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Frame The Importance of

Commercial Truck Insurance in Boone, NC

  • Let's face it - truckers in America have always been the backbone of our great country. They still are in modern times. On any given day, thousands of trucks traverse our highways and local roads, delivering goods and products on time so that businesses and consumers have what they need to live life. And while commercial trucking can be an incredibly lucrative way to make a living and put food on the table, it can also be risky and expensive.
  • Whether you're the owner of a fleet, an independent trucker, or have a business that uses big rigs to transport goods, you need commercial trucking insurance to protect you and your client's investments, shield you from liability, and more.
  • That's where working with a reliable truck insurance agency comes into play. Unfortunately, for many commercial truck insurance providers, serving the needs of truckers is low on the proverbial totem pole. At Independence Insurance Agency, nothing could be further from the truth.

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percent The Commercial Truck

Insurance Agency in Boone, NC You Can Trust

Much like you pride yourself on running a successful trucking business, Independence Insurance Agency prides itself on its years of experience providing truck insurance for hardworking men and women across the country. And in our experience, insurance rates for truckers are just too high - so high, in fact, that they eat away at their bottom line, making it more difficult to run a business and make a profit. Fortunately, at Independence Insurance Agency, we provide truckers the freedom they need from astronomically high insurance rates so they can stay on the road and keep driving America forward.

As one of the most trusted commercial trucking insurance agencies in the U.S., we understand the challenges that you face daily as a trucker. We also know how important it is to protect your business. That's why we go above and beyond to find you the best-priced coverage available, whether you're an operator, own a small fleet, a large fleet, or something in between.

Commercial Truck Insurance Boone, NC

We Put Truckers First Because Others Don't

 Truck Insurance Boone, NC

Truckers across the country choose to work with Independence Insurance Agency because we put their needs first before anything else. As experts in transportation insurance, we proudly offer a range of quality insurance products that are both practical and affordable for them. Our industry-leading carriers provide coverage that caters to the unique challenges faced by the trucking industry, ensuring that your business is protected at all times.

At our core, we are committed to finding the best possible price for your coverage without compromising the quality of service you deserve. The truth is, we understand how essential truckers are to the United States and take pride in making their insurance experience more streamlined and affordable.

One way we do so is by simplifying the insurance process. Our transportation specialists take the time to understand your specific needs and budget to tailor a comprehensive plan that works for you. You won't ever have to worry about cookie-cutter plans or uninterested agents when you work with our commercial trucking insurance agency. We take an educational approach to ensure that the entire big rig insurance process is quick, painless, and easy to understand. If there's something you don't understand, we're happy to take the time to explain. After all, the success and safety of your business are on the line.

Looking to the future, we are committed to providing innovative new products that cater to the ever-changing needs of truck drivers. As your one-stop shop for commercial trucking insurance, we are dedicated to your success, one policy at a time.

If you're a commercial trucker looking to ensure your rig, you can rest easy knowing that Independence Insurance Agency provides:

  • Affordable Trucking Insurance Plans for Any Budget
  • Exemplary Customer Service
  • Seasoned Transportation Specialists Who Customize Plans to Your Needs
  • A+ Carriers Across the Country
  • Simple, Easy Quote and Bind Process
  • Multiple Insurance Carriers Quoted to Find You the Best Rates
  • Truck Insurance for New Ventures

Call us or send us a message today to learn more about the best 18-wheeler insurance options for your trucking business.

chart The Commercial Truck

Common Types of Big Rig Truck Insurance in Boone, NC

At Independence Insurance Agency, we offer several types of insurance coverage for local, intermediate, and long-haul trucking needs. Here are just a few categories of trucking insurance coverage that our agency offers.

As the foundation of your insurance policy, liability coverage is required by law in most states in the U.S. It provides coverage for damage or injuries caused to properties or other people if your 18-wheeler is responsible for the crash. Without liability coverage, it's almost impossible to drive a truck or run a trucking business without major legal consequences.

