Hurricane Helene brought widespread damage to homes and businesses across South Carolina in September 2024. From severe wind damage and fallen trees to flooding and roof leaks, homeowners across the state faced unexpected repair costs and property losses. While many acted quickly to begin repairs and assess damage, some may have postponed filing their insurance claim due to delays, contractor shortages, or uncertainty about coverage.
If you were impacted by Hurricane Helene, it’s critical to understand that you have only one year from the date of the storm to file your insurance claim. Most homeowner policies in South Carolina adhere to a 12-month deadline for storm-related claims.
Here’s what you need to know—and why you need to act now if you haven’t already filed your claim.
What Is the Deadline to File a Claim for Hurricane Helene?
Most insurance policies in South Carolina require homeowners to file property damage claims within one year of the date of loss. Since Hurricane Helene made landfall and caused damage in September 2024, that means homeowners have until September 2025 to file claims related to this specific event.
Failing to file within that window can lead to denied coverage, even if the damage was legitimate and well-documented.
Why Filing Within One Year Matters
Delaying your insurance claim could jeopardize your ability to recover repair costs. Here’s why:
- Policy language typically enforces a 12-month window for storm-related claims.
- Insurance companies are not obligated to honor claims filed outside that timeframe, even with evidence.
- You may unknowingly forfeit tens of thousands of dollars in covered repairs.
- Once the deadline passes, there is very little legal recourse unless extenuating circumstances are involved.
In short, if your home sustained damage from Hurricane Helene, the clock is ticking.
Common Reasons Homeowners Miss the Deadline
Even responsible homeowners sometimes miss the 12-month claim window due to
- Initial denial or underpayment, and not realizing they can reopen the claim
- Hidden or delayed damage that wasn’t discovered until months later
- Miscommunication with contractors or adjusters that delayed the process
- Filing with FEMA but not with private insurance
- Assuming repairs disqualify them from filing
Each of these situations is common, but none are valid excuses in the eyes of the insurer once the deadline expires.
What to Do if You Haven’t Filed Yet
If you’re within the 12-month window (before September 2025), you still have time, but you need to act fast. Follow these steps:
- Review your homeowner’s insurance policy.
Look for the “duties after loss” and “proof of loss” sections that outline claim deadlines and requirements. - Document the damage thoroughly.
Take photos and videos of affected areas, even if repairs have already been made. Gather before/after photos if possible, and save all receipts. - Hire a licensed contractor or roofer to provide a written damage assessment.
This can support your claim and may help prove that the damage was related to Hurricane Helene. - Contact your insurance company immediately.
Let them know the damage was from Hurricane Helene and confirm you’re still within your policy’s filing deadline. - Consider hiring a public adjuster.
If you’re unsure how to navigate the claim or believe you were underpaid, a public adjuster can help represent your interests.
What If You Already Filed but Were Underpaid or Denied?
Many homeowners filed initial claims in the weeks or months after Hurricane Helene but were left frustrated by
- Low payouts that didn’t cover full repair costs
- Denied claims due to “pre-existing” or “non-covered” reasons
- Claims closed without resolution
If this happened to you, you may still be able to reopen your claim, but only within the 12-month window from the original storm date.
Insurance companies may reopen claims if new damage is discovered, additional documentation is submitted, or if your contractor provides a more accurate scope of work. However, once the 12-month window passes, you may lose that opportunity.
Why Time Is Critical for Storm Damage Claims
When it comes to storm-related insurance claims, time is not in your favor. Insurance companies are obligated to notify you of claim deadlines, and they may not remind you that you can reopen a previous claim for supplemental damage.
In addition:
- Waiting too long can lead to the loss of physical evidence.
If you repair damage without proper documentation, you might not be able to prove that the hurricane caused it. - Contractor backlogs may delay repairs and make it harder to get timely estimates. That can create a bottleneck as the deadline approaches.
- Policyholders often misinterpret coverage or believe repairs void their claim.
This leads to missed opportunities to recover out-of-pocket costs.
The bottom line? You don’t want to be scrambling in the final weeks before the deadline.
When Does the One-Year Deadline Expire?
Hurricane Helene caused damage in September 2024, so for most homeowners, the claim deadline will be September 2025. The exact date depends on the date of loss listed on your policy claim or the insurer’s official storm notification.
To avoid missing the window:
- Check the date of loss recorded by your insurer
- Set a reminder at least 30 days before that date
- Act well in advance—don’t wait until the last minute
Should you file a claim even if you have already made repairs?
Yes. Even if you’ve already completed repairs out of pocket, you may still be entitled to reimbursement as long as you’re within the claim window and have proof of:
- Original damage (photos, videos)
- Paid invoices or receipts
- Proof that the damage was hurricane-related
Insurance adjusters will evaluate the documentation and, in many cases, issue partial or full reimbursement if repairs are deemed covered under the policy.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait—File Today
If you were affected by Hurricane Helene in South Carolina and haven’t filed a property damage claim yet, it’s not too late—but your window is closing fast.
File your claim before September 2025 to protect your rights and avoid paying for hurricane-related repairs out of pocket. Whether you’re filing for the first time or seeking a supplemental payment, taking action now can make the difference between coverage and a denied claim.
Need help reviewing your insurance policy or reopening a denied claim? Reach out to a licensed public adjuster or storm damage expert to guide you through the process.
Don’t lose out on compensation you’re entitled to. File before the one-year deadline.