Flood damage claims guide
Standard homeowners policies don't cover flood — know what you have
Flood is the most misunderstood coverage gap in homeowners insurance. If you have a separate flood policy, here's how to document a claim correctly.
What to document
Photos and video of the water line on walls, floors, and exterior — mark the high-water line with tape before water recedes
Photos of all damaged personal property in place before moving anything
Serial numbers and model numbers of damaged appliances and electronics
Receipts or estimates for emergency water extraction and drying services
Your flood policy declarations page — NFIP and private flood policies have different coverage structures
Documentation of the flood source — river overflow, storm surge, surface water — as coverage may depend on the cause
What adjusters look for
Distinguishing flood damage from water damage (burst pipe, appliance leak) — these are covered by different policies
The flood source — NFIP policies have specific definitions of 'flood' that exclude some water events
Building vs. contents coverage — NFIP policies separate these and have different limits
Basement coverage limitations — NFIP policies have significant restrictions on basement contents
Common mistakes to avoid
Assuming homeowners insurance covers flood — it doesn't. You need a separate flood policy.
Starting cleanup before the adjuster visits — document everything first
Not understanding the difference between building coverage and contents coverage under NFIP
Missing the 60-day proof of loss deadline under NFIP policies
Need help with a claim in progress?
The RightQuote team can review your claim situation, connect you with a public adjuster if needed, and make sure you're not leaving money on the table.