If you’ve been affected by a disaster, such as a winter storm, hurricane, tornado, or wildfire, here are 3 steps you can take to help ensure your home and finances are protected.

• File an insurance claim with your provider for damages related to the disaster.
• Apply for mortgage assistance with us.
• Register for disaster assistance with federal, state, and local agencies. (This assistance may cover expenses that your insurance company doesn’t.)

Insurance Claim Process

1. Contact your homeowners insurance provider – Provide details of the damage and loss sustained due to the disaster.

   Note: If flood damage occurred and your flood insurance is provided through FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), you can find information on starting a claim with them at FloodSmart.gov/start.

2. Document damage before making repairs – Keep photos and videos for your records. Some insurers let you report the damage remotely via live video from your smartphone.

3. An adjuster is assigned, if your loss is covered – The adjuster will work with you to assess the property damage and provide an estimate of the repair costs.

4. Find a contractor – When finding a contractor, consider recommendations from others, obtain multiple offers, and finalize the agreement in writing.

5. Loss draft (claim) check issued – If the check is sent to you, visit www.insuranceclaimcheck.com or call our Loss Draft Department at 866-825-9302 for next steps. Check out our Insurance Claim Check Process article for more information.

Applying for Mortgage Assistance

1. Disaster Relief – Depending on the loan, if your home or income were impacted by a disaster, this assistance may include a Disaster Forbearance Plan with benefits, such as:

1. Apply for a Disaster Forbearance Plan – You’ll be guided through the process step-by-step and will be asked the same simple questions that our agents would cover with you on a phone call.

   Note: If you have any trouble applying online, please contact us.

2. Contact Information – Don’t forget to update your contact information if you’ve been temporarily relocated so we can keep in touch with you during this difficult time.

Registering for Additional Disaster Assistance

1. Federal disaster assistance – Visit www.disasterassistance.gov or call FEMA at 800-621-3362 (for TTY calls, dial 800-642-7585). You may be eligible for benefits and resources that are not covered by your insurance company.

2. State or local agencies – Contact agencies, such as your:

3. Helpful organizations – Non-profits and other organizations may be willing to assist you as well. Here are some well-known organizations and their information:

By making the most of every opportunity open to you, we hope you will walk away from a disaster financially sound and with your dream of homeownership secure. Whenever you need us, we will be here to help you.