Often, the aftermath of a flood can be just as chaotic as the event itself. To regain control quickly, lean on what your policy actually covers and what the claims rules require. Most U.S. residential policies are the NFIP Standard Flood Insurance Policy (SFIP), which has not changed its core coverages or claims deadlines under FEMA’s Risk Rating 2.0 (that update changed how premiums are calculated, not what’s covered). NFIP caps for a 1–4 family dwelling are generally $250,000 for building and $100,000 for contents (purchased separately), and Additional Living Expenses are not covered under NFIP, though some private flood policies may offer them. See FEMA’s coverage overview at What Is Covered by Flood Insurance and the Risk Rating 2.0 summary at Risk Rating 2.0: Equity in Action. We’ve compiled research-backed steps below so you can start your claim, document losses effectively, and access help beyond insurance where eligible.
Begin the Claims Process by Contacting Your Insurer
Report the loss to your flood insurer or agent as soon as it’s safe. Under the SFIP, a signed and sworn Proof of Loss is generally due within 60 days of the date of loss unless FEMA issues an event-specific extension. Start a claim number, keep all receipts for emergency work, and ask about advance payments for immediate drying and debris removal. FEMA’s current NFIP claims guidance (updated through the 2024 Claims Manual) standardizes documentation, remote/virtual inspection options, and advance payment practices—ask your carrier what they need from you now (FEMA NFIP claims and appeals).
- Policy Declarations page – Have this handy; it lists coverage types/limits and deductibles (NFIP has separate building and contents deductibles and caps, e.g., up to $250,000 building and $100,000 contents for most 1–4 family homes). See FEMA’s coverage overview.
- Your contact information – Provide multiple phone numbers, email, and a reliable mailing address; enable text/email alerts from your insurer for inspection scheduling and document requests.
- Your property location – Give the full street address and any helpful landmarks. First-floor height and foundation type are key rating/exposure factors under Risk Rating 2.0 (FEMA RR 2.0).
- Contact information for other interested parties – Include your mortgage servicer and any additional lienholders so the insurer can manage loss payee requirements on building coverage.
Normally, an insurance adjuster will contact you within a few days. Adjusters working your claim do not charge fees. If you have not heard back promptly, follow up with your insurer/agent. Ask about advance payments: many carriers can issue an initial limited-documentation advance to kick-start drying and sanitation, with additional advances after an inspection verifies scope—procedures are outlined in FEMA’s NFIP claims guidance (FEMA NFIP claims and appeals).
If you have your policy written directly with the NFIP (you’ll know because your Declaration Page will have the FEMA logo in the top corner), you can start the process through the NFIP’s Direct Servicing Agent
Take Inventory of the Damage
Document early and thoroughly. Capture wide shots and close-ups with date- and time-stamped photos and video; enable location services so images are geotagged. Record waterlines with a tape measure in frame, and photograph make/model/serial numbers for appliances and electronics. A 360° video walk‑through can help speed virtual inspections. Keep a room‑by‑room list of damaged items (quantity, brand/model, approximate age/condition). These practices align with modern claims workflows that increasingly use remote and hybrid inspections; public agencies now also leverage authoritative remote‑sensing flood maps to validate impacts (Copernicus Global Flood Monitoring; NASA OPERA DSWx; NOAA National Water Model). Use these tips to build a clear dossier for your adjuster.
We recommend utilizing FEMA’s flood claim inventory list to help keep track of all the things you’re going to want to bring to the adjuster’s attention. This list also organizes everything by room, which makes it easier to catalogue your possessions and will also help the adjuster put together their estimate. If possible, obtain samples of flooring, carpeting, wallpaper, and any drapes that may have been damaged.
Photographic evidence and receipts may also qualify you for advance payments. Ask your insurer about what they can release now versus after an adjuster verifies the loss; FEMA’s current NFIP guidance describes how advance payments are documented and reconciled with your final claim (NFIP claims guidance).
