Filing a flood insurance claim

A flood insurance claim moves fastest when it starts early. Report the loss as soon as you can, even before it's safe to go back inside.

What you need

• Your policy number, if you have it
• The declarations page, which shows whether you have building coverage, contents coverage or both
• A phone or camera
• A notebook or a notes app for a log of every call
• Receipts or invoices for damaged items, if you have them

Steps

1. 1

   Report the loss

   Call your insurance agent or the insurer. Ask which coverage you have and what the limits and deductibles are. Check that the right mortgage company is on the declarations page, since a wrong one delays the check.

   15 min

2. 2

   Start a call log

   Write down the date, the time, the name of each person you speak to, the adjuster assigned to you and what was said. Keep the same log for contractors and cleaners.

   5 min

3. 3

   Photograph the damage

   Take photos and video from several angles and distances, inside and out, before you clean or throw anything away. Capture the waterline on the walls, furniture and appliances, and any damage to floors, ceilings and the foundation.

   60 min

4. 4

   Record serial numbers

   Write down or photograph the make, model and serial number of each damaged appliance and electronic item.

   15 min

5. 5

   List the damaged belongings

   With contents coverage, list each damaged item. Give its description, value, make, model, serial number, quantity, approximate age and replacement cost.

   40 min

6. 6

   Keep samples and separate what's damaged

   Cut small samples of the carpet, flooring, drywall and curtains for the adjuster. Move damaged things away from undamaged ones so the adjuster can see the loss, and protect what wasn't hit.

   15 min

Cleaning up while you wait

Throw away anything that's a health risk once you've photographed it, such as spoiled food and soaked clothing, cushions and pillows. Mold can start within 24 to 48 hours. Dry the house out as quickly as you can. Ask the insurer which cleaning and repair costs the policy covers before you pay for them.

Have a qualified expert look at the house before the power goes back on. Wear gloves, goggles and an N95 mask for the cleanup, and run any portable generator outside, away from the house.

Meeting the adjuster

The adjuster inspects the property and writes a damage estimate. Ask to see their Flood Control Number card and a government-issued photo ID. The card carries their picture and is dated for the current storm year, and it shows they're authorized to work NFIP claims. Give the adjuster your photos, video, list and samples, and ask about the claims process and the next steps.

During a major flood, an insurer may pay part of the claim early. As of 2026, an insurer can pay up to $5,000 without an adjuster's visit or paperwork, and up to $20,000 with authorization and documentation. The advance comes out of the final payment.

Getting paid

Submit your documents to the insurer by the date your adjuster or insurer gives you. Read the adjuster's estimate to check that it's accurate and complete. Payment usually takes 4 to 8 weeks. If you have a mortgage, the check is made out to you and the mortgage company.

If you find more damage later, or the repair costs more than the estimate, tell the insurer.

Federal disaster assistance

If the president declares a disaster, you can also apply for federal disaster assistance, such as help with temporary housing. Applying for FEMA disaster assistance walks through it.

After the claim

Keep every claim document. Photograph the finished repairs and keep the receipts, since a later claim on the same item may need proof of the repair. Update your home inventory for anything you replaced.