Aiken Hosts Insurance Claims Village to Aid Residents in Storm Recovery

Support and Assistance Flow at Aiken’s Insurance Claims Village

On October 7 and 8, the charming city of Aiken saw a remarkable gathering aimed at helping its residents recover from the recent challenges faced due to Tropical Storm Helene. The Insurance Claims Village, organized by the South Carolina Department of Insurance, set up camp on Aiken’s Southside, right in the parking lot of the Aldi grocery store. The atmosphere was notably friendly and upbeat, providing hopeful residents a chance to connect directly with insurance professionals and get their pressing concerns addressed.

Among the many locals was Greg Lawson, who shared his tale of woe. Lawson, a resident of the Hunters Glen neighborhood, described how the storm not only rearranged his backyard but also left trees lying on his home. “Tropical Storm Helene took my backyard and made tree soup out of it,” he expressed, frustration evident in his voice as he recalled his struggles contacting his insurer, State Farm, by phone. “It was fantastic to finally talk to someone face-to-face,” he beamed, while receiving assistance from State Farm’s Zanayah Thomas. “I tried to get this kind of support over the telephone, but I couldn’t do it,” he confessed, grateful for the availability of in-person help.

Another Aiken resident, Tiffany Carter, was equally benefiting from the assistance available at the claims village. With a big smile, she shared that an adjuster from State Farm would visit her home to assess the damage to her roof and help with the leaks that followed the storm’s onslaught. “They really helped me a lot,” Carter explained, adding that she received coverage for spoiled food due to the power outage caused by the storm.

The supportive atmosphere extended beyond just helpful advice. Visitors to State Farm’s tent were treated to complimentary red drawstring backpacks filled with useful items, including work gloves, sunglasses, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer. “Our consumers have a one-stop kind of location to come to,” Bruce White, a State Farm spokesperson, said. “Folks can report claims or they can check on claims that already have been filed. Some people are actually receiving checks in reference to covered losses,” he elaborated.

Meanwhile, several other insurance companies joined in the effort, including Allstate, Nationwide, and Progressive, which had catastrophe supervisors ready to answer questions across various product lines. “We have a group of adjusters here trained across all product lines … and they can answer questions about anything,” stated Liam Quinn from Progressive, embodying the spirit of collaboration and support in the aftermath of the storm.

Michael Wise, the Director of the South Carolina Department of Insurance, was also on-site, surrounded by his dedicated team who provided essential information on insurance fraud and other inquiries. “We have ways to reach out to insurance carriers, and they responded,” Wise pointed out, mentioning that over 80% of the personal, auto, and homeowners insurance market in the state was represented at the event.

In addition to the insurance companies, representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) were present, also providing valuable assistance. Local residents, including Anya Anderson from Graniteville and Evans Johnson from Aiken, formed lines hoping to receive help for food lost during the power outages. Anderson expressed her gratitude for being able to secure FEMA assistance right at the claims village, saying, “You can go back and forth with the sources out here.” FEMA’s “Serious Needs Assistance” program, offering a flexible payment of $750 for essential items, was a much-needed resource for many.

The Insurance Claims Village brought together a wealth of knowledge and support for the affected residents of Aiken. With community spirit on full display, this event served not just as a means of immediate assistance but as a shining example of how compassion and cooperation can help individuals navigate tough times.