If your flood insurance lapsed and then you were impacted by Helene, you may be able to renew it
FILE-A motorist passes flood damage at a bridge across Mill Creek in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 30, 2024 in Old Fort, North Carolina. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
Residents in areas impacted by Hurricane Helene may get some much-needed relief related to their flood insurance.
If you have coverage through the Federal Flood Insurance Program, the Federal Emergency Management Agency tells the Associated Press that certain policyholders in seven states affected by Hurricane Helene whose flood insurance lapsed now have more time to renew their coverage.
RELATED: Hurricane Milton: Death toll rises as Florida recovers from damage
According to the AP, individuals with policies through the FEMA-run Flood Insurance Program receive a 30-day grace period after their policies expire when they renew and still be covered for anything that occurs in the grace period. Policyholders now have until Nov. 26 to renew their coverage.
RELATED: Concert for Carolina to raise money for Hurricane Helene victims
But FEMA suggests that policyholders call their insurance company to find out if the renewal option applies to them.
The AP explains that most private insurance companies do not carry flood insurance, and flood damage is usually not covered by homeowner's insurance policies. The National Flood Insurance Program is the primary provider of flood insurance coverage for residential homes.
RELATED: FOX partners with Red Cross for Hurricane Helene and Milton relief: How to help
Citing estimates from experts, the AP reported that roughly 1% of homeowners in the inland areas that suffered the most flood damage had flood insurance.
Hurricane Helene slammed Florida’s Gulf Coast on Sept. 26 before moving north, dumping massive amounts of water across multiple states.