Having physical damage coverage is an essential component that shouldn't be overlooked. This insurance is responsible for covering the expenses related to repairing or replacing your truck in situations such as accidents, theft, vandalism, and other damaging events. By having this coverage, you can rest assured that your business won't be affected significantly by unexpected incidents, and you can continue running your operations smoothly even in challenging times.

For trucking companies, the goods they transport are crucial to their operations. To protect these goods from damage, loss, or theft while in transit, cargo insurance is essential. This coverage provides much-needed peace of mind for both you and your clients, allowing you to reimburse clients for any losses sustained while protecting your reputation and brand identity.

Non-Trucking Liability Insurance is designed to cover property damage or bodily injury that may occur during personal time when the driver/truck is not under dispatch. This coverage can be applied with or without a trailer and is added to a commercial policy as an endorsement.

While Independence Insurance Agency has built a reputation of excellence in serving the needs of truckers, we also offer general liability. Also known as Truckers General Liability, this coverage insures for bodily injuries or property damage that happen due to business activities that are NOT the cause of operating a truck. It covers accidents that occur in parking lots, rest stops, also while loading or unloading. General liability can also cover losses related to theft and vandalism. Most brokers and shippers will require this coverage to work with you.

Bobtail insurance is a type of coverage that is comparable to non-trucking liability, which is designed to offer protection when driving a truck without a trailer attached. This is commonly referred to as "bobtailing." With bobtail insurance, the tractor is covered at all times, even when it is not attached to a trailer, regardless of whether or not the truck is under dispatch.

Trailer interchange insurance is a must-have if you're involved in a trailer interchange agreement. This essential coverage offers protection for trailers owned by other parties that you're using under a contractual agreement. It covers damages caused by collisions, fire, theft, and vandalism, providing assurance to all parties involved.

Curious whether our commercial truck insurance agency in cityname, state offers additional coverage? The following options can be bound in your insurance policy:

  • Business Interruption Insurance
  • Reefer Breakdown Insurance
  • Occupational Accident with Contract Liability Insurance
  • Rental Reimbursement Insurance
  • Underinsured or Uninsured Motorist Insurance
  • Towing Insurance
  • Electronics Insurance
  • Much More

Three plus 3 Safe Driving Tips to

Lower the Cost of Truck Insurance in Boone, NC

Keeping your drivers safe on the road is crucial not only for their own well-being but also for the safety of other motorists and the financial stability of your business. The Department of Labor has identified the trucking industry as one of the most hazardous sectors in the U.S. In fact, trucking and logistics fleets are known for their high injury and fatality rates. By improving how safely your truckers drive, you can help reduce expenses related to claim payouts, accidents, and insurance premium hikes.

Whether you own a large fleet or you're the owner and operator of a single rig, keep these safe driving tips in mind to help lower your insurance costs.

Implement Preventative Maintenance Plans

Ensuring the safety of your drivers begins with the safety of their vehicles. Trucks and tractor-trailers that do not receive regular maintenance, such as oil and brake pad changes, are more likely to experience breakdowns while on the road. Telematics devices provide real-time insight into engine and odometer data, including fault codes.

This information enables your mechanics to create comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules based on mileage, history of previous breakdowns, days, and more. Additionally, they can receive immediate notifications for critical fault codes. By implementing routine maintenance and proactive repair schedules, you can ensure that your vehicles are in top condition, minimizing the likelihood of breakdowns, which can help reduce the cost of trucker insurance.

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 Trucking Insurance Boone, NC

Practice Defensive Driving

This approach aims to mitigate the risk of fatal crashes and injuries by proactively identifying and responding to potentially dangerous situations and making informed decisions while driving. By adopting defensive driving techniques, drivers can reduce their likelihood of accidents, thereby minimizing the need for expensive repairs, claim payouts, and increased insurance premiums.

