What To Do After a Disaster
If you’ve been affected by a disaster, such as a winter storm, hurricane, tornado, or wildfire, here are 3 steps you can take to help ensure your home and finances are protected.
- File an insurance claim with your provider for damages related to the disaster.
- Apply for mortgage assistance with us.
- Register for disaster assistance with federal, state, and local agencies. (This assistance may cover expenses that your insurance company doesn’t.)
Insurance Claim Process
Contact your homeowners insurance provider – Provide details of the damage and loss sustained due to the disaster.
Note: If flood damage occurred and your flood insurance is provided through FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), you can find information on starting a claim with them at FloodSmart.gov/start.Document damage before making repairs – Keep photos and videos for your records. Some insurers let you report the damage remotely via live video from your smartphone.
An adjuster is assigned, if your loss is covered – The adjuster will work with you to assess the property damage and provide an estimate of the repair costs.
Find a contractor – When finding a contractor, consider recommendations from others, obtain multiple offers, and finalize the agreement in writing.
Loss draft (claim) check issued – If the check is sent to you, visit www.insuranceclaimcheck.com or call our Loss Draft Department at 800-303-2219 for next steps. Check out our Insurance Claim Check Process article for more information.
Applying for Mortgage Assistance
Contact us – Tell us how you’ve been affected and provide us with updated contact information if you've been temporarily relocated.
Possible additional assistance – Depending on the loan, if your home or income were impacted by a disaster, this assistance may include a Disaster Forbearance Plan with benefits, such as:
- Payment relief for a set period of time
- Negative credit suppressions
- No late fees
Registering for Additional Disaster Assistance
- Federal disaster assistance – Visit www.disasterassistance.gov or call FEMA at 800-621-3362 (for TTY calls, dial 800-642-7585). You may be eligible for benefits and resources that are not covered by your insurance company.
- State or local agencies – Contact agencies, such as your:
- State’s and county’s emergency management offices
- Department of health and human services
- Governor’s office
You can also find resources at www.fema.gov/locations by entering your city and state or ZIP code. Select “Helpful Resources” once your state’s page appears. USA.gov also provides links to local resources.
- Helpful organizations – Non-profits and other organizations may be willing to assist you as well. Here are some well-known organizations and their information:
- Red Cross: Visit the Get Help section of their website or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.
- United Way: Visit the 211 section of their website or call 2-1-1.
- Salvation Army: Visit the Disaster Relief section of their website.
By making the most of every opportunity open to you, we hope you will walk away from a disaster financially sound and with your dream of homeownership secure. Whenever you need us, we will be here to help you.
