Flood Insurance Claims

NOTICE: Due to the recent hurricanes Helene and Milton, our public adjusters are properly documenting damages due to the flood waters that caused widespread damage in Florida, including in our home base of Tampa.  Contact our Tampa public adjusters today for a free consultation as we are scheduling inspections.  877-PAY-ME-OK

Flood insurance claims are handled and processed differently than standard water losses.  Flood insurance claims are filed under a specific flood insurance policy, purchased privately or offered through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).  This is a separate policy than your home insurance policy.  Flood insurance policies are limited in what is covered, have specific responsibilities for documentation of damage, and are subject to more rigid timelines.  Simply put, successfully navigating a flood claim is an involved process.

Flood insurance claims are different than you daily water damage claims.  Flood insurance claims are filed under your flood insurance policy.  This is a separate policy than your home insurance policy.  Flood insurance policy’s are limited in what is covered.

Diagnosing Water Damage from Flood

Flood losses are almost always significant and self-evident, however the more substantial damage often makes it more difficult to diagnose more subtle or latent damage. For policyholders with flood damage, immediate attention to visible signs is crucial.

• Physical Alterations: Look for discoloration or staining on walls. Bubbles in wallpaper or paint. Water streaks on surfaces often suggest underlying moisture issues.
  
  
• Changes in Odor: A significant change in the smell of rooms or possessions is another indicator. Water damage doesn’t always stem from pristine sources.  Especially in areas prone to flooding, the water affecting homes may not be clean, leading to distinct and often unpleasant odors.

It is important to recognize that floodwaters can subtly or dramatically impact property and items, introducing odors or even potential health hazards. Proactive measures, like consulting with maintenance teams at the first sign of trouble, can be invaluable in reducing the extent of water damage.  If you do find damage, it’s important to properly document damages prior to repair.  Subsequently, it is important to get mitigation efforts underway as soon as reasonably possible in order to prevent further damage that may not be covered as part of your flood insurance claim.

The Hidden Perils of Flood Damage

Beyond the obvious visible destruction, potentially concealed impacts of flood damage can pose long-term risks to both your home and health. From structural compromisation, to proliferation of biological growth, it is important to be aware of the often unseen effects of flood on your property.

• Structural Vulnerability: Prolonged exposure to water can compromise the structural integrity of materials like framing, windows, utilities, appliances,and flooring, making them susceptible to decay and failure.
  
  
• Electrical Hazards: Water may expose or soak electrical wiring, risking corrosion or short circuits which could ignite a fire. The risk of electrical fires increases in instances where floodwaters are salinated (salt water).
  
  
• Black Water: Water contamination, termed as ‘black water damage’. Such water, laden with biohazards, can induce severe illnesses.
  
  
• Mold and Biohazard Proliferation: When certain materials are exposed to moisture, they become breeding grounds for mold. Mold can sprout as swiftly as within 24-48 hours in damp conditions, particularly in unnoticed areas like leaky roofs or due to surface water breaches.
  
  
• Health Risks: Mold doesn’t just compromise structures; it’s a health hazard. Individuals sensitive to mold can experience symptoms like wheezing, nasal congestion, or skin irritation. Prolonged exposure might even exacerbate asthmatic conditions.

It’s imperative to act promptly when water intrusion is detected. Immediate interventions can safeguard properties, valuables, and more importantly, the well-being of inhabitants. Below are some steps you can take to protect yourself and your property from additional damage.

• Do not delay: it’s crucial to act promptly when signs of flood damage are apparent.
  
  
• Shut off utilities to the property, and wait to turn them until you are informed by a professional it is safe to do so.
  
  
• Remove any remaining standing water from the property.
  
  
• Take reasonable steps to dry out the property
  
  
• Remove water damaged belongings and appliances from the property, making sure to use proper personal protective equipment to do so.
  
  
• Work with a reputable contractor to get mitigation efforts underway. Make sure the contractor you are working with is familiar with demo and dry out protocols required by FEMA and the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).  Memorialize the condition of the property prior to beginning work.  Take plenty of pictures and videos of the building in its damaged state, as well as plenty of photos of damaged belongings.  If possible photograph serial numbers of appliances.

National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Claims

As stated above, there are important differences between how an NFIP claim is processed and settled relative to standard homeowners claim.  If you have a flood policy through the NFIP, you can find the claims manual here.  Below is a list of important ways flood coverage and flood claims differ from standard homeowners coverage and claims.

• There are 3 standard forms: Dwelling, General Property, and Residential Condominium Building Association. They cover single family homes, commercial/multifamily properties, and residential condominium buildings respectively.
  
  
• Policy Limits: While they may be lower, the maximum coverage limits are;
  • Residential properties: The maximum coverage for a building is $250,000, and the maximum for contents is $100,000.
  • Commercial properties: The maximum coverage for a building and contents is $500,000.
• Limitations and exclusions on covered property: There are varying limitations on property covered depending on the applicable policy form, as well as if the property is elevated or not.
  
  
• Proof of loss: The insured must submit an inventory or estimate of damages along with a proof of loss within 60 days of the date of loss. The insured must use the form provided by their carrier.
  
  
• Appeal: If you disagree with FEMA’s decision, you may appeal. It must be submitted within 60 days of the date of the decision letter. FEMA will provide additional information on the types of documents or information that will need to be provided if you choose to appeal FEMA’s initial decision.
  
  
• Appraisal: Appraisal is limited to the price of already agreed scope of damages. A sufficient proof of loss is a prerequisite for invoking appraisal.  Appraisal is not an option if you have already filed an appeal with FEMA.
  
  
• Litigation: Since NFIP policies are funded and backed by the federal government, you cannot file suit as means to resolve your claim.

Navigating Flood Insurance Claims with a Public Adjuster

The initial shock of a major disaster and the ensuing confusion about next steps can be overwhelming, especially if you are displaced from your home and without the resources it would normally provide.  Many policyholders, although insured, aren’t familiar with the intricacies of the claims process. They either lack the knowledge to navigate the complex process or simply can’t afford the time-consuming disruptions involved in assembling the necessary documentation.

Benefits of working with our public adjusters on your flood damage claim:

Claim Experience: Our public adjusters are well-versed on flood insurance policies and the claim process, ensuring that all processes are followed, and proceeds are accurately claimed.

Trusted Experts: Through our experience, we have cultivated a robust network of professionals from across the insurance claims, restoration, and construction industries that we can rely on to assist in investigating, substantiating, and proving your loss to your insurance carrier.

Expediency: With our knowledge and experience, our public adjusters streamline the process, handling paperwork and negotiations.  Facilitating faster flood claim resolution, freeing up policyholders to focus on other matters.

Favorable Settlements: Public adjusters work for the policyholder, not the insurance company. Our goal is to ensure clients receive a fair settlement amount your entitled to.

Stress Reduction: Knowing a flood professional is managing the claim can alleviate much of the anxiety and stress associated with flood damage incidents.