LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Assistance from FEMA is available to Arkansans after recent severe storms and tornadoes hit the Natural State between May 24 and 27, damaging property, downing trees, and causing power outages.
If you have a vehicle that was damaged as a result of this severe weather, you may qualify for vehicle repair or replacement assistance. Here's how to do it.
First, file a claim with your insurance company if you have a comprehensive policy. Federal disaster assistance may help aid those whose coverage does not pay for any or all storm-related damage costs.
To begin the process with FEMA, you will need to verify the following information:
- Your ownership of the vehicle with valid registration and title.
- The vehicle was damaged during this bout of severe weather within the disaster-designated area (Baxter, Benton, Boone, Fulton, Greene, Madison, Marion, and Randolph counties)
- Provide a mechanic’s statement listing the cause of damage, the cost of repair, and whether the vehicle is repairable or totaled.
- Provide a minimum of liability insurance that meets the State of Arkansas requirements for insurance at the time of the disaster damage.
- Confirm you have no other usable vehicle.
Damage to your vehicle can be recorded by the FEMA housing inspector, or you can refer to your FEMA eligibility letter for help on where to send documents.
If you have more than one storm-damaged vehicle, you will need to write a statement explaining why your household requires more than one working vehicle, along with an insurance settlement or statement for each vehicle.
You can apply for disaster assistance from FEMA online here, by phone at 1-800-621-3362 from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., or with the FEMA app.
FEMA accepts copies, so remember to keep all original documents for your personal records. These grants do not have to be repaid and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid, or other federal benefits.
