Rumor: Filing a flood insurance claim will lead to a substantial damage determination.

Fact

This is false. A flood insurance claim does not automatically lead to a substantial damage determination. Local officials in your community will assess the flood damage to your home to make this determination on a case-by-case basis.

FEMA encourages all flood insurance policyholders who had damage to file claims. The amount of damage determined by local building inspectors DOES NOT affect the amount paid to National Flood Insurance Program policyholders. The NFIP will pay all damage covered under your policy.