Floridians impacted by last month’s natural disasters in Broward County may be eligible for FEMA assistance

Floridians who were impacted by the April 12–14 severe storms, tornadoes and flooding in Broward County may be eligible for FEMA assistance to repair or replace a vehicle.

Other Needs Assistance (ONA) for Vehicles

FEMA’s Other Needs Assistance (ONA) provides financial help after a disaster to cover necessary expenses and serious needs not paid by insurance or other sources. This may include repair or replacement of a vehicle.

You must first apply to FEMA (800-621-3362, DisasterAssistance.gov, or FEMA mobile app), then submit an application for a disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). If you are denied a loan, or if the loan does not cover all the expense, you may be referred to FEMA for ONA consideration.

For assistance to repair or replace a vehicle, the damage must have been caused by the disaster and the vehicle must no longer be operable or safe to drive. Cosmetic repairs will not be covered.

Other conditions include:

• The vehicle must have been damaged by the April 12-14 disaster and must have been located in Broward County at the time.


• Assistance is usually limited to one vehicle. If there is a second functional vehicle in the household, the applicant must certify in writing that the damaged vehicle is essential for the household’s daily use.


• The vehicle must be in compliance with state registration and insurance requirements.


• The vehicle must be owned or leased (not a rental) by the applicant, co-applicant, or household member.


• The damaged vehicle must be an approved vehicle type, such as a car, truck, SUV or van.


• The amount provided for repair or replacement is based on the degree of damage and the amount the state has determined for the maximum repair and replacement value.

Documentation

Documentation required for consideration, includes, but is not limited to:

• Proof of insurance policy showing the type of coverage or proof of vehicle meets the state’s requirement


• Insurance provider settlement or statement that insurance coverage does not exists, for vehicle repair


• A verifiable estimate, bill, or receipt confirming the damage was caused by the disaster, with labor and parts/replacement costs. For vehicle replacement, additional documentation is necessary from state or local government confirming the vehicle was salvaged due to the disaster.