Tips For Filing A Flood Insurance Claim
Even a few inches of water can cause severe damage to your home that can cost thousands to repair. Luckily, you have flood insurance and the money you will need to restore your home and replace your lost possessions is available. The first step is to file a claim, but if you are unfamiliar with the process, taking this first step can be tricky.
Here are a few tips to help you file a successful flood insurance claim.
Talk to Your Claims Adjuster Immediately
Your claim's adjuster is the best source of information about not only the claim's process but how to proceed properly to protect yourself and your financial future. Provide the adjuster with any and all information you have about the flood, including when the water damage occurred, the approximate amount of damage, your flood insurance policy number, and the phone number and email address where you can be reached throughout the process.
Ask the insurance adjuster for their name and identification number. This information ensures you are able to work with the same adjuster throughout the process, which will help prevent confusion and the lower the chances you will need to provide the same information to multiple adjusters.
Get Ready for a Visit from the Claims Adjuster
The adjuster will provide you with the exact date and time of your home inspection. During the inspection, the adjuster will survey the damage and provide you with a rough timeline for the entire claims process, including when you will receive money to repair your home.
Before the inspection measure the flood water levels in each room and snap several photos of your home from multiple angles. Make sure to take photos of any structural damage to your home and other buildings on your property and damage caused to your possessions, no matter how minor.
When the adjuster arrives, be on the premises to answer any questions and point out any damage the adjuster might miss.
File the Necessary Paperwork
Finally, your adjuster will gather any documentation you have of the damage, including the photos, and ask you to fill out an estimate of property loss. This estimation is critical because it will give your insurance provider a rough idea how much money you will need to repair your home and replace any items of value that were damaged or destroyed in the flood.
Ask the adjuster about any deadlines associated with the claim. For example, you may need to submit any photographs and paperwork within 60 days after the date of the flood.
Filing a complete, accurate claim after a flood is the best way to speed up the process and ensure you get the money you need to rebuild your home and life. For more information, contact a flood insurance company in your area.