Some of the easiest ways for you or your drivers to practice safe driving include:

  • Be Wary of Blind Spots: Operating a reefer or tractor-trailer means driving high off of the ground, which can make visibility limited, especially in blind spots. To check your blind spot, look over your shoulder and out of your windows while changing lanes.
  • Be Ready for Emergencies on the Road: It's important for drivers to be ready for unexpected situations when driving, especially during long trips. They should be equipped to handle emergencies such as poor driving conditions or big rig breakdowns.
  • Use the Three-Second Rule: Truck drivers should try to maintain a three-second gap between their vehicle and the car in front of them. This means that the truck driver should reach a certain point on the road three seconds after the car in front of them has passed that same point.
  • Always Use Right and Left Turn Indicators: It's important for drivers to always use their turn signals when changing lanes or exiting highways, even if they don't see any other cars around. This is not only required by law, but it also reduces the chances of accidents occurring on the road.
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 Commercial Liability Insurance For Truckers Boone, NC

Find Ways to Prevent Distracted Driving

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), distracted driving is the primary reason behind truck driver accidents. Any activity that takes a driver's attention away from the road or the steering wheel is considered distracted driving. Distractions can come in various forms, such as eating while driving or gazing at a billboard outside the window. However, the most frequent form of distracted driving is the use of cellphones, specifically texting while driving.

Assuming you or your driver's rigs are equipped with dual-facing cameras, try reviewing footage of an unsafe driving incident. Coach your drivers on ways to correct their unsafe behaviors or look up ways to do so yourself if you're the one operating the big rig. The bottom line is that when your drivers aren't distracted, they drive safer. And when they drive safer, the cost of 18-wheeler insurance in cityname, state can be reduced.

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 Commercial Truck Insurance Quote Boone, NC

Ensuring the safety of your drivers begins with the safety of their vehicles. Trucks and tractor-trailers that do not receive regular maintenance, such as oil and brake pad changes, are more likely to experience breakdowns while on the road. Telematics devices provide real-time insight into engine and odometer data, including fault codes.

This information enables your mechanics to create comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules based on mileage, history of previous breakdowns, days, and more. Additionally, they can receive immediate notifications for critical fault codes. By implementing routine maintenance and proactive repair schedules, you can ensure that your vehicles are in top condition, minimizing the likelihood of breakdowns, which can help reduce the cost of trucker insurance.

 Low Priced Commercial Truck Insurance Boone, NC phone Call Now

This approach aims to mitigate the risk of fatal crashes and injuries by proactively identifying and responding to potentially dangerous situations and making informed decisions while driving. By adopting defensive driving techniques, drivers can reduce their likelihood of accidents, thereby minimizing the need for expensive repairs, claim payouts, and increased insurance premiums.

Some of the easiest ways for you or your drivers to practice safe driving include:

  • Be Wary of Blind Spots: Operating a reefer or tractor-trailer means driving high off of the ground, which can make visibility limited, especially in blind spots. To check your blind spot, look over your shoulder and out of your windows while changing lanes.
  • Be Ready for Emergencies on the Road: It's important for drivers to be ready for unexpected situations when driving, especially during long trips. They should be equipped to handle emergencies such as poor driving conditions or big rig breakdowns.
  • Use the Three-Second Rule: Truck drivers should try to maintain a three-second gap between their vehicle and the car in front of them. This means that the truck driver should reach a certain point on the road three seconds after the car in front of them has passed that same point.
  • Always Use Right and Left Turn Indicators: It's important for drivers to always use their turn signals when changing lanes or exiting highways, even if they don't see any other cars around. This is not only required by law, but it also reduces the chances of accidents occurring on the road.
Commercial Truck Insurance Boone, NC phone Call Now

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), distracted driving is the primary reason behind truck driver accidents. Any activity that takes a driver's attention away from the road or the steering wheel is considered distracted driving. Distractions can come in various forms, such as eating while driving or gazing at a billboard outside the window. However, the most frequent form of distracted driving is the use of cellphones, specifically texting while driving.

