FEMA Needs Insurance Information Before Determining Aid
Release Date: March 29, 2006
Release Number: 1631-014
» More Information on Missouri Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
COLUMBIA , Mo. -- Officials urge insured Missourians who experienced losses due to the March 11-13 severe storms, tornadoes and flooding to contact their insurance agents to file claims as soon as possible. According to the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the State of Missouri Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), FEMA must know the extent of homeowner's primary insurance or flood insurance coverage before making a determination about qualified federal and state disaster assistance.
FEMA programs may be able to assist with uninsured and under-insured disaster-related losses. However, the agency does not duplicate or replace insurance coverage or pay insurance deductibles.
Officials advise insured applicants to call FEMA if any of the following situations occur:
- Their insurance settlement is delayed.
- Their insurance settlement is insufficient to meet their disaster-related needs.
- They have exhausted the additional living expenses provided by their homeowner's insurance.
- They are unable to locate rental resources in their area.
Insured applicants have up to 12 months from the date they register with FEMA to submit their insurance information for review. However, it is important for applicants to register with FEMA during the 60-day application period on or before May 15, 2006.
Both insured and uninsured applicants who are not satisfied with FEMA's decision about their assistance may file an appeal, explaining in writing why they feel FEMA's decision is wrong. Appeals, which must be filed within 60 days following notification from FEMA, should be accompanied by any new or additional information that is available.
Affected Missouri residents and business owners may apply for assistance immediately by calling the toll-free number 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). For people who are speech or hearing-impaired, the TTY number is 1-800-462-7585. Telephone lines are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. CST, seven days a week. People may also apply online at www.fema.gov .
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 29-Mar-2006 17:07:07