The best way to protect your home and personal belongings from flood damage is to purchase flood insurance, primarily if your home is in a flood zone. If your home recently suffered water damage from a flood, you may be able to receive some reimbursement. Claiming flood damage can be difficult; therefore, you may need assistance from a flood public adjuster. Flood public adjusters are experts in managing flood claims and can guide you through receiving compensation for any damages. These adjusters will assess the damage on your property and help you submit a flood insurance claim.
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is the country’s largest flood insurer. If you are an NFIP policyholder, you can follow the steps below to file a flood claim. It is important to note that general homeowner’s insurance does not usually cover flood damage. Also, if you have private flood insurance, timelines, and procedures may vary based on your policy details.
Steps to Take to File a Flood Insurance Claim
Start your flood insurance claim as soon as possible
Once it is safe to inspect your property, you should contact your agent or insurance company. You should have your policy number and contact information to begin the process. An insurance adjuster is then assigned to assist you through the claims process. It is important to remember that the sooner you file, the sooner you’ll receive reimbursement. There is also a deadline to submit your claims for NFIP policies (Allstate, Liberty Mutual, and American Family typically provide those). Generally, you have 60 days after the flood to give a proof of loss statement listing all the damaged or destroyed items.
Document losses
Take as many photos and videos of your personal property as possible. For any electronics or appliances that may have been affected, take a picture of the make, model, and serial number to provide to your adjuster. Unless items pose a health threat or must be legally discarded, wait to throw anything away until the adjuster has seen them. Creating a list of things that have been damaged or destroyed will assist you in preparing your proof of loss statement. Please be aware that under an NFIP policy, mold damage is not covered unless floodwaters keep you from entering your home. So, it is essential to begin cleaning up as soon as possible.
Begin cleaning up
It is important to start cleaning as soon as possible to prevent the spread and growth of mold. Keep samples of items damaged by the flood, such as carpet, other flooring, curtains, etc. Throw out any things that may be hazardous to your health.
Meet with your insurance adjuster.
As mentioned earlier, a flood insurance adjuster will be assigned to review your property in person or remotely after filing a claim. When you meet your adjuster, ask for their name and Flood Control Number (FCN) to verify they are a legitimate adjuster. Your adjuster will guide you through submitting a proof of loss statement. Once you receive the adjuster’s written report and estimate, look it over and verify its accuracy. It is important to remember that an insurance adjuster will never ask you for money. They also will not collect a deductible or charge you a service fee.
Receive payment
Your payment amount will be based on the provided documentation and what is covered in your policy. Please contact your flood insurance claims department for questions or additional damages to report. If you have a mortgage, the claim check will be written to you or the mortgage company.
For more info, visit: https://www.bsaclaims.com/services/flood-claims-service/