Residents of Greene County, Arkansas, and several other counties in Region 8 may be eligible for financial assistance if their vehicles were damaged during the severe storms and tornadoes that occurred from May 24-27. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has designated Greene, Randolph, and Fulton counties as areas where residents may qualify for assistance.
If you believe you qualify for vehicle repair or replacement assistance, the first step is to file a claim with your insurance company if you have a comprehensive policy. Comprehensive policies typically cover storm-related damage to vehicles. However, if your coverage does not pay for all or any of the storm-related damage costs, federal disaster assistance may be able to help fill the gaps.
To begin the process with FEMA, you must verify several key points. Firstly, you need to confirm that your vehicle was damaged during the storms and tornadoes. This can be done by having a FEMA housing inspector assess the damage or by referring to your FEMA eligibility letter for guidance on where to send documents. Additionally, you must provide proof of ownership of the vehicle with valid registration and title, as well as evidence of having a minimum liability insurance that meets the State of Arkansas requirements at the time of the disaster damage.
Furthermore, you must demonstrate that you have no other usable vehicle, confirm that the damaged vehicle was within the disaster-designated area, and provide a mechanic’s statement detailing the cause of damage, the cost of repair, and whether the vehicle is repairable or totaled. FEMA accepts copies of documents, so it is essential to keep all original records for your own reference.
If you have more than one storm-damaged vehicle, you will need to explain why your household requires multiple working vehicles and provide insurance settlements or statements for each vehicle. The application process with FEMA requires information such as insurance policies and bank details for potential direct fund transfers. You can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, by phone at 1-800-621-3362, or by downloading the FEMA App.
It is important to note that FEMA grants do not need to be repaid, and the assistance provided is nontaxable and will not impact eligibility for other federal benefits. Even if you have insurance, it is recommended to apply for FEMA assistance as they may be able to help if you are underinsured after your insurance claims have been settled.
For the latest updates and information, you can visit FEMA’s website or follow FEMA Region 6 on social media platforms. Remember, if you spot any typos or errors in the article, you can report them to the appropriate channels.