Assuming you or your driver's rigs are equipped with dual-facing cameras, try reviewing footage of an unsafe driving incident. Coach your drivers on ways to correct their unsafe behaviors or look up ways to do so yourself if you're the one operating the big rig. The bottom line is that when your drivers aren't distracted, they drive safer. And when they drive safer, the cost of 18-wheeler insurance in cityname, state can be reduced.

 Truck Insurance Boone, NC phone Call Now

check light FAQs About

Independence Insurance Agency

If you're looking for a commercial trucking insurance agency for your business, chances are you have some questions - and we've got answers. Keep reading to learn more about some of the most commonly asked questions we hear from truckers like you.

Why go with a "jack of all trades" when you can work with specialists who focus exclusively on transportation insurance? We have excellent relationships with major trucking insurance carriers and, as such, can provide the best assistance and reasonable rates.

Typically, companies will look at claims that date back three years or less.

We proudly work with more than 20 carriers to provide our clients with the most advantageous options at competitive prices, catering to the needs of owner-operators and big fleets alike.

Permit filings are typically done by insurance companies on the next business day. Federal (FMCSA) filings are completed online and updated immediately, while some states may take up to three weeks to process.

Independence Insurance Agency: Committed to the Trucking Industry

There's no question about it - you've got to protect your staff, your rig, and your trucking business with insurance. But choosing the right insurance partner isn't always easy. Thankfully, with Independence Insurance Agency by your side, you can rest easy knowing you're covered no matter where the road takes you. If you're in need of a commercial truck insurance agency in Boone, NC that caters to truckers like you, pick up the phone and contact one of our transportation specialists today. That way, you can get back on the road with confidence tomorrow.

 Trucking Insurance Boone, NC

Latest News in Boone, NC

Hurricane Helene relief trip to Boone, NC

In response to the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Asbury’s Outreach Coalition organized a relief trip where students could serve the community of Boone, N.C. during fall break from Oct. 17 to 20. A small group of 17 students and staff partnered with the Christian humanitarian aid organization, Samaritan’s Purse, to help in any way they could. The group stayed with a local church in Boone, called The Rock Serve Center. The connection with the Serve Center was made through an Asbury student whose home church is The Rock. The church...

In response to the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Asbury’s Outreach Coalition organized a relief trip where students could serve the community of Boone, N.C. during fall break from Oct. 17 to 20. A small group of 17 students and staff partnered with the Christian humanitarian aid organization, Samaritan’s Purse, to help in any way they could. The group stayed with a local church in Boone, called The Rock Serve Center. The connection with the Serve Center was made through an Asbury student whose home church is The Rock. The church generously made accommodations for students as well as provided their meals while they served, which is rare in emergency situations like Helene with limited resources available.

The devastating Hurricane Helene swept through many parts of the Southeastern United States in late September of this year. It was the deadliest hurricane to hit the mainland U.S. since Katrina in 2005, and the strongest on record to hit the Big Bend Region of Florida since Maria in 2017. The storm has caused the death of around 230 people and several are still missing. Several others have been left homeless, some still stuck in areas without reliable cell service to contact loved ones or electricity. In this disaster, many cities, like Asheville, N.C., have experienced tremendous loss through significant flooding.

When asked what kind of work volunteers would participate in, Michelle Kratzer, Associate Dean said, “We will be helping with disaster relief in ways like mucking out homes, helping prepare meals for people and cutting and stacking trees that have fallen on things — the immediate disaster relief.”

There was an overwhelming response from students willing to help with the hurricane relief, as applications for the trip quickly filled. There were so many interested, Kratzer had to stop taking applicants due to the limited accommodations The Rock could supply.

“We were amazed by the responsiveness of the students,” said Kratzer. “This opportunity was made possible through amazing connections, and I feel blessed by people saying ‘yes’ and being willing and ready to be used to help others.”

Krazter encourages students to be open to serving others in and outside of their community, as it is our calling as Christians, the Body of Christ.

