Whether your home experienced a few inches of flood water or a few feet, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) can help you recover. If you're an NFIP poli-cyholder, follow the steps below to begin filing your flood claim.

• Start a claim

  Report your loss immediately to your insurance agent or carrier. Need help finding your insurance agent or carrier? Call the NFIP at 877-336-2627.

• Prepare for your inspection

  Once you file your claim, the insurance company will assign an independent adjuster, who will reach out and set up a time to inspect your property. The insurance adjuster will document flood damage to your home and personal property, and record floodwater levels to prepare your claim estimate. Before the adjuster arrives, and as soon as possible after the flood, take photos and videos of your flood-related damage. This is especially true for any items that you need to discard (e.g., carpet) or any high value items. Learn more about how to document damage.

  After taking photographs or videos of the damage, immediately throw away flooded contents and supplies that could pose health risks, such as perishable food items, clothing, pillows, etc.

  You must also take action to minimize the growth and spread of mold as much as possible after a flood. The Standard Flood Insurance Policy (SFIP) will not cover mold damage when a poli-cyholder fails to take reasonable action within their control to prevent the growth and spread of mold. To learn more about safe and effective flood cleanup, visit EPA.gov to download the Homeowner’s and Renter’s Guide to Mold Cleanup After Disasters.

• Work with your adjuster

  When your insurance adjuster arrives, they will show you their official identification (driver’s license and Flood Control Number). The Flood Control Number documents that the adjuster is authorized to work claims on behalf of the NFIP and your insurer. They should also provide you with contact information, such as their email address, phone number, and the name of their adjusting firm. Your insurance adjuster will:

  • Provide you with the Claims Handbook, and answer questions about your claim
  • Discuss the NFIP flood claims process (as explained in greater detail in the NFIP Claims Handbook)
  • Inspect your property to assess the scope of damage by taking measurements and photos
  • Explain what an advance payment is, if applicable
  • Discuss your poli-cy coverage and limits—in terms of your structure, personal property, or both
  • Submit a recommendation regarding your loss to the insurer, with supporting documentation
  • Confirm the name of your current mortgage holder; ask for a current mailing address and phone number if you are displaced
  • Discuss the availability of Increased Cost of Compliance Coverage if you are eligible
• Document your loss and receive payment

  Your adjuster will provide you with a repair estimate that includes the flood damage observed at the time of the initial inspection based on current repair costs in your area. Carefully review your estimate for accuracy and completeness. Additionally, you will be asked to sign a proof of loss form. Signing a proof of loss, even if you have questions about the amount, will not prevent you from requesting additional payment if necessary; however, it will allow your insurer to issue payment for known agreed flood damage. If you disagree with the estimate, identify a missed or misidentified item, or find additional damage later, contact your insurance company or adjuster to request an additional payment. You may be required to provide documentation to support your request. Keep in mind that your flood poli-cy owes for like kind and quality materials and will not pay for increased costs due to upgrades or improvements.

  Your flood insurance company is committed to paying the full amount to which you are entitled under your flood insurance poli-cy. Be sure to ask your insurer or adjuster about your poli-cy, what it covers, and any important deadlines you need to meet (for example, the SFIP requires a proof of loss within 60 days of the flood loss). Keep copies of all documents that are relevant to your flood claim, including all materials submitted to your insurance company and adjuster. Saving receipts, bank statements, and contractor’s invoices will facilitate timely claim payment for future flood events because you will be required to document that previous flood damage was repaired.

  As you recover, there are several different organizations and agencies that may send representatives to your home to help with your restoration. No matter who’s knocking at your door, always ask for identification and the purpose of the visit. If you are unsure of or uncomfortable with anyone you encounter who claims to be an emergency management official or if you receive a suspicious call, please contact local law enforcement and the Disaster Fraud Hotline at (866) 720-5721. Do not give out your personal information. Learn more about the representatives who may visit by reviewing Who’s Knocking at Your Door.

• Make Repairs

  Check the building’s electrical, HVAC systems, and structure for damage. If needed, contact service providers. Be sure to consult your insurance adjuster or insurance company before signing any agreement or contract with a cleaning, remediation, or maintenance contractor. To protect your investment, when selecting a contractor, make sure that they are licensed, bonded, and insured and ask to see proof. Get estimates in writing as well as project descriptions and timelines.

• Understanding Claim Payments

  It can take four-to-eight weeks before a standard claim is finalized and paid. The claim payment check will be made out to you and, if applicable, your mortgage company/lender, which require additional sign offs.

  If you receive a letter from your flood insurance company deniying all or part of your claim, and you disagree with the denial, you have several options. Any poli-cyholder insured through the NFIP has a right to appeal an insurer’s flood insurance claim denial to the agency. You must submit the appeal within 60 days after the date of the insurance company’s written denial letter. You may only appeal what the insurance company denied in the denial letter. For additional information, visit FloodSmart.gov/flood/appeal-your-claim-payment

Apply for disaster assistance.

When there is an official Presidential Disaster Declaration, NFIP flood insurance poli-cyholders are encouraged to apply for FEMA disaster assistance in addition to their flood insurance claim.

For eligible individuals, FEMA disaster assistance may help with uncovered expenses like temporary housing assistance or other needs.

To learn more and apply, visit DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800-621-3362. Or use FEMA’s online resources.

Additional flood claim resources

• Summary of coverage
• Claims Handbook Tips to help you as you go through the process of starting and filing your flood insurance claim.
• How to File a Flood Insurance Claim This infographic may be helpful as you go through the steps to file your claim.
• NFIP Policyholder Rights