Will your SC homeowner’s insurance cover damage, flooding from Debby? Here’s what to know

With Tropical Storm Debby bearing down on South Carolina, it is too late to add flood insurance to your homeowners policy, Michael Wise, director of the South Carolina Department of Insurance , said Monday.

Homeowners insurance does not typically cover flood damage, he said.

“Flood insurance must be purchased separately and is available through the National Flood Insurance Program,” he said.

Some private carriers offer flood coverage.

“We encourage consumers to reach out to their insurance carrier and ask,” he said. “However, please note, with an impending storm insurers will put a moratorium on new business so it is too late for any consumer to obtain flood coverage to protect against Hurricane Debby.”

If you don’t have flood insurance, your only option is FEMA.

The federal agency will help if you are uninsured or underinsured to provide basic needs for a house to be habitable such as a roof, toilets, windows and doors, according to the FEMA website.

Checks are usually available within 10 days after an inspector visits or after you receive whatever insurance settlement is available.

FEMA also offers a one-time payment of $700 under critical needs assistance.

Apply for FEMA help through the FEMA mobile app or by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.