“God has created us to serve one another. That is our calling. Through serving we also learn what it means to live the abundant life as we have been learning in chapel. In serving others, we lay down our lives — and, it is often when we lay our lives down, that we find it. As Christians, we need to ask ourselves ‘Where am I called to serve?’ I hope this opportunity is a time the students really get to know each other and God in new ways,” said Kratzer.

For more information on opportunities students can serve local and surrounding communities, contact the Catalyst Center’s Outreach Coalition (outreachcoalition@asbury.edu).

What’s open and safe to do in Boone after Hurricane Helene hit Western North Carolina?

READ MOREMany Western NC towns that would normally see a surge of tourists for fall leaf season are not only recovering from the storm’s aftermath but also struggling due to the drop in visitors.Expand AllAs Western North Carolina recovers from the devastation of Hurricane Helene, many restaurants and small businesses who rely on tourism dollars during the fall foliage travel season are struggling.While major roadwork will be underway for the foreseeable future and the North Carolina Department of Transp...

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Many Western NC towns that would normally see a surge of tourists for fall leaf season are not only recovering from the storm’s aftermath but also struggling due to the drop in visitors.

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As Western North Carolina recovers from the devastation of Hurricane Helene, many restaurants and small businesses who rely on tourism dollars during the fall foliage travel season are struggling.

While major roadwork will be underway for the foreseeable future and the North Carolina Department of Transportation has called for essential travel only in the region, some towns are now accessible and cautiously welcoming back travelers.

We’re taking a look at various Western North Carolina towns to consider visiting with safety in mind, as well as support for those who rely on tourism for their livelihoods.

Here is what you need to know about traveling to Boone in the near future. AndaAs we continue our series on post-hurricane traveling in Western North Carolina, you can browse our other guides here:

While Boone remains under a state of emergency declaration, the town is also finding some return to normalcy, too. Appalachian State University has resumed classes, and visitors are slowly beginning to return.

David Jackson, president and CEO of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce, said via Instagram that as those visitors make their way to Boone, they should be mindful of the destruction that took place.

“As we continue the careful return of students and visitors to our area over the days and weeks ahead, it is important to understand that you aren’t coming back to the same community you saw just a few weeks ago,” Jackson said.

“While some areas have restored their infrastructure and ability to operate quickly, other areas throughout Watauga County and the High Country region are still deeply involved in recovery efforts, and will be for quite some time.”

Jackson added, “Please be respectful and pack plenty of grace and patience,” in a similar statement on the Boone area Chamber of Commerce website.

Boone’s three ski resorts — Appalachian Ski Mtn., Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain — are also preparing to reopen as normal for skiing and snowboarding.

Restaurants in Boone may be operating on limited hours and menus. Here are a few local spots to check out:

Bella’s of Boone Italian Restaurant

Location: 190 Boone Heights Dr, Boone, NC 28607

If an Italian meal is what you’re craving, head to Bella’s for pizza, a classic pasta dish or an Italian sub. There are also calzones and strombolis, flatbreads, pub fare and a few sweet treats to top off your meal. It’s open Monday-Tuesday, 4-9 p.m.; and Thursday-Sunday 11 a.m.-9 p.m. (It’s closed on Wednesday.)

Betty’s Biscuits

Location: 640 West King Street, Boone, NC 28604

Betty’s Biscuits serves up savory and sweet biscuits, plus bowls and plates, using ingredients from local farms and purveyors. Its biscuits can also be ordered by the dozen — with jam, butter or gravy — packed up in boxes to go. For now, hours are 9 a.m.-noon with a limited menu. Gift cards and store merchandise are available online, too.

Black Cat Burrito

Location: 127 S. Depot St., Boone, NC 28607

Black Cat Burrito has resumed normal hours and is open in downtown Boone from Tuesday-Saturday, 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Of course, you’ll find a variety of burritos there. (It is in the name, after all.) But there are also tacos, enchiladas, loaded fries and salad.

