We first told you about Elizabeth Combs Thursday night after a storm severely damaged their home, but there’s more to their story.
GASTONIA, N.C. — Elizabeth Combs and her daughter are left trying to jump over hurdles after a storm left their home in ruins.
“We heard a loud boom and glass shattered everywhere,” Elisa Combs, Elizabeth Combs’ 9-year-old daughter, said.
A tree fell on the Combs home on Thursday after severe storms moved through the area, leaving holes in this home.
Elizabeth and Elisa made it out safely but everything they owned was lost.
“My house is not my home anymore, and I’m not going to be able to sleep another minute in this home,” Elisa said.
As they look ahead to what’s next, they’re met with more hurdles.
“I had been paying $10 a month for renters insurance, but my landlord told me it was actually tenant liability,” Elizabeth Combs said. “I was told it does not cover our stuff.”
Details in her lease from Metric Realty Company are an insurance addendum or a just liability policy.
“The policy that your landlord may have on the building is only going to cover that landlord,” Barry Smith with the North Carolina Department of Insurance said.
“It’s not a renter’s policy and it’s important for people who do not own their home and renting from someone else to understand,” Smith said.
Smith said the landlord required renters liability insurance only protects the lessor from property damages caused by tenants.
“I think insurance can be confusing because there are so many variables in insurance,” Smith said.
The issue now has Combs and her daughter out on the streets, taking nothing with them but the clothes on their back.
“I’m thinking we may actually have sleep on the road,” Elisa said.
It’s a huge lesson they’re hoping to overcome together.
Combs said they were able to get their car free from debris, but the window and hood are too damaged to drive.
The Department of Social Services said if the family is able to find a landlord who is willing to work with the emergency rental assistance program, they’re willing to pay the security deposit and the first three months rent.
