WIND DAMAGE VERSUS FLOODWATER DAMAGE: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW WHEN
FILING A CLAIM
[https://www.fema.gov/fact-sheet/wind-damage-versus-floodwater-damage-what-you-need-know-when-filing-claim]


Natural disasters such as hurricanes, tropical storms and
nor’easters can cause wind and floodwater damage to your property.
Your National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policy works with your
homeowners or commercial property insurance to cover any sustained
damage. You will likely need to file insurance claims with both
entities and work with multiple adjusters.

DISTINGUISHING THE CAUSE OF DAMAGE

Your flood insurance policy only covers physical damage directly
caused by a flood. For example, an NFIP policy covers damage caused by
water entering your home from the ground up due to storm surge, heavy
rainfall or the overflow of a body of water, such as a lake or river.
Other policies, such as homeowners policies, do not cover water damage
from flooding but may cover damage from other perils, such as
wind-driven rain or fire.

If river overflow or rain causes flash flooding that enters your home,
this is considered a DIRECT RESULT OF FLOODING and would likely be
covered under your flood insurance policy. However, if rain is
propelled into a covered structure by wind, that is considered
WIND-DRIVEN RAIN and is not covered under your flood insurance policy.
The same is true if your roof is damaged and water enters through the
ceiling. That is WATER DAMAGE AS A RESULT OF WIND DAMAGE and is not
covered under your flood insurance policy.

REPORTING THE FLOOD DAMAGE

Taking quick action will put you back in control of your home and your
life.

STEP 1: CONTACT YOUR AGENT

Your flood insurance policy requires you to give prompt written notice
of your loss. Contact your flood insurance agent or your flood
insurance company directly to start the process. When making a claim,
you will likely need to provide the name of your insurance company,
policy number and contact information.

STEP 2: SEPARATE YOUR PROPERTY

Your flood insurance policy requires you to separate damaged property
from undamaged property. Take photographs and videos of the damaged
property, including items you plan to discard. After recording the
damage, immediately throw away flooded content and materials, such as
perishable food items, clothing, pillows, etc., that could pose health
risks and collect mold.

Take measures to preserve and protect undamaged property, but do not
sign an agreement or contract for cleaning, remediation or maintenance
services before consulting with your flood adjuster or flood insurer
to ensure the services are covered. In most situations, you are
allowed to mitigate further damage to your property, such as tarping,
but you cannot repair damage prior to the adjuster’s visit.

NFIP policyholders are responsible for minimizing the growth and
spread of mold as much as possible after a flood. Flood and property
insurance policies do not cover mold damage if a policyholder fails to
take action to prevent the growth and spread of mold.

STEP 3: RECORD DAMAGE

Take photographs and videos of all damage inside and outside your
home. As you assess your property, make a list of any structural
damage you want to point out to the insurance adjuster(s). If you
purchased flood insurance contents coverage, which is separate from
flood and property insurance policies, you should also make a list of
your damaged property for your adjuster. Be sure to include:

 	* The quantity and description of each item;
 	* Any brand name(s);
 	* Where the item was purchased;
 	* The cost, model and serial number (if appropriate);
 	* Location of the item in your building; and
 	* Your estimate of the loss amount.

STEP 4: WORK WITH YOUR ADJUSTER(S)

Your adjuster will contact you after receiving your notice of loss to
set a time for a property visit. During the initial visit, they will
take measurements and photos to document flood damage. You may want to
ask if you are eligible for a remote visit or advance payment.

After the inspection, the adjuster will give their contact information
and let you know if additional visits are necessary. Adjusters may
need to consult with each other and additional claims personnel during
the settlement of your claims. The adjuster then uses the information
collected during the visit(s)—and the documentation you have
provided—to complete a detailed damage estimate. You will receive a
copy of the estimate, which may help inform repair work appraisals
from licensed professional contractors.

_Beware of scammers. When an adjuster visits your home, you should not
be asked to provide confidential information, such as your social
security number or bank account numbers. For more information, review
the_ _Who’s Knocking at Your Door Infographic at
__agents.floodsmart.gov/whos-knocking_
[http://agents.floodsmart.gov/whos-knocking]_._

 

 

For additional support filing your claim, contact FEMA Mapping and
Insurance eXchange (FMIX) at FEMA-FMIX@FEMA.DHS.GOV or by calling
877-336-2627. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service
(VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for
that service.