Flood Insurance Tips – How to Navigate the Claims Process Successfully

Although flooding may be rare, planning for the worst is important. Having flood insurance can help protect your property and its contents.

Before a flood hits, take a thorough inventory of your belongings. Go room by room and take photos or videos. This can be invaluable when filing a claim.

Document the Damage

Flooding is one of the most common natural disasters. While many assume their homeowners or renters insurance covers all losses caused by flooding, it is important to understand that only a specific flood policy can protect property from loss.

Documenting the damage caused by flooding is a crucial step in the claims process. When possible, homeowners should take photographs or videos of their property after a flood to help them identify damaged areas and items. Creating a home inventory list and keeping receipts for replaced or discarded items due to floodwater damage is also helpful.

Suppose any items are irreplaceable, such as family heirlooms or rare collectibles. In that case, it is especially important to be as detailed as possible when describing the damage and its impact on these items. These details can help the claimant prove that the item is a significant part of their personal history and, as a result, deserves to be included in the overall cost of the claim. In addition, photos and a detailed description of the damage can make it easier to work with an adjuster and reach a successful resolution.

Contact Your Insurance Agent

Experiencing flood damage can be extremely devastating for homeowners, renters, and businesses. Filing an insurance claim can alleviate some of the financial burdens and stress of this disaster. The key to filing a successful flood insurance claim is having the right team on your side. This includes an agent familiar with the South Carolina flood insurance process and has experience managing assessments. This is where BSA Claims excels, ensuring clients are supported every step of the way.

Once your client reports the loss to their insurance company, an adjuster will be sent to document the damages and provide a repair cost estimate. Your client should only start permanent repairs or dispose of items once the insurance adjuster has completed their inspection and provided a written report.

Documenting all contact with the insurance company, including who they spoke with, when, and what was discussed, is important. This will be helpful if you need to file a claim dispute. Many flood insurance claims are wrongfully underpaid, so it is always a good idea to seek legal assistance if you feel you are not receiving what you are entitled to.

Talk to Your Insurance Company

After the flood, you should start talking to your insurance company and adjuster immediately. Having open communication with your insurance team will save time and trouble in the event of a disaster.

The insurer will send an adjuster to review the damage and estimate the claims payment. This may involve visiting your property or looking at photos of the damage. It is important to be polite during these interactions and remember that this is a business negotiation.

Insurance companies know that people are stressed after a disaster. They can use that against you to reduce your claim or get you to settle for less than what you deserve. Don’t let them take advantage of you!

Never agree to a recorded statement. You are not legally obliged to give a full statement, even if the insurance adjuster tries to convince you otherwise. Also, always ask if your call is being recorded before speaking to any insurance adjuster. If you feel uncomfortable talking to the insurance company alone, consider hiring an attorney to help you with your claim.

Meet with Your Adjuster

After you file the claim, the insurance company will send an adjuster to inspect the damage and determine a fair amount for the settlement. This meeting can feel intimidating for homeowners, but preparing beforehand will help the process move along more smoothly.

Before the adjuster comes, it’s a good idea to list everything you have that was damaged and its value. This can include BBQ grills, deck furniture, pool or hot tub equipment, landscaping, fences, windows, window screens, gutters, and more. Handing the adjuster this information will help ensure that all items are included in your estimate and that you receive the funds necessary to restore your property after the storm fully.

During the adjuster’s visit, it is important to be polite. You want the adjuster to view you as a reasonable, reliable claimant. If the adjuster isn’t taking your case seriously, it may be time to escalate things by requesting that a higher-level decision-maker or coverage counsel review the claim. 

Make a Decision

Having flood insurance is a smart decision for many property owners. However if your home or business suffers from moderate to severe flood water damage, it can be challenging to work with your insurer to settle the claim promptly. The following tips can help make the process as smooth as possible for property owners, from filing a claim to recovering from flood damage.

Keeping detailed documentation of all your losses makes the claims process much easier. It also helps prevent disputes when you meet with your insurance adjuster, especially if you can provide evidence of what was lost and how much the loss was worth.

If you disagree with your insurer’s estimate of the value of your lost property, you can file an appeal or request an appraisal. However, the window to file either of these is very short.

NFIP policyholders should keep records of all their conversations with their insurance agents and company representatives. It is helpful to write down the names and titles of everyone you speak with and the dates and times of your calls.

*This is a collaboration post