Filing a Flood Damage Claim

Immediate Documentation Steps

Begin flood damage claim filing by thoroughly documenting all damage before cleanup or repairs commence. Take extensive photographs and videos showing water levels, damaged areas, and affected belongings from multiple angles. Document the flood's source and progression through your property, capturing both exterior and interior damage. Create detailed inventories of damaged items, including furniture, electronics, clothing, and structural components, with estimated values when possible. If safe, mark high-water lines on walls with permanent markers and photograph these indicators, as they provide crucial evidence of flood extent. Preserve samples of flood-damaged materials like carpet or drywall in sealed containers, as these may help establish contamination levels affecting cleanup requirements and claim settlements.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Report your flood damage claim immediately to your flood insurance carrier, as prompt notification protects your coverage rights and accelerates the adjustment process. Contact the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) at 1-800-621-3362 if you have NFIP coverage, or call your private flood insurer's claim reporting number directly. Provide basic information, including your policy number, date of loss, and preliminary damage assessment during initial reporting. Request your claim number and assigned adjuster's contact information for future communications. Many insurers offer mobile apps or online claim reporting options providing 24-hour access during disaster situations when phone lines may be overwhelmed. This initial contact triggers the formal claims process and establishes your notification date for coverage purposes.

Complete Required Documentation

Flood insurance claims require specific documentation beyond standard property insurance requirements. Submit a signed, sworn Proof of Loss form within 60 days of the flood event detailing all damages and their values. This legal document must be notarized and serves as your formal claim submission under oath. Provide supporting documentation, including receipts for damaged items, contractor estimates for repairs, and photographs of all flood damage. For building claims, include floor plans showing damaged areas and pre-flood property values through tax assessments or appraisals. Contents claims require detailed inventories with purchase dates, costs, and current replacement values for all damaged personal property.

Adjuster Coordination Process

Work closely with your assigned flood insurance adjuster to ensure complete damage assessment and proper claim processing. Schedule and attend the property inspection, pointing out all flood-damaged areas, including less obvious damage like electrical systems or foundation issues. Provide your documentation package during the adjuster meeting, keeping personal copies of all submitted materials. Request clarification about any excluded items or coverage limitations the adjuster identifies during the inspection. Most NFIP adjusters must complete their reports within 30 days of loss, though this timeline may extend during widespread flooding events affecting multiple properties. Maintain regular communication with your adjuster throughout the process to address questions or provide additional information promptly.