You have the right to appeal any decision made by FEMA, and in many cases, you should appeal. Pay close attention to appeals timelines. You will only have 60 days after the date of the notification letter to appeal a FEMA decision. • You can also apply to FEMA and SBA at the same time. SBA offers disaster loans of up to $500,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters also are eligible for up to $100,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property, including personal vehicles. Interest rates can be as low as 4% for businesses and 2.563% for homeowners and renters, with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and based on each applicant’s financial condition. Interest does not begin to accrue until 12 months from the date of the first disaster loan disbursement, and loan repayment can be deferred 12 months from the date of the first disbursement. Debris Removal o There is very likely to be a government program for debris removal. This is likely to be the most cost-effective option. Unless you have very good coverage for debris removal or want to move very quickly, this is likely to be the best option. Participating in a government program will also simplify rebuilding as it will ensure you meet compliance/permitting standards. Guidelines for Debris Removal from CA. o Do not conduct any major debris removal or move debris until you fully assess your debris removal options. You can sift through debris to recover personal property but leave all debris alone in its current location. Moving debris, organizing debris, or spreading debris outside the structural footprint will disqualify you from Private Property Debris Removal programs. o Take video and photographs of your entire property and all debris. Continue to take regular photos of the debris. o Homeowners’ insurance policies cover the cost of debris removal in a few different ways. You should review your policy to determine how your debris removal benefits are paid. o You likely either have to use part of your Coverage A (dwelling) benefits to cover this expense, or there may be extra benefits for debris removal on top of your Coverage A. This extra coverage may be 5, 10, or 15% of your Coverage A benefits, tied to the loss's amount, or a fixed dollar amount labeled as “Additional Coverage.”
Venbrook Insurance Services | CA License 0D80832
Next Steps: Where to Start After a Fire
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