard Flood Insurance Policy (SFIP) [1] for damages to their property arising in September 2022.

The policyholder files this appeal under 44 C.F.R. § 62.20. The appeals process is available after the insurer issues a written denial, in whole or in part, of the policyholder’s claim. [2]  

No General & Temporary Condition of Flood Decision Upheld

BUILDING COVERAGE: $250,000

PERS. PROPERTY COVERAGE: $100,000

DATE OF LOSS: January 2023

DATE OF DENIAL: May 2023

APPEAL SUBMISSION DATE: June 2023

APPEAL ELIGIBILITY DATE: June 2023

INSURER’S DENIAL: The insurer denied coverage due to no general and temporary condition of flood.

POLICYHOLDER’S APPEAL: The policyholders request coverage for the exterior stucco wall and garage. [1] 

Result: Concur with denial

BASIS FOR DECISION UNDER THE STANDARD FLOOD INSURANCE POLICY (SFIP):[2]

Elevated Post FIRM Decision Upheld

BUILDING COVERAGE: $250,000

PERS. PROPERTY COVERAGE: $100,000

DATE OF LOSS: September 2022

DATE OF DENIAL: May 2023

APPEAL SUBMISSION DATE: May 2023

APPEAL ELIGIBILITY DATE: May 2023

PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: A three-story, elevated post-FIRM (Flood Insurance Rate Map), single-family building, with an enclosure on solid foundation walls located in special flood hazard area, flood zone AE.[2]

POLICYHOLDER’S APPEAL: The policyholder seeks coverage for elevator components. [1] 

Proof of Loss Decision Upheld Personal Property

Summary

The policyholder through their representative (hereinafter “policyholder”) appeals the flood insurance carrier’s (hereinafter “insurer”) denial of a claim under the Standard Flood Insurance Policy (SFIP) [1] for damages to their property arising in September 2022.

The policyholder files this appeal under 44 C.F.R. § 62.20. The appeals process is available after the insurer issues a written denial, in whole or in part, of the policyholder’s claim. [2]  

Proof of Loss Decision Upheld Additional Payment

Summary

The policyholder through their representative (hereinafter “policyholder”) appeals the flood insurance carrier’s (hereinafter “insurer”) denial of a claim under the Standard Flood Insurance Policy (SFIP) [1] for damages to their property arising in September 2022.

The policyholder files this appeal under 44 C.F.R. § 62.20. The appeals process is available after the insurer issues a written denial, in whole or in part, of the policyholder’s claim. [2]  

No Direct Physical Loss Decision Upheld Stucco

BUILDING COVERAGE: $240,000

PERS. PROPERTY COVERAGE: $0

DATE OF LOSS: September 2022

DATE OF DENIAL: November 2022

APPEAL SUBMISSION DATE: November 2022

APPEAL ELIGIBILITY DATE: November 2022

PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: One-story, single-family building, built on a slab-on-grade foundation.

POLICYHOLDER’S APPEAL: The policyholders request coverage to repair the exterior cracks in the stucco, missing stucco at the corners of their building, and the patio foundation. [1] 

No Direct Physical Loss Overturn Sheathing

BUILDING COVERAGE: $250,000

PERS. PROPERTY COVERAGE: $100,000

DATE OF LOSS: September 2022

DATE OF DENIAL: July 2023

APPEAL SUBMISSION DATE: September 2023

APPEAL ELIGIBILITY DATE: September 2023

INSURER’S DENIAL: The insurer denied coverage for exterior sheathing and vinyl siding, citing no direct physical loss by or from flood.

POLICYHOLDER’S APPEAL: The policyholders seek coverage for the replacement of exterior sheathing and vinyl siding. [1] 

No Direct Physical Loss Decision Upheld Garage Doors

Summary

The policyholder appealed the flood insurance carrier’s (hereinafter “insurer”) denial of a part of their claim under the Standard Flood Insurance Policy (SFIP) [1] for damages to their property arising in November 2022.

The policyholder files this appeal under 44 C.F.R. § 62.20. The appeals process is available after the insurer issues a written denial, in whole or in part, of the policyholder’s claim. [2]  

After reviewing the issues, evidence, and relevant authorities, FEMA affirms the insurer’s decision.