Hurricane Assistance and Resources

We hope you and your loved ones are safe following the recent hurricane. In times like these, we understand the challenges that come with recovering from such an event. If your home or property has been impacted by the storm, we want you to know that FiCare Federal Credit Union is here to support you.

If you have experienced any damage, please let us know by calling or texting us at (813) 600-5920 or emailing memberservices@ficarefcu.org. If you have insurance, please file a claim for any damage with your insurance company as soon as possible. If you suffered property loss (such as home or auto), you may be eligible for Disaster Assistance from FEMA. You can apply online at disasterassistance.gov.

Whether it’s home repairs, vehicle damage, or other unexpected costs, our team is ready to assist with a range of services, including:

• Limited-Time Emergency Loans allow you to borrow up to $4,000 at a very low rate to help with repairs and recovery.
• Auto Advisor car buying service to help you replace a damaged vehicle easily. Our Auto Advisor service takes the stress out of car shopping by working directly with partner dealerships to find the right vehicle at the best price for you. We can even help negotiate trade-ins and financing, so you get the best deal and avoid the hassle of shopping on your own. Plus, you'll save 1.00% on your auto loan rate when you purchase with Auto Advisors.
• Skip-a-payment options to give you some financial relief during this time. If you're having difficulty making an upcoming loan payment, you may be eligible for a payment deferral (extension) on your existing loan with us. This program allows you to defer a monthly payment, helping you manage other urgent expenses while staying on track with your loan.
• Insurance assistance. If your vehicle has been damaged or totaled during the storm and you have GAP insurance, we’re here to assist you in filing a claim to cover the difference between your insurance settlement and the remaining balance on your auto loan. Additionally, if you have auto or collateral protection insurance, we can help you navigate the process to cover repair costs or replacements for your vehicle or property used as loan collateral. Our team is available to guide you through these claims, ensuring you get the benefits you're entitled to under your policy.
• Financial counseling through BalancePro to help you regain financial stability. BalancePro offers free and confidential financial counseling services, available to all FiCare members. Whether you're facing budgeting challenges, struggling to manage debt, or need help rebuilding your financial future, BalancePro counselors can provide expert guidance. They can also help you explore disaster relief programs and other financial resources to support your recovery journey.

We are committed to helping our members get back on their feet. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to discuss how we can assist you.

Be Careful of Post-Storm Scams

Unfortunately, disasters tend to bring out scammers. One scam has people pose as contractors and reach out after a hurricane with a promise to make repairs, but after getting cash or your personal information, they disappear.

Make sure that any repair work is done by a legitimate contractor that you’ve researched and vetted.

Scammers will also use emotional times to create fake charities or do phishing attempts while posing as real charities. If you’re moved to donate, make sure it’s a trusted organization. Go to the organization’s website directly or verify legitimacy using the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance, GuideStar, Charity Watch, or Charity Navigator.

Scammers may also pretend to be from or working with financial institutions. They reach out to people using social media or email and pretend that they can get you approved for an emergency loan or similar type of relief.

Do not give out your personal information and never apply for a “loan” unless it is directly from your financial institution.