F.A.R.M. Cafe

Location: 617 W King St, Boone, NC 28607

In addition to making meals to donate to community members, F.A.R.M. Cafe is open for lunch Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Items on the menu include breakfast burritos, soups, salads and desserts. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and nut-free options are available.

Gamekeeper

Location: 3005 Shulls Mill Rd, Boone, NC 28607

Gamekeeper, a fine dining restaurant in the mountains between Boone and Blowing Rock, has reopened for dinner service Wednesday-Sunday from 5-9 p.m. Reservations are required for its “adventurous” menu, which includes emu, duck, elk and bison. You’ll also want to take note that valet parking is offered, as the driveway and parking lots are steep and can be difficult to access. Gift cards are also available.

Melanie’s Food Fantasy

Location: 664 W King St, Boone, NC 28607

For now, Melanie’s Food Fantasy is open from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. daily. Customers can purchase gift cards at the cafe that will help fund the restaurant’s free meals for the community. Melanie’s calls its vegan-friendly menu “eclectic,” and its meals include pimento cheese grits, a tempeh scramble, corned beef hash and more.

Troy’s 105 Diner

Location: 1286 Highway 105, Boone, NC, 28607

Troy’s 105 Diner offers breakfast all day, along with house-made soups, thick burgers, comfort food platters and a variety of salads. Daily specials and a whole lineup of desserts are among the selections. It’s open Sunday-Tuesday, 7 a.m.-3 p.m., and Wednesday-Saturday, 7 a.m.-8 p.m.

Here are need-to-know points for visiting Boone and the surrounding area:

[STATE PARKS UPDATES: 13 state parks closed in Western NC after Hurricane Helene. Estimated reopening timeline.]

Storm cleanup is an ever-changing situation, so make sure to get the most up-to-date information you can before you head out.

This story was originally published October 17, 2024, 5:00 AM.

Follow more of our reporting on Helene in North Carolina

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Boone, NC church becomes Helene recovery hub, one of dozens across Southeast: 'God will carry us through this'

A former North Carolina judge whose church is supporting relief efforts for those affected by Hurricane Helene told Fox News Digital there "is a resounding faith" among residents that "God's still in control of this and that he will carry us through this."Judge Phil Ginn, a resident of Boone, said the ...

A former North Carolina judge whose church is supporting relief efforts for those affected by Hurricane Helene told Fox News Digital there "is a resounding faith" among residents that "God's still in control of this and that he will carry us through this."

Judge Phil Ginn, a resident of Boone, said the Perkinsville Church in the western North Carolina town is one of several in the region stepping up in the wake of the devastating storm, which has so far left more than 230 dead and caused billions in property damage.

"We're housing people in our church. We've given up all of our Sunday school space to literally house people who are coming to work," said Ginn, president of the Southern Evangelical Seminary. "And so our church had just seen fit to not only help our neighbors, but to help those who are coming here to help our neighbors by feeding them. We've got a shower trailer set up and washer and dryer to keep their clothes clean."

Ginn described the storm as a "generational event" and said the recovery effort is going to be a "marathon that's going to last for years." However, he added that "it's amazing to me to see God has come to us during the storm."

SAMARITAN’S PURSE CONTINUES HELENE RELIEF EFFORTS WITH THREE WATER FILTRATION SYSTEMS IN NORTH CAROLINA

"There is a resounding faith among folks that I'm talking to out there that God's still in control of this and that he will carry us through this. And so we have that faith to lean into," Ginn told Fox News Digital. "And it is stronger now than it ever was. The bond between us as human beings, as brothers and sisters, has really increased."

The help seems to be coming more from local people than the federal government, Ginn said.

President Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Trump have each made multiple trips to affected areas, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency has committed $110 million in federal aid to Helene victims, the White House said Saturday.

Ginn said people are coming together to help each other regardless of their circumstances or backgrounds.

"Nobody's asking what your politics are. Nobody's asking what your faith is. Nobody's asking if you just got out of prison. There's nothing of that," he said. "It's just if you need help, you're getting it from local people."

