You weathered the storm but may have sustained damage to your home or car. Remember, Local Government Federal Credit Union is here to help.
Insurance claims
If you have sustained damage to your home or auto, contact your insurance agent as soon as possible to file a claim. When possible, and safe, make efforts to secure your property from additional damage. Then take pictures and make notes. Depending on the circumstances, an adjuster may come and view the damage.
Know that homeowners insurance policies typically exclude flood losses from coverage. However, you may have a separate flood insurance policy. Contact your agent to confirm your coverage type. If you don’t have coverage for flood loss, you can learn more about any disaster assistance that may be available to you from the National Flood Insurance Assistance program.
House damage
Homeowners insurance typically covers damage from wind, falling trees and flying debris that breaks windows. If your home is uninhabitable, most homeowners and renters policies pay for some additional living expenses while your property is being repaired. Check with your agent or insurance company to determine what expenses will be reimbursed. Be sure to save your receipts.
Most homeowners insurance policies don’t cover flood damage. Flood insurance policies, available through the National Flood Insurance Program or private flood insurance carriers, may cover flood damage.
If you have a mortgage on your property, most insurance companies will make the insurance claim check payable jointly to you and your mortgage company. Contact your mortgage company to ask about their procedures for signing off on an insurance claim check.
If you have an LGFCU mortgage, take the check to your local branch. The branch may be able to release a portion of the funds to help secure your home and begin repairs. Additional funds will be released as needed to complete the repairs.
Vehicle damage
If your car is damaged or totaled by the storm, your auto insurance company may cover damages if you had Comprehensive Coverage. If the vehicle can be repaired, the insurance company will work with you and the repair facility to have the vehicle fixed. If the vehicle cannot be repaired, the check for the value of your vehicle will be made payable to you and your lender, if there is a lien on the vehicle.
If you have a loan on your vehicle and you have Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) contact your lender to file a GAP claim. If you financed your vehicle with LGFCU, please contact your local branch for questions regarding this process.
Federal assistance
If you live in a county designated as a federal disaster area, you may be eligible to apply for federal disaster assistance. Check FEMA.gov or Disasterassistance.gov for more information.
For members who do not qualify for government assistance or need assistance beyond what FEMA can offer, your Credit Union may be able to fill the gap.
Credit Union financial assistance
Emergency need loans
If you need a small loan for immediate essentials, repairs or to get you through to your next paycheck, your Credit Union may be able to grant loans for a maximum term of 30 days up to $2,500. Contact your local branch so we can discuss your options.
Vehicle loans
If your car has been totaled because of the storm, we can help you make contact with your insurance company and adjuster. Representatives in the branches are ready to help you get back on the road and can guide you through the loan process for a replacement vehicle.
Unfortunately, times like these bring out the worst in some individuals. They may try to sell you a replacement vehicle that has suffered flood damage. Please be aware of this practice. When you’re ready to buy a new car, check that the vehicle you’re considering buying has suffered such damage. Prior to issuing a loan, branch staff will obtain the full vehicle history report as circumstances warrant.
Real estate loans
As a result of the storm, we recognize that your home may have been declared a total loss. You may not be allowed to rebuild. If you financed with LGFCU and can rebuild, or have minor damage, we’re ready to help. Contact your Credit Union at 888.732.8562 to discuss options.
Watch out for price gouging
Getting back to normal after a major disaster or home damage can take time. For more information about storm recovery information, visit readync.org.
If a state of emergency was declared where you live, North Carolina’s price gouging law is in effect. Price gouging, or charging too much during a crisis, is against the law. If you know of businesses or companies charging excessive prices, call the North Carolina Attorney General's Office at 877-5-NO-SCAM, or file a price gouging complaint online at https://ncdoj.gov/file-a-complaint/price-gouging/.
Cleaning up and rebuilding after a storm can be stressful. Many people might offer to help, but beware of common thieves looking to make money off you during a tough time. Make sure to contact your insurance company before any repair work is done and catalog the damage to your home in case you need an adjuster’s approval before repairs get started.
When looking for reputable repair, debris and tree removal companies, do some research before making a selection. Check out companies with the Better Business Bureau or contact the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division at 877-5-NO-SCAM. You can also ask your friends and neighbors for recommendations.
Ask for and compare multiple estimates before choosing a company. Don’t pay for work upfront! Inspect all repairs carefully to ensure you’re satisfied before you pay. Use a credit card in case you need to dispute payment later.
In all of your post-hurricane transactions, pay attention to even the smallest of details, and continue to be safe.