Top Tips When handling Your Flood Insurance Claim

It often seems like you can’t turn on the news without hearing about another global disaster. The truth is that some things, such as flooding, are on the increase and it’s believed this is linked to global warming

Of course, you hope it never happens to you. But, the reality is that any home can flood, it’s not just caused by natural disasters. That’s why you need to know how to handle a flood insurance claim.

Check Your Insurance

Having flood insurance is not the same as having comprehensive flood insurance. In order to make sure you are getting the most from your insurance payments check your policy to see what is and isn’t covered. It’s best to do this now before you need to make a claim.

 

Contact Them Straight Away

When you experience a flood you are almost certain to need to make a flood insurance claim. Unless you are extremely unlucky and have experienced a flood before you won’t know how to handle a flood insurance claim.

That’s why the first thing you should do is contact your insurance company to lodge your flood insurance claim. They can advise you of any specific procedures that need to be followed. Make sure you follow them.

 

Take Pictures

You don’t have to wait for the flood to stop to start taking pictures, providing it is safe to do so. If not, wait until it is safe and take pictures. Ideally, before the water recedes.

You’ll then need to start emptying the water out of your home. Some will drain naturally, the rest has to be removed by buckets, pumps, end even mops.

Once the water is gone take more pictures, especially of the damaged furniture.

 

Conserve items

The best way of getting the most from your insurance is to keep all the items that have been damaged. You will need to empty your home in all the areas that have been flooded.

This includes floor coverings. It is the only way to ensure that the area has dried out properly and prevent mold issues later. They are not good for your health.

If possible store the damaged items in a garage. But, if not keep them outside. The loss adjuster may need to see them.

 

Meet Your Adjustor

Your loss adjuster is actually on your side! They generally get paid via commission, the more you get the more they make! Of course, they also need to be fair. But, it doesn’t hurt to chat with them and help point out anything they may have missed. Providing you do this in a helpful and tactful manner they will be grateful.

This isn’t about being greedy, everything that has been damaged will need to be replaced, you need to have enough money to do this.

 

Review Your Proof Of Loss Quote

Your insurance company should send you a proof of loss quote. It lists everything that has been lost that the insurance company will pay for and how much. You need to go through it line by line.

Most importantly, you need to be prepared to question the list and fight for extra money when necessary.

Don’t forget, the bigger the job the more it will cost. If you suspect they haven’t awarded enough you can always get a repair quote and then send it to the adjuster.  This will help them to see that they have undervalued your quote.

 

Check Further Yourself

Finally, to make sure everything is covered look at the area yourself. Many adjusters won’t cover replacing ceramic tiles as they are waterproof. But, that doesn’t mean the adhesive and wall behind aren’t damaged.

You can check by removing one tile and then taking pictures to confirm the damage. The loss adjuster will then change the money awarded.

Final Thoughts On Flood Insurance Claims

If you have to place a flood insurance claim then make sure you follow the proper process but don’t be afraid to point out where you think the process or award is unfair. It’s in your interest to get the most from your claim and return your house to the pre-flood condition.

However, while repairing your home and redecorating, you should consider if there is anything you can do to reduce flood impact in the future. It could save you a lot of hassle.