What are the Steps of Filing a Flood Insurance Claim?

10/27/2020 (Permalink)

Insurance claim form

What To Do When Your Home Sustains Flood Damage

After sustaining flood damage to your home in Overland Park, KS, you might be wondering what you should do first. Here are the steps of filing a flood claim with your insurance company.

Begin Cleanup
Call your insurance company to initiate the claim process. Take detailed, dated photos and video of damage for documentation. Then, start cleanup right away before water and mold damage has time to set in. Within hours, water will seep into places such as:

• Building structures
  
• Insulation
  
• Flooring
  
• Carpets
  
• Furniture
  
  

A storm remediation company can help you begin the process of extracting water from your home. Technicians are able to respond immediately, using advanced equipment to dry furniture, belongings and building structures. They can also inventory and store any furniture or belongings that must be removed from the home.

Keep Damaged Materials
You can begin the cleanup process without waiting for the insurance adjuster. As you clean and make temporary repairs, keep damaged items and replaced parts until the adjuster has a chance to view and document them for your insurance claim. Also, be sure to keep copies of all receipts and work estimates so you can provide them to the insurance company. These documents will be vital as the company processes your claim.

Sign a Proof of Loss Statement
After the adjuster goes through each room of your home and documents damage, you will need to sign a proof of loss statement. This is an official form that lists evidence and estimates of the present value of loss to the policyholder. The insurance company uses this form, along with supporting documentation such as receipts, to determine liability. After the form is completed, the company will review your flood claim and respond accordingly.
It’s helpful to know ahead of time what to do when your home in Overland Park, KS, sustains flood damage. Keep a copy of your policy, along with important phone numbers, so you will be ready if you need to file a flood claim.