Greenville, August 3, 2025
News Summary
The South Carolina Department of Insurance organized a Consumer Assistance Site event to support homeowners impacted by Hurricane Helene. Held at the Salvation Army Center, the event addressed insurance resources and hurricane preparedness, emphasizing community outreach to aid residents struggling with claims. Over 170,000 claims from the hurricane have been filed, with significant damages reported. As the hurricane season draws near, the DOI warned against fraud and encouraged proactive measures for homeowners to mitigate risks related to storms.
Greenville, South Carolina – The South Carolina Department of Insurance (DOI) hosted a Consumer Assistance Site event recently aimed at helping homeowners affected by Hurricane Helene. The event took place at the Salvation Army Center on Westfield Street, where experts provided essential resources and advice on insurance and hurricane preparedness as another hurricane season approaches.
Michael Wise, Director of the South Carolina Department of Insurance, highlighted the importance of community outreach in ensuring residents understand their rights and options when dealing with insurance claims. The recent event was particularly relevant as over 170,000 insurance claims have been filed in connection to Hurricane Helene, with total damages estimated at around $1.7 billion. Many homeowners are still waiting for their claims to be resolved, nearly ten months after the storm, and are expressing frustrations with insurance companies’ lack of support.
The DOI has issued warnings regarding fraudulent contractors who may target vulnerable homeowners during hurricane season. Homeowners are advised to avoid paying for work in advance and to be cautious when signing contracts that are difficult to understand. Preventative measures such as removing debris from properties and securing loose items were emphasized to help homeowners mitigate potential damage during storms.
In addition to structural preparations, the DOI encourages homeowners to keep an emergency kit with supplies for at least a couple of days and to make necessary repairs to their homes to prevent further damage. It is critical for homeowners to review their insurance policies before the hurricane season begins, as standard homeowner’s policies often do not cover flood or earthquake damage. Residents seeking more information can visit the DOI’s website for resources on comparing insurance policies and filing claims.
Forecasts from NOAA predict an active hurricane season ahead, with estimates of 13 to 19 named storms, including 6 to 10 hurricanes. The average hurricane season typically consists of about 14 named storms, with 7 hurricanes and 3 of those being major hurricanes. The National Hurricane Center has also begun to release daily tropical outlooks, which can have an impact on homeowners if systems develop close to land.
Homeowners in South Carolina are encouraged to create emergency plans in collaboration with family members, identifying risks, designating safe meeting points, and assembling disaster kits as part of their hurricane preparedness strategy. It is crucial for those living in flood-prone areas to consider obtaining flood insurance, as coverage is not usually included in standard homeowner’s plans.
In related news, homeowners in North Carolina will incur an increase of 7.5% in homeowner’s insurance rates starting October 1, with a further expected increase of 7.5% come next June, impacting consumers significantly. However, the North Carolina Department of Insurance has reported that homeowners will save approximately $777 million in insurance premiums over the next two years compared to earlier requests. Striking a balance between consumer needs and ensuring a healthy market remains a priority for the department.
As hurricane season approaches, residents are urged to undertake preparedness actions such as boarding windows and removing outdoor items to ensure safety and security as storms develop.
FAQ
What resources are available for homeowners affected by Hurricane Helene?
The South Carolina Department of Insurance provides various resources, including advice on insurance and hurricane preparedness, available on their website.
How can homeowners protect themselves from fraudulent contractors after a hurricane?
Homeowners should avoid paying for work upfront and refrain from signing contracts they do not understand. It is recommended to verify contractor credentials before hiring them.
What should homeowners do to prepare for hurricane season?
Homeowners should review their insurance policies, keep an emergency kit, make necessary repairs, and create emergency plans with loved ones.
What does flood insurance cover?
Flood insurance covers damage caused by floods, which is typically not included in standard homeowner’s insurance policies.
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Additional Resources
- WYFF4: Homeowners still waiting on insurance claims months after Helene
- Wikipedia: Hurricane preparedness
- Greenville Online: Atlantic hurricane season – how to prepare
- Google Search: hurricane insurance claims
- Fox Carolina: Insurance company reverses cancellation decision for homeowner’s policy
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
