The State of Texas is number one. Unfortunately, in this instance, this isn’t a number one we’re grateful for. You see, Texas is the state with with the most flood/flash flood deaths in the past 36 years.* In a high-risk area, you have a 26% chance of being flooded during a 30 year mortgage, compared to a 9% chance of fire. So you’ve done the smart thing by purchasing your flood insurance policy. Now the unthinkable happens, flood waters rise in your home. What do you need to do to file a flood claim?

STEP ONE:

If you have experienced a flood, contact your agent or insurance company immediately to file a claim under the National Flood Insurance Program. He or she will likely be the one who sold you the separate flood policy. They will assign a claims adjuster to help you evaluate your loss and file your flood insurance claim. You should have the following information ready:

1. The name of your insurance company
2. Your policy number
3. A telephone and/or email address where you can be reached at all times

If you will be going to a shelter or will be out of reach, provide your agent with a trusted point-of-contact (friend, relative) who can reach you if necessary. If an adjuster has not been assigned to you within a few days of your phone call, contact your insurance agent or company again. If you can’t locate your policy information, or need help contacting your insurance company, call 1-800-427-4661 to talk to a National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) insurance specialist. They can help you locate your insurance company and connect you directly to your insurance company claims specialist. When you file a claim, ask for an approximate time frame for when an adjuster will be assigned. If you live in an area where catastrophic damages occurred please be patient, as some of these areas are inaccessible.

STEP TWO:
Separate damaged from undamaged property. Do not throw out damaged property before your adjuster has seen it unless it may be a health hazard or could impede local cleanup.

• If objects must be discarded, take photos and keep samples (fabric swatches, pieces of furniture, etc.) to help substantiate your claim.
• Take photos of standing water, both outside and inside your home or business.
• Photograph and videotape everything—from structural damage and floodwater levels on building exteriors to building interiors and contents—to help prepare documentation of what the flooding damaged.

STEP THREE:
Make a list of all damaged or lost items. Work with your adjuster to itemize your claim and calculate the value of the destroyed items by applying your detailed inventory against your damaged or lost property.

STEP FOUR:
File a Proof of Loss within 60 days of the flood. Your official claim for damages is called a Proof of Loss. This sworn statement, made by you, substantiates the insurance claim and is required before the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or insurance company can make payment.

• Your adjuster should provide the form for you. However, it is your responsibility to provide your insurance company with a signed Proof of Loss within 60-days of the date of loss.
• You must include a detailed estimate to replace or repair the damaged property, which you can obtain from your adjuster. You should both come to an agreement about the scope of damage and what needs to be repaired or replaced.

Your claim is payable after you and the insurer agree on the amount of damages and the insurer receives your complete, accurate and signed Proof of Loss. If major catastrophic flooding occurs, it may take longer to process claims and make payments because of the sheer number of claims submitted.

Remember: To stay covered, you must renew your policy each year.

* U.S. Flash Flood/Flood Fatalities 1960 - 1995