When disaster strikes – such as a flood – you need to file a claim as quickly as possible. It’s vital to file your claim immediately and have all the supporting documents/information at hand. Your policy will help you get monetary compensation for anything that was lost or damaged in your home when flooding occurred and to rebuild or repair your property.
Filling a Flood Insurance Claim
Start The Process
The first you have to do is get in touch with your agent or insurance company and have the following information ready when speaking to your agent:
- Policy Declarations page
- The insured property location
- The name of any mortgage company(s)
You will get a call from an adjuster a few days after starting your claim; otherwise, contact your insurance agent or company again.
Prepare For The Inspection
As the adjuster will need evidence of the damage to your home and possessions, you will have to take photographs and videos of the damaged property, including:
- Structural damage
- Flood water levels
- Damage to appliances
- Furniture and other items before discarding anything
- Make, model, and the serial number of appliances and electronic devices.
You should Immediately throw away any item that poses a health risk, such as food, clothing, cushions, pillows, etc. after photographing them.
Contact your community building department and floodplain administrator to obtain a building permit to comply with local ordinances.
Work With Your Adjuster
When your claims adjuster arrives, they should:
- Explain the NFIP Flood Claims Process
- Inspect your property
- Explain what an advance payment is and how or if you can get one
- Give details about how you should present your loss to your insurance company
- Discuss your policy coverage.
At the end of your inspection, your adjuster should tell you what you need to do and what will happen next.
Document Your Loss
Your adjuster will help you document your flood damage for the claim, so you should provide them with photos and videos of your loss.
Also, provide your adjuster with documents showing how you repaired or replaced flood-damaged items, such as receipts, bank statements, and contractor invoices.
The adjuster will help you present an estimate of your flood loss. Be sure to ask your insurance company about crucial deadlines you have to meet. This will ensure you receive a payment according to your flood loss, within your policy limits.
Register For Federal Disaster Assistance
Disaster survivors are encouraged to apply for federal disaster assistance whenever there is a flood, and a Presidential Disaster Declaration has been granted.
For flood insurance policyholders who are found eligible, federal disaster support could help with temporary housing, which is not covered by flood insurance, among others.
Register online, at DisasterAssistance.gov. If you do not have access to the Internet, you can register by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) or 800-462-7585 (TTY).
For more information on the claims process, visit FEMA.gov.