As a result of the record-setting storms that Houston’s suffered over the past 3 years, thousands of Houstonians have experienced devastating flood damage to their homes and businesses. Those fortunate enough to have flood coverage will now have to face the daunting task of documenting their damage and filing a claim with their insurers.
While a minority of insurance companies will eventually pay their policyholders the full repair or replacement value, most, unfortunately, will delay, deny or underpay.
In an effort to help make the process as easy as possible for flood damage victims, our Undefeated Flood Damage Lawyers have created a general overview of the information and documentation that you’ll need when initiating your claim and proving your damages.
Step 1: Determine if Your Insurance Policy Covers Flood Damage
Many homeowners don’t know that flood insurance is not included in their standard homeowners’ insurance policy. Flood insurance policies are purchased separately from the National Flood Insurance Program (“NFIP”), which is backed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA”). There are 120,989 National Flood Insurance Policies in Houston and 230,694 in Harris County. If you have a flood insurance policy through the NFIP, then you should be able to receive money for flood damage to your home. But you must timely file your insurance claim.
Step 2: Immediately File a Claim with your Insurance Carrier
While’s it’s easy to become overwhelmed and distracted, it’s critical that you notify your insurance company as soon as possible. Although all residential flood policies are underwritten by FEMA, you need to report your damage to the insurance company that sold you the policy. If possible, have your policy number accessible when you call to report the claim.
You can get additional information on how to file the claim from FEMA’s website by clicking here.
Step 3: Document and Take Photographs of Your Damage
Once it’s safe to return to your home or business, document your property damage as thoroughly as possible. Take pictures and videos of the damage to your property. You should also take notes describing the damage, the cost of the damaged property, and when the property was purchased. Obtain any documentation, such as credit card receipts, that support the damages you are claiming. You’ll need to provide the documentation and photographs to the insurance company, but make sure to keep copies for your own records.
Do not discard of damaged property or make repairs until an insurance adjuster has inspected the property. This is important because, if the adjuster is unable to inspect the damaged property, you might not receive compensation. Also, make sure that you are present for every moment of the insurance adjuster’s inspection. In cases of wide-spread flooding, the adjuster will have many inspections scheduled and may try to speed inspection process along. Don’t let yourself feel rushed. Make sure the adjuster performs a comprehensive inspection.
Show the adjuster the entire property, even the portions that do not appear damaged, as the adjuster’s inspection could reveal damage you did not notice. Remember, you know more about your home’s history than the adjuster. The adjuster will ask you questions about your home’s condition prior to the flood. Be sure to provide comprehensive and accurate information. However, you are not an expert, so make sure to tell adjuster that there may be damage that you may not have noticed.
Step 4: Monitor and Document the Claims Process
Document and save all of your communications with the insurance company. If you speak to the insurer by phone, follow up with an e-mail or some other writing summarizing who you spoke with and the nature and date of the conversation. This information is crucial if a dispute eventually arises.
Step 5: File your Proof of Loss Form within 60 Days After the Date of Loss
In cases involving flood damage, the adjuster may provide you with a “Proof of Loss” form. If this form is not provided to you, you may obtain the form online at FEMA’s website. This form is your statement of the amount of money you are requesting as a result of the flood damage, and it must provide supporting documentation, such as receipts or credit card statements, to support the value of the damaged items. A comprehensive overview of the information required in a proof of loss statement may be found on FEMA’s website. Unless FEMA provides an extension, you must file this form within 60 days of the flood. Failure to timely file the Proof of Loss form may result in a denial of your claim. According to FEMA, “[t]he complete Proof of Loss, signed and sworn by the policyholder, along with documentation to support the amount requested initially and any requests for additional payment must be sent to the NFIP servicing Agent or Write Your Own Company (“NFIP Insurer”) within 60 days after the date of loss or within any extension of that deadline made in writing by the Associate Administrator for Federal Insurance and Mitigation.”
You generally should not sign the Proof of Loss form if you disagree with the insurance company’s appraisal. If you disagree with the appraisal, consider hiring a third-party contractor to provide an estimate of the cost to fix or replace your property. Compare the estimate from the third-party contractor and the insurance company. Again, all of these steps must be taken 60 days after the flood occurred.
Step 6: Contact Our Experienced & Undefeated Flood Damage Lawyers with Any Questions at 1-888-603-3636 or by Clicking Here
When your insurance carrier delays, denies or underpays your claim, it’s critical to have an experienced Flood Damage Attorney on your side.
Our lawyers will answer your questions, explain your rights, and provide you with the information you need to decide what’s best for you and your family.
All consultations are free and, since we work exclusively on a contingency fee basis, you won’t have to pay us anything unless we recover damages from your insurance carrier.