Facing flood damage to your property is challenging, but with using this flood claim guide, a fair and reasonable recovery is possible. This comprehensive flood claim guide will walk you through the process, offering valuable insights and steps to ensure a smoother recovery.
Guide To Opening A Flood Insurance Claim
How To Report A Flood Damage Claim:
- Report your loss promptly to your insurance agent or carrier. If unsure, contact NFIP at 877-336-2627 for assistance. Contact your insurance company promptly, reporting the loss within the specified timeframe. Notify both your agent and the insurance company directly.
Preparing for Flood Claim Insurance Inspection
- After filing, an independent adjuster will assess your property. Document flood damage beforehand, and discard items posing health risks. Be prepared for the adjuster’s visit, providing necessary documentation. Have a list of questions ready to ensure a thorough assessment.
Working with the Insurance Adjuster
- Your adjuster will guide you through the NFIP flood claims process, inspect damage, and discuss policy coverage. They will recommend a loss resolution to your insurer.
How To Document Flood Loss and Payment
- Your adjuster provides a repair estimate. Review it for accuracy and sign a proof of loss form. Understand your policy coverage, and retain all relevant documents.
- If you disagree with the estimate, identify a missed or misidentified item, or find additional damage later, contact your insurance company or adjuster to request an additional payment. You may be required to provide documentation to support your request.
- Keep in mind that your flood policy owes for like kind and quality materials and will not pay for increased costs due to upgrades or improvements
- Be sure to ask your insurer or adjuster about your policy, what it covers, and any important deadlines you need to meet (for example, the SFIP requires a proof of loss within 60 days of the flood loss). Keep copies of all documents that are relevant to your flood claim, including all materials submitted to your insurance company and adjuster.
- Saving receipts, bank statements, and contractor’s invoices will facilitate timely claim payment for future flood events because you will be required to document that previous flood damage was repaired
How To Prevent Further Damage After A Flood
Prevent Mold and Cleanup After A Flood
- Initiate cleanup immediately to prevent mold growth.
- Policies don’t cover mold damage, so act promptly
- The Standard Flood Insurance Policy (SFIP) will not cover mold damage when a policyholder fails to take reasonable action within their control to prevent the growth and spread of mold.
- To learn more about safe and effective flood cleanup, you can visit EPA.gov to download the Homeowner’s and Renter’s Guide to Mold Cleanup After Disasters.
Making Repairs After A Flood
- Check for damage to electrical, HVAC systems, and the structure. Consult your adjuster before signing agreements with contractors. Ensure contractors are licensed, bonded, and insured.
Guide To Getting Fair Flood Claim Settlement
Understanding Flood Claim Payments
- It takes 4-8 weeks for a standard claim to finalize. Claim payment checks are issued to you and your mortgage company/lender, requiring additional sign-offs.
Appealing Denied Flood Claims
- If your claim is denied, you have options. Work with your insurer, file an appeal with FEMA, seek appraisal, or file a lawsuit within one year of the denial.
How To Appeal A Flood Claim
If you are unsatisfied with the payment amount of your claim or receive a denial letter for some or all of your claim, you have a couple of options:
- File an appeal with FEMA: File a free appeal directly to FEMA for a denied flood insurance claim within 60 days. You can do this without third-party representation.
- Request Appraisal: If there is common ground in the fact that a loss occurred but there is a disagreement about the price of the loss, seeking an appraisal could resolve the claim. However, if you complete an appraisal you cannot also file an appeal.
- File a Lawsuit: If you are not able to resolve your dispute using the options above, you may file suit with your insurer within one year of the denial of your claim. Once you file suit, you also forfeit your option to appeal directly with FEMA.
Should You Hire A Public Adjuster For Your Flood Claim?
This comprehensive flood claim guide equips you with essential steps for navigating property flood damage claims. Patience is crucial, and staying engaged with your insurer throughout the process ensures a more efficient recovery. We’re here to assist you in every step of the recovery process. Don’t face property flood damage alone – let us help you get back on your feet.
If you need expert claim assistance or have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to our flood claim experts