KTVN Channel 2 - Reno Tahoe News Weather, Video - Fernley Renters Left Dry After Levee Break
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While the feds are helping homeowners, renters are now wondering where they can get help. FEMA might help them out, but unfortunately even if they have renter's insurance that does not cover floods.
"All our belongings in here, everything we've worked for, it's gone. Everything's gone," says Jamie Sortino.
Jamie's carpet, her shoes, her clothes may be covered in mud, but that's the least of her worries. "Emotionally, financially, I'm pretty drained."
As she dries everything out, she doesn't even want to look at her collectibles: Barbies and baseball cards from the '80s that totaled more than $20,000.
And there's no help coming her way. Jamie was renting for two years without insurance. "It really upsets me, but I don't know what's going to happen from here."
Over at Oscar Morales' home, he has fans running, the plaster and the carpets are already out, but all of it is out of his own pocket and he had renter's insurance. "I know we have to start from scratch."
So much went into making his home for his two children and wife who is six months pregnant.
Local insurance companies have to answer to customers looking for that coverage, but without flood insurance there's nothing State Farm can do. "Our philosophy is if it rains, you should think about having flood insurance," says Gus Miranda.
Floods and earthquakes are not covered by most renter insurance. Also, several cars were destroyed in the flood, and only if you have comprehensive coverage, they should reimburse you.
