How to Report a Claim Under Your Flood Insurance Policy

When filing a flood insurance claim, the quicker you start the process, the sooner you will receive payment. Although you will work with an adjuster from your insurance company, the responsibility of filing and documenting your claim belongs to you. Whether or not your policy is backed by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), you will contact the insurance company that issued the policy. If you purchased both NFIP insurance and excess flood insurance, you will need to file two claims.

• 1

  Call your insurance agency to start your claim. Provide your policy number and a current and accessible telephone number or email address. The company will assign an adjuster who will contact you within a few days.

• 2

  Remove damaged property from your home. Local public health officials may require disposal of damaged property.

• 3

  Photograph all damaged property before disposing of it, as well as structural damage and flood levels. You will provide these to your adjuster when she visits to make the damage estimate.

• 4

  Create an inventory of property damaged or lost with its purchase date, purchase value and receipts.

• 5

  Complete your Proof of Loss form with your adjuster. This form represents your official damage claim.

• 6

  File the Proof of Loss form with your insurance company within 60 days of the flood. This form is required before the National Flood Insurance Program or insurance company can issue your check.