The Four Steps of Filing a Flood Claim

4/28/2020 (Permalink)

There are steps you should take to file a flood claim when your home has suffered damage

There are Steps To Take To Filing a Flood Claim

Homeowners often have the responsibility to carry flood insurance, especially if they live within a flood zone. For some of these homeowners, federal coverage is available. As a homeowner in Coffeetown, PA, you may have insurance through a local provider. Whatever your situation is, there are steps you should take to file a flood claim when your home has suffered damage:

Report Damage to Your Insurance Provider

Your prompt action is necessary, especially because some policies are only effective for a certain amount of time after damages occur. Contact the insurance provider who sold you the policy as soon as you can.

Document the Damages

In the past, a written record may have been sufficient, but today, it's best to take photographic evidence of damages. After you've taken pictures, it's okay to move water-logged and damaged items outside, but don't throw anything away until an adjuster has made an assessment of damages.

Work With the Adjuster

After you notify your insurance provider and begin the insurance claim process, an adjuster will contact you. The adjuster will provide official identification, and you will provide your insurance policy number, estimates from contractors and water damage repair professionals, receipts, and other pertinent information. The adjuster will take more measurements and photos, provide you with a local contact, give you a flood certification number, and prepare a proof of loss statement.

Follow Through

After you receive the proof of loss form, you have just 60 days to sign the form and return it. At this point, there are a few scenarios to expect. If you approve of the amount, you can wait for a check. If you disagree, you'll need to arrange for an independent appraisal. If your insurance claim was denied, you can make an appeal to FEMA.
In most cases, these four steps will help you satisfactorily file a flood claim. The more you know about your insurance policies before a disaster, the better prepared you'll be when major storms hit.