What to Know Before Filing a Flood Insurance Claim in Texas
Filing a flood insurance claim correctly can be the difference between a full recovery and a devastating financial loss. Before you pick up the phone, here is everything you need to know.
Your Homeowners Policy Will Not Cover Flood Damage
The most critical thing to understand before filing any claim is which policy applies. Standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover flooding — if your property is damaged by waves from hurricane storm surge or a body of water that overflows its banks, your insurer will reject that claim unless you have a separate flood insurance policy. Insurers define a flood as an overflow of water on normally dry land — if a burst pipe floods your bathroom, that is a water damage claim for homeowners insurance. If a canal, lake, or river overflows into your home, that is a flood loss claim for flood insurance. Filing under the wrong policy wastes critical time.
The 60-Day Deadline Is Non-Negotiable
After a flood, time is your most valuable resource; if you miss the crucial deadline, your claim is completely forfeited. A signed and sworn proof of loss form must be submitted within 60 days of the loss in order to provide immediate written notice of the loss. FEMA has extended the date following a few major disasters, but normally it is tightly enforced, and a claim will be rejected if it is missed. Call your employer as soon as you can, and if you have an NFIP policy, call 877-336-2627 immediately. NFIP plans require you to file a claim within 60 days.
Document Everything Before Touching Anything
Take clear photos and videos of all damage — including structural damage, personal belongings, appliances, and exterior property — and be present during the adjuster's inspection if at all possible. Do not throw away damaged items until the adjuster documents them — keeping damaged materials on site substantiates your claim and prevents disputes over what was actually lost. Every item you discard before documentation is potential compensation you will never recover.
The Adjuster Works for the Insurer — Not for You
The most disregarded aspect of flood claims is this. The company adjuster is not your advocate; their role is to keep costs under control. Lowball settlements are frequent, and a certified public adjuster can reopen claims, determine actual damages, and negotiate proper compensation for significant or contested losses. Your flood adjuster will apply depreciation, which is negotiable and should accurately reflect the value of your property just prior to the damage, taking into account the state of your property prior to the loss, much like with a typical house insurance claim.
Know What NFIP Does and Does Not Cover
Before filing, be aware of the restrictions on your coverage to avoid expensive surprises. NFIP policies offer up to $100,000 for replacing furnishings and up to $250,000 for structural repairs. Crucially, extra living expenses like temporary lodging or food that spoils because of a power outage are not covered by the NFIP; instead, they must be paid for individually using personal resources or FEMA disaster assistance. After submitting your flood claim, find out whether you need to submit any further claims for windstorm damage through your homeowners insurance, vehicle insurance, or TWIA. A single storm can result in several distinct claims for several policies at the same time. For any inquiries, call the Texas Department of Insurance Help Line at 800-252-3439.
