Floods can be very damaging, causing not only physical damage of property but pain and financial burdens as well. Floods occur due to extreme rainfall or snow melt, bursting of dams, overflowing river, or water pipes bursts, and they can bring a lot of loss to homeowners and business owners. In these cases, flood insurance is critical as it provides the means to deal with the consequences and enables one to regain control of their life. Such situations require that a claim for flood insurance is made, and the water damaged area is adequately cleaned to reduce the adverse short- and long-term effects.
Below is a detailed procedure on how to file a flood insurance claim and also some helpful tips on the clean-up required afterwards.
Filing a Claim for Flood Insurance
When you experience a disaster that causes damage to your home or property by flood, one of the first things you should consider doing is making an insurance claim. Filing a claim quickly can assist in making sure that you obtain the required amount of resources which will kick start the recovery process. Here are the key steps to follow:
- Notify Your Insurance Company About Your Losses ASAP
Once it’s possible, report the flood damage in a timely manner to the insurance agent. Almost all insurance policies, including flood, have a time frame within which a claim should be made, and so it is prudent not to procrastinate. Your agent will direct you on what to do next, together with the information that will need to be produced to move forward.
- Report The Damage Properly
Cleaning or fixing anything before documenting the damage is bound to invalidate the insurance coverage. Take photographs or video recordings of the different areas affected by the flood to provide evidence of its severity. These might include physical damage to floors, internal walls, furniture, and other items–including personal effects. It is advisable to write down serial numbers of essential appliances or electronic items. Gather all other expenses, in the form of receipts, from repairs or purchases made to make repairs, as these are vital in the process of making a claim.
- Conduct a Meeting with the Insurance Adjuster
Once you’ve made your claim, you’ll be assigned an insurance adjustor to evaluate the damages. It’s important that you don’t leave that house until the investigation is complete. Check their business card and identify them, secure the adjusters contact information, and ensure they check out all damages from the flood. It’s here where you should also outline the repairs or replacements you would make or if there are any other concerns that pop up concerning the claim.
- Start Making Repairs
After the adjuster has gone around the premises performing the required evaluation, it’s time to search for rehabilitation contractors to make the necessary repairs and mitigations. You’ll need to report any major maintenance work to your insurance company and request their approval before moving forward. Your insurance adjuster won’t be too happy if you just go ahead and make repairs without first warning them. There’s no need to be hasty in making decisions—confirm that the contractor with whom you intend to employ is properly licensed in the areas of work you intend to complete. Disasters always tend to pull those out of the woodwork who would commit fraudulent acts.
5. Review Your Offer
If your claim is approved, the insurance company will provide you with an offer for payout. Look over the offer in-depth and make sure it includes adequate coverage for repairs. Don’t assume that the offered payout is all there is and if it has any discrepancies, report them to your insurance agent.
6. Appeal if Necessary
If you’re not satisfied with the claim and wish to increase the settlement amount, you can file a claim to justify it. It’s prudent to reach out to your insurance company and find out the reasons for denial or insufficient payout, as well as request the evidence they used to back up their conclusion. You also have an opportunity to file an appeal with FEMA within 60 days of a denial or file a lawsuit within twelve months. Be determined and prepared with additional evidence if requested.
Cleaning Up After a Flood: Essential Tips
After filing an insurance claim the next crucial step is to cleanup. Cleaning up after a flood may be a tiresome job, and if done carelessly, it could worsen the situation by enhancing the damage through mold and overall deterioration of the house. Here are some guidelines to follow that can be helpful during the clean-up process:
- Wait Until It’s Safe to Enter
Don’t ever step inside your home until you are absolutely sure that you can do so safely. The floods can damage the building in a way that is not apparent upon immediate inspection. Don’t walk into areas with poorly constructed walls, ceilings, or floors at the risk of them collapsing. There are many hidden dangers after a flood that continues to make things dangerous for you or other untrained people.
- Don’t Turn on the Power
Electric installations are especially dangerous after a flood–don’t even think about switching them on. Dealing with electric systems should be left to a trained professional. Don’t switch on the current even if the flooding is minimal or outside of the home.
3. Put on Proper Protective Equipment
Floodwaters commonly include effluents, toxins, and microbes. Before you get into demolition or cleaning mode, you should put on a long-sleeved shirt, waterproof shoes, plastic or rubber gloves, and a mask. You also expose yourself to other risks including broken glasses, splints, or rusted nails.
4. Take Pictures During the Process
You already managed to take pictures of the original damage so don’t stop there. Take pictures and videos not only during the restoration but also throughout the clean-up process. This helps in two ways: one, because it acts as more evidence for your insurance company, and two, it ensures you don’t forget what has been completed and what still needs to be done. Keep this evidence for at least 12-months, until your claim has been closed out, for residual insurance purposes.
5. Avoid the growth of mold
Mold is one of the most dangerous possibilities after a flood as it takes so little time to develop in the wet places. To stop mold from sprouting inside, use fans, air conditioners, or a dehumidifier to dry excessive moisture out of the house. If you’re already in an area that’s affected by mold, enlist safety and health measures such as wearing gloves, goggles, and a face mask. If things get really bad, you may have to look for someone who’s an expert in mold and water mitigation.
- Look out for Scams
Generally, places struck by natural phenomena attract all sorts of crooks. When this is the case, which usually presents as a contractor or the cleanup service, it’s best to be careful and look at your options closely. If possible, check for reviews. In today’s fast-paced world, people tend to make spontaneous decisions regarding professionals they met a day ago, especially when their circumstances are urgent.
It is easy to feel depressed after the overwhelmed in the aftermath of a flood, however, implementing the right moves ensures that loss of property is controlled, and normalcy is restored. It’s vital to be cautious and act wisely in preparing the necessary documentation for the flood insurance claim. As the claims process goes on, make the safe and thorough clean-up of the areas your priority.
Despite the frustration involved in dealing with a flood, looking at the above steps will help you when faced with disaster. Don’t forget–in case you ever find yourself in a situation when you actually need this information, turn to your insurance agent for help with the claims procedure or for finding reputable companies to assist with the clean-up and restoration.
