Steps for Filing Flood Insurance Claims

When filing flood insurance claims there are specific steps to follow and certain things to keep in mind. Among them are:

1. Contact your insurance agent to report damage and to begin filing your claim. If your flood insurance is with a different agency, contact them to begin the process. Although flood and homeowners policies are separate, they are complementary and work in concert to cover damages that the other does not. Our insurance should:
   • Issue a Notice of Loss form
   • Assign an adjuster to your case
2. Locate your flood and homeowners insurance policies and your National Flood Insurance Policy (NFIP) handbook. Carefully review your policies to get a clearer understanding of what is covered and any limitations or exclusions that may apply. Read the handbook for instructions on filing your claim.
3. Photograph the exterior of your home as best as possible, as well as areas of visible interior damage, and any belongings that have been damaged from flooding. If you look closely at the exterior, you should be able to find the high water mark that the flooding reached. Include this in the photographs.
4. As best as possible, separate undamaged from damaged property, and make it as accessible as possible for the adjuster. Protect your property from any further damage. If the damaged property is a health hazard or may hamper clean-up, make sure to take photos of the belongings and create detailed written records that describe the disposed material.
5. Create a room-by-room inventory of all damaged property and include as much detail as you can gather: date of purchase, manufacturer, purchase price, etc. For major appliances, record model and serial numbers. If possible, try to locate the purchase price. If you bought the item using a personal credit card, store credit card, or check, it may take time and effort, but you can track down that information.
6. When the adjuster visits your property, make sure you or your authorized agent is present. During the adjusters visit make yourself available to answer questions and to ask any questions about coverage. Also, let the adjuster know if you need an advance or partial payment.
7. Know your rights. Remember that you entitled to have the claim for damage to your home settled according to your contractor’s estimate. You do not have to use the insurance company’s contractor or estimates.
8. It is in your best interests to have an independent assessment performed by an outside agency that specializes in flood damage. Their information will either corroborate or refute that of the insurance company. In the event of discrepancies that are to your detriment, contact legal professionals who work in this field to help resolve the conflict.