GEORGIA MAN SHARES STORY OF SURVIVAL IN NORTH CAROLINA AFTER HURRICANE HELENE: ‘INCREASED MY FAITH IN GOD’

Ginn’s seminary, working alongside Samaritan’s Purse and the North Carolina Baptist Men’s Association, has established the SES Benevolence Fund for Hurricane Helene Relief, which is helping provide food, water, hygiene items, first aid kits and other essentials to those in need across four southeastern states.

"The great problem that we have right now is that virtually all of the damage was caused by water or mud, and none of that is covered by insurance. And so we've got families who were barely edging by with inflation and everything else, and now they've lost everything," Ginn told Fox News Digital.

"They've lost all their personal possessions. They can't live in their home. Their property is gone ... so it's going to be a mental health issue, and it's going to be an economic issue as well.

"It will never return to what it was," Ginn added. "We have not only buildings gone and towns gone, but the land on which these buildings are set ... that's gone too. Rivers have changed courses.

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"We'll build each other up, and we'll come back through this because of our strong faith and because of our faith in each other."

Residents of Boone say it could take weeks, months, or years before they fully recover from Hurricane Helene

GET LOCAL BREAKING NEWS ALERTSThe latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox.Privacy NoticeBOONE, N.C. —It’s been almost two weeks since Hurricane Helene tore through western North Carolina, but some victims are concerned that as we move further away from the storm, their communities may be forgotten.TOP STORIESGet the latest news st...

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BOONE, N.C. —

It’s been almost two weeks since Hurricane Helene tore through western North Carolina, but some victims are concerned that as we move further away from the storm, their communities may be forgotten.

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The damage speaks for itself. In Boone, you can see businesses and homes flooded and piled up their contents on the side of the road to be thrown away. While you can see considerable progress in some parts of Boone, some surrounding communities and counties haven’t been as fortunate. Wherever you look, you see the scars of Helene.

"When I come outside, I just smell mold and mud and just stand standing water," said Christ Colvard.

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Colvard, from Avery County, has been coming to Boone for supplies everyday. With her car destroyed by the storm, she’s had no choice but to take the bus.

"All the donations that are coming in are wonderful," she said. "They're trying to organize, to see what things that they need the most, With cold weather coming up, you know, coats and shoes and blankets are going to be so important."

She's getting what she can to take home to her husband, who’s still recovering from surgery he had before the storm hit.

"He's having an anxiety because, you know, every every husband, every man wants to provide for their family," she said. "And and now it's much harder for them to do so. It's like a cloud is over you, and you just can't do enough."

Keep up with the latest news and weather by downloading the WXII app here.

Colvard says she’s worried as we get farther from when Helene made landfall.

"I fear that after a while that, you know, those donations and those people that are giving are just going to fade out," she said.

Jay Adams owns Eaglewood Construction and has lived in Boone for close to 40 years. He told WXII in just one weekend, roads and fields were flooded, entire bridges were washed away, and people were without power for days. Boone was almost unrecognizable.

But Jay said the worst of the damage has brought out the best in his neighbors, with regular people stepping up to help one another.

However, even with the considerable amount of aid pouring into Boone, especially from organizations such as Samaritan’s Purse or the Red Cross, this storm brought up underlying issues affecting the town. It’s unclear how or if this community can prepare for another storm like this one.

"Maybe bridges are raised a little higher, and homes are put back a little further from the stream edge," he said. "This is such a rare event, but we're really going to focus on getting money in here because we already had a bit of a housing issue. This is not one of those quick fixes. We're going to need six months to a year just to get us restored up here for the housing and the businesses and the livelihoods."

Colvard said it’s the little things she’s already beginning to miss most.

"Like just coming out, walking my dog by the river I live at," she explained. "All the trees are uprooted, and it's gone. The beautiful place that I walked my dog every day. Five and six times a day. It's gone."

Colvard and Adams believe it could take weeks, months, or even years before Boone and surrounding communities recover, and every bit of support is crucial.

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