Navigating Through Catastrophes: A Look at Four Families' Resilience in the Face of Natural Disasters

================================================================================

In the wake of two devastating natural disasters - Hurricane Helene and subsequent wildfires - families across the United States found themselves grappling with the complexities of insurance claims.

Hurricane Helene, which made landfall on September 26, 2024, was the deadliest hurricane to hit the U.S. mainland since Hurricane Katrina, causing $78.7 billion in damage, primarily in Florida, Georgia, and the mountains of North Carolina. The Gabbards in St. Petersburg were among the many families affected, as a tree falling during Hurricane Milton crushed about one-third of their home.

Meanwhile, in North Carolina, the Clarks' cabin was damaged by a landslide and mudslide during Hurricane Helene, with the whole house shifting and the chimney falling into a creek. However, their claim was denied because they did not have flood, landslide or mudslide insurance.

These incidents highlight common challenges families face when navigating insurance claims after natural disasters. One such challenge is the lengthy and complex claims process. Claims frequently take a long time to process, requiring families to tap emergency funds to start rebuilding while waiting for insurance payouts.

Another challenge is delayed insurance adjuster access. Physical barriers caused by the disaster, like washed-out bridges, can delay insurance adjusters from assessing damage, further slowing claims.

Families often discover that standard homeowners insurance excludes flood, landslide, or mudslide damage, leading to denied claims if they did not purchase additional coverage. This was the case for the Clarks, who lost their home to a landslide and mudslide during Hurricane Helene.

Limited assistance for secondary or non-primary homes is another challenge. Federal and state aid programs usually prioritize primary residences, leaving limited support for damage to second homes or vacation properties.

Documenting losses can also be a challenge. Insurers require detailed inventories and evidence of damages, which can be challenging to compile amid disaster recovery. The Fords, for instance, had to document the name of each damaged item and the room it was in, provide receipts or estimates of current replacement costs, and photographs of the items.

Uncertainty about policy coverages is another issue. Families may not fully understand what their insurance covers, such as evacuation costs, which often require specific endorsements to be reimbursed.

High out-of-pocket expenses during evacuations and administrative burdens are additional challenges. Standard policies may not cover lodging or travel costs incurred during mandatory evacuations unless specific coverage is purchased. Filing claims involves significant paperwork, detailed documentation, and continuous follow-up with insurers, making the process cumbersome.

These challenges can cause financial strains and emotional stress. Rob Seltzer, a certified public accountant in Los Angeles, experienced this firsthand when he lost his home in the wildfires that occurred in January 2025. Seltzer received an initial check for his personal property coverage within a few weeks after the wildfire, but getting the money from his mortgage lender took an additional two months.

The costliest stretch of extreme weather in the U.S. in the last 90 years occurred between mid-2023 and mid-January 2025. This period included Hurricane Helene and the subsequent wildfires, demonstrating the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters in the U.S.

Families can prepare for these challenges by maintaining detailed records, understanding their insurance policies thoroughly, and seeking additional coverage where needed. It is crucial to be aware of what is and isn't covered by standard homeowners insurance and to consider purchasing additional coverage for flood, landslide, or mudslide damage, among other things.

Sources: 1. Insurance Information Institute 2. Federal Emergency Management Agency 3. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 4. InsureMyHouse 5. AccuWeather

Navigating Through Catastrophes: A Look at Four Families' Resilience in the Face of Natural Disasters