Greenville, South Carolina, October 13, 2025
News Summary
Homeowners in Greenville, South Carolina, are facing significant challenges with insurance claims following Hurricane Helene. Marisa and Stu Wells have reported ongoing difficulties with their insurer, Travelers, after their home suffered extensive damage. They received an inadequate repair estimate compared to the actual costs. With over 170,000 claims in South Carolina amounting to $1.7 billion in damages, many residents face similar struggles, prompting the South Carolina Department of Insurance to advise homeowners to review their policies thoroughly.
Greenville, South Carolina homeowners are facing significant challenges with insurance claims following Hurricane Helene, which struck the area in September 2024. One couple, Marisa and Stu Wells, have reported prolonged difficulties with their insurer, Travelers, after their home suffered considerable damage when a tree fell on their roof. The couple, who purchased their home in 2022, received an initial repair cost estimate of $139,000 from a contractor, but Travelers only offered $10,000 to cover the damages. After construction commenced, the insurer added another $5,000, which the Wells deemed insufficient to hire a contractor for adequate repairs.
Throughout the past year, the Wells have pursued legal assistance and sought additional contractors to secure the insurance coverage they are entitled to. The delay in processing their claim has caused further deterioration, leading to new cracks in their home attributed to a dislodged wall. Marisa Wells insists that the resolution could have been achieved months earlier, thereby preventing further damage to their property. Currently, they are waiting on a judgment regarding the final payout amount after involving an umpire in the process.
In total, over 170,000 insurance claims have been registered in South Carolina related to Hurricane Helene, with damages amounting to approximately $1.7 billion. Another resident of Greenville, James Beaupre, reported similar struggles, highlighting a lack of support from insurance companies while navigating the aftermath of the hurricane.
The South Carolina Department of Insurance is encouraging homeowners to thoroughly review their insurance policies, particularly concerning coverage details and exclusions, to ensure they are better prepared for future storm-related incidents. This advice is particularly pertinent as many homeowners are currently navigating the repercussions of Hurricane Helene.
Another case involves Laura Morris, who experienced a cancellation of her homeowner’s policy with Safeco after inquiring about potential electric damage following the hurricane. Morris, who had not faced significant structural issues, received a cancellation notice that cited problems related to debris and mildew based on outdated images. Investigations later revealed that the inspection tied to the cancellation happened after the notice was issued. Fortunately for Morris, Safeco reversed their decision but initially failed to inform her of the update.
The South Carolina insurance industry is grappling with a crisis attributed to the increasing frequency and severity of weather events, leading to rising premiums and a reduction in coverage options available for homeowners. The emotional stress faced by homeowners dealing with damage repairs and disputes with insurance companies adds further complexity to their situation, compounding their financial burdens following the natural disaster. Experts suggest that obtaining adequate coverage, including flood insurance, is essential, as standard homeowner’s policies typically exclude flood-related damages.
Key Facts about Hurricane Helene Insurance Challenges
- Hurricane Helene hit South Carolina in September 2024.
- More than 170,000 claims have been filed for damages totaling around $1.7 billion.
- Homeowners are advised to review their insurance coverage comprehensively.
- The insurance industry in South Carolina faces a crisis due to severe weather events.
- Emotional and financial stresses are significant concerns for affected homeowners.
FAQ Section
What type of damage did the Wells’ home suffer in Hurricane Helene?
Their home sustained significant damage when a nearby tree struck their roof.
How much did the insurance company offer to cover the damage?
The insurance company, Travelers, initially offered $10,000, later adding an additional $5,000 once construction began.
What has been the total amount of insurance claims filed in South Carolina for Hurricane Helene?
More than 170,000 insurance claims have been filed in South Carolina, totaling approximately $1.7 billion in damages.
What advice has the South Carolina Department of Insurance provided to homeowners?
Homeowners are advised to review their policies, concentrating on what is covered or excluded, to be better prepared for future storms.
What issues did Laura Morris face regarding her insurance policy?
Laura Morris faced the cancellation of her homeowner’s policy after inquiring about potential electrical damage post-Hurricane Helene.
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Additional Resources
- WYFF4: Homeowners Still Waiting on Insurance Claims Months After Helene
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Helene
- Greenville Online: One Year Since Hurricane Helene Insurance Dispute
- Google Search: insurance claims Hurricane Helene
- SC Daily Gazette: Insurers’ Payouts for Helene Will Be Historic
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane
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.
