How to File Your Flood Insurance Claim Like a Professional

When disaster strikes you need to file your flood insurance claim like a professional. As in most situations, the more you know, the smoother the process will go. Ensure your claim is properly prepared by following these helpful steps from Urgent Restoration.

Step 1: Flood vs Water Damage

Be sure you are dealing with a flood. A flood is defined as “A general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation affecting two or more acres of normally dry land area (or of two or more properties) from the overflow of inland or tidal waters, the unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source, or mudflow. Skip to Step 2 if you are sure you have a flood insurance claim.

On the other hand, if you are dealing with a leak, broken pipes, toilet overflow, roof leaks, appliance malfunction or a comparable circumstance, please advise these are water damage issues. Report water damage claims under your standard homeowner’s insurance policy.  You can report a claim under your homeowner’s policy by contacting your insurance agent or your insurance company.

Step 2: Call Your Insurance Agent to Start a Flood Insurance Claim

Once it is safe to return to your property, call your insurance agent. Report the damage and losses to get the ball rolling on your flood insurance claim. This is also a good time to ask if you are eligible for an advance payment. This will allow you to begin the recovery process right away. You could be eligible for up to $20,000, even before an insurance adjuster comes to inspect your property. However, you can expect an adjuster to contact you within a few days after filing your initial claim.

Step 3: Take Photos and Videos of Your Flood Damage

Use detailed pictures and videos to provide thorough documentation of the damage on your property. We recommend taking as many photos and videos as you can, of both the exterior and interior. This will be especially helpful if you have to dispose of items (due to health reasons) before an adjuster can inspect the damage for themselves.

Step 4:  Start Flood Cleanup

Acting quickly is imperative after experiencing a flood. Within just 48 hours, the damage done by floodwaters can render your affected belongings unsalvageable. Promptly remove any flood-damaged items.  Remember to retain samples of affected flooring, curtains, drywall, and other unsalvageable items for your insurance adjuster’s inspection. Any items that pose potential health risks, such as pillows or spoiled food, need to be thrown away immediately. However, only dispose of these items after they’ve been properly photographed.

Step 5: Meet with Your Insurance Adjuster

The floodwaters have receded and the recovery has begun. Nevertheless, there is still plenty of work to do, including with the meeting with the insurance adjuster. Once he or she arrives, make sure they provide you with official identification. Your adjuster will compile an accurate estimate of your losses as a result of the flood damage. Provide any photos and videos you took as evidence to support your flood insurance claim. Be diligent, once the estimate has been submitted stay in contact with your insurance company. This will ensure you receive a timely flood insurance claim payment to compensate your losses.

Step 6: Receiving the Final Flood Insurance Claim Payment

Following the insurance inspection by your adjuster, you can expect to receive a package including a copy of the report, and a check made out to you, or your mortgage company. Make sure to fully review the report before cashing the check.

Flood Damage Cleanup in Central Florida

We hope that you never experience a flood that damages your property.  Yet if you do, the professionals at Urgent Restoration are here to help. We offer 24/7 services for your convenience. We are proud to serve customers in Polk County and Central Hillsborough throughout Central Florida. To learn more, call us at (863) 583-5800 or send us a message through our website.