A destructive flood can be overwhelming and devastating. As the victim of a flood, you may not know where to start rebuilding. Once you’ve established that you and your family are safe, assess the level of damage to your residence and personal property. The sooner you file your flood insurance claim, the sooner you'll get the financial assistance you need to provide for your family during this difficult time.
The most important step to being reimbursed by your insurance company is gathering all the evidence you need to file a claim. Find the original copies of your insurance papers and policy information. Gather property records, including mortgage loans, to better document your losses. A home inventory list can help you prove ownership of lost items. When you contact your insurance agent to report a loss, have your policy number and your emergency contact information ready. Call your insurance company and tell them you need to file a claim. Make a list of things they need, and ask for a copy of the claims process in writing.
Entering your home after a flood may be difficult for you and your family, but it’s an important part of gathering an accurate picture of the damage. It may not be safe to enter your home directly after a flood. Never return to your home unless local officials have declared it to be safe. If your home has been deemed safe to enter, the next step is to assess the level of damage your home sustained. Before entering your house, make sure natural gas and electric power sources are turned off; natural gas can easily ignite. Visit during the day, and don’t enter any areas where you notice downed power lines or smell gas. Look for both big-picture damage and small details.
Next, document the flood damage done to your premises. This may involve taking photos or video. Your insurance company will send someone to your home to assess and document the damage, too. To receive adequate compensation, give your insurer an accurate and detailed report of your losses, including:
The more comprehensive your documentation, the more likely you are to have your claim paid by the insurance company.
As you go through your belongings, separate the undamaged property. Local law enforcement may require you to dispose of any items that pose health hazards or obstruct safety and rescue operations. Arrange the damaged property for the insurance adjuster's examination. Document all of the items that you intend to throw out, such as fabric or carpeting, for your adjuster. To maintain a good relationship with your insurance company, be honest as you document these items. If your flat-screen TV has sustained just a scratch, you won’t be entitled to a new one. Embellishing your claim may even cause your entire claim to be denied.
During your initial call, your agent will tell you how to file your Notice of Loss, which you can use to prove the amount your property was worth. Return this form within the determined time limit. After your insurer receives your Notice of Loss, an insurance adjuster--a professional appointed to assess the damages on your property--will contact you. If you're still in an emergency setting where floodwaters haven't completely receded, it may take longer for your adjuster to be in contact. You can always follow up to ensure your claim was received.
Although you’ve likely already documented much of the damage to your home, an insurance adjuster will review the damage from the eyes of the insurance company and help you file your claim. Your adjuster will photograph and document any direct flood damage to help you negotiate your claim. The adjuster will then use all of the documentation and records to create a damage estimate, known as a Suggested Proof of Loss. Your adjuster can guide you through the claims process and answer any coverage questions you may have.
After you file your Notice of Loss, you and your insurer will work out the precise amount of damages and finalize the Proof of Loss. Your insurer's payment marks the end of the claims process. The amount and type of coverage you have, your flood insurance rate and the damage to your home will determine your reimbursement amount.
Your flood insurance policy details the items for which you'll be reimbursed. While policies vary, flood insurance providers typically cover:
Your flood insurance generally won't cover:
If you can't live in your home after the flood, your flood insurance policy may not reimburse you for temporary housing. If you have an additional disaster policy, however, you may have access to funding for housing, food and living expenses after a covered loss. Government flood insurance programs may also provide some temporary assistance or housing options.