A Guide to Handling Flood Insurance Claims

​It's not easy experiencing damage due to floodwaters and filing a claim for flood insurance at the same time. The emotions are high following damage to floodwaters. You need to get fixed, and you need to prepare a lot of documents and evidence for your claims. However, here are some steps you can take in order to handle your flood insurance claims.

Contact Your Insurance Company or Agent ASAP
Phone your insurance company and tell them you've suffered a loss and are planning to film a claim. Ask them for the exact procedure. Do this, although you're unable to get back to your home. Your insurance agent will be ready to help you. He will first assign your claim to a licensed adjuster to assess your claims.

Itemize Your Possessions
This is actually a step that you have to do in advance. Even before the impending flood, make an inventory of your possessions at home or in your business. Check each room and list down all the items, including beds, chairs, sofas, and dressers. Take pictures of these items as well and each room before the flood. It's also better to save the receipts of the valuable things you have. You may have to use these photos for your claim later on.

Assess Your Things After the Flood
Before any clean-up, take pictures of the whole place that was damaged by the flood. Clean up the house after the flood and separate damaged from undamaged things. Also separate wet and dry clothing and linens. Make minor repairs to your property. Don't throw out damaged property unless your adjuster agrees.

Work With Your Adjuster
Insurance companies will send you an adjuster in order to assess the damage to your home or business. He will be the one to pre-approve your claims by inspecting your list of damaged property as well as your evidence. He will also prepare a repair estimate of damage.

Obtain an Estimate of Repair or Replacement
Most cases need a prescribed formal routine estimate of building losses. Insurance companies can complete their own estimates at first inspection. Always have a trusted adviser with you when the adjuster visits the site so that your adviser can represent you. You and the adjuster should agree on the scope of the damage.

Ask your insurer what the next steps are, and take charge of your claim. You can consult your insurance agent, or you can have a lawyer or a trusted advisor assist you. In case your insurer rejects your claims, know how to counter the decision. Handling flood insurance claims is not easy, but it is undoubtedly worth the effort. 

At Berlin & Denys Insurance, we put our clients first by offering them policies that they can afford. Having insurance is a necessity nowadays and we're here to help you out. Learn more about our products and services by calling our agency at (800) 946-3303. You can also request a free quote by CLICKING HERE.