Portions of the Southeast remain crippled Monday following Hurricane Helene while rescue missions continue and the death toll rises in some areas. 

More than 3,500 personnel from across the federal workforce have been deployed to support Hurricane Helene response efforts, according to a Federal Emergency Management Agency press release. Federal assistance is now available to 17 counties in Florida, 25 counties in North Carolina, and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians as well as 13 counties in South Carolina. 

“The human cost is beyond measure,” a Consumer Affairs article says. “No one can quantify the value of the lives lost and families destroyed. The ripple effects are being felt across the nation as anxious relatives and friends inquire fruitlessly about the fate of their loved ones.”

An economic effect will soon begin to ripple as well, the article says. 

Moody’s Analytics estimates property damage from the Hurricane to be between $15 billion and $26 billion, according to Fox Business. It estimates economic disruptions from closed schools and businesses to be about $8 billion. 

“Hundreds of thousands of cars were destroyed by the surging waters, threatening to sink auto insurance companies or at least force them to raise rates in the affected states,” Consumer Affairs reports. “Consumers buying used cars are likely to inadvertently buy vehicles that were flooded by Helene and illegally restored to their previous appearance.” 

AM Best estimates insured losses from Hurricane Helene to be $5 million or more given its large destructive path. 

Primary insurers underwriting property coverage will likely “bear the brunt” of the insured losses, an AM Best press release says. It says reinsurers are likely to impose higher attachment points on the coverage. 

While insurance companies are likely to take a financial hit, so are property owners. 

AAA says in a Florida press release that vehicle flooding is often covered in “comprehensive insurance policies.” 

“However, because Floridians are not required to carry this coverage option, some may not be protected,” the release says. 

A press release from AAA in Tennessee ahead of the storm notes that physical damage to a car caused by heavy wind, flooding, or fallen tree limbs is covered under the “optional” comprehensive portion of an auto policy. 

AAA notes that policyholders should not attempt to start a vehicle if the water level has risen above the door opening and the interior of the car is wet. It adds photos should be taken of the exterior of the vehicle. Interior photos should be taken once the water has receded. Policyholders should then contact their insurance provider and have their vehicle towed to a mechanic. 

According to FEMA those living in the designated counties can apply for assistance to cover damage to their homes or personal property by: 

• • Visiting  disasterassistance.gov.
  • Calling 1-800-621-3362
  • Downloading and applying on the FEMA App

Images

Several trees block a rural road in Western North Carolina following heavy winds and rain from Hurricane Helene/Lurah Lowery