Clean Up What You Can
Do not start major demolition or discard high‑value items until you’ve cleared it with the insurer, but do take reasonable steps to prevent further damage. Begin drying within 24–48 hours, keep indoor relative humidity at or below about 50%, ventilate bathrooms/kitchens to the outside, and run dehumidifiers and fans to speed dry‑out. Wear gloves, eye protection, and at least an N95 during cleanup, and discard porous items that remain wet after 24–48 hours (e.g., carpet pad, certain drywall/insulation). See health and prevention guidance from the EPA (minimize the spread of any mold) and CDC (mold/dampness basics).
If your home’s electrical, water, or HVAC systems were damaged, you don’t need to wait to contact the appropriate services—do so when it’s safe, and keep all receipts. Note that NFIP covers mold only when it was unavoidable after a covered flood and you took reasonable steps to prevent it; avoidable mold is excluded (FEMA coverage overview; FloodSmart: What’s Covered).
Meet Your Adjuster
Your adjuster will schedule an appointment and identify themselves (Flood Control Number, company ID, or driver’s license). A legitimate adjuster will never charge a fee or collect your deductible. NFIP claims follow standardized procedures in FEMA’s Claims Manual, and many insurers can conduct virtual or hybrid inspections when access is limited. Adjusters do not approve claims—that is the insurer’s role under the SFIP. Bring your organized inventory, geotagged photos/video, samples of materials, and any contractor estimates you’ve obtained (NFIP claims and appeals).
Ask about Increased Cost of Compliance, an NFIP benefit that can provide up to $30,000 for eligible mitigation (elevation, demolition, relocation, or nonresidential floodproofing) after your community issues a qualifying substantial damage or repetitive‑loss determination. ICC is separate coverage under the SFIP and is available only with NFIP building coverage; however, the amount paid under ICC plus building damage cannot exceed your SFIP building coverage limit. Eligibility depends on your community’s participation and a formal determination letter (SFIP—Dwelling Form (eCFR)). Given heavier downpours and rising coastal flood frequency identified in national climate assessments, mitigation can reduce future losses (IPCC AR6; NOAA Sea Level Rise report).
Prepare the Proof of Loss
Work with your adjuster to assemble your sworn Proof of Loss—the document that states the amount you are claiming and that controls the claim, not the adjuster’s estimate. Include photos, videos, inventories, samples, contractor estimates, and drying/cleanup receipts. Under the SFIP, the Proof of Loss is generally due within 60 days of the date of loss unless FEMA issues an extension for a specific event (FEMA coverage overview; appeals and timelines).
Given elevated demand after disasters and construction labor costs that have remained above pre‑2020 norms, expect variability in schedules and bids. Obtain two to three local estimates to refine scope and pricing. Typical national ranges in recent guides: water mitigation and dry‑out about $1,300–$5,600 (complex jobs higher), common mold remediation $1,100–$3,400 (extensive projects more), drywall replacement often $1.50–$3.50 per sq. ft., and flooring replacement varies by material (e.g., carpet ~ $3–$7/sq. ft.; tile ~ $9–$20/sq. ft.). Construction employment costs have continued to rise year‑over‑year, which can affect estimates (water mitigation costs; mold remediation costs; drywall costs; flooring costs; BLS Employment Cost Index).
Don’t Forget about Federal Disaster Assistance
If a Presidential Disaster Declaration includes Individual Assistance for your area, you may be eligible for FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program. You will need to apply by the registration deadline (commonly about 60 days from the declaration; check your event’s page). FEMA cannot duplicate insurance benefits, so file your insurance claims promptly and upload settlement/denial letters to your FEMA case. IHP may help with Rental Assistance, Lodging Expense Reimbursement, essential repairs to make the home safe/sanitary/functional, and certain “Other Needs” categories (e.g., personal property, transportation, clean/sanitize, medical), depending on the disaster’s authorizations. Some categories may involve coordination with the U.S. Small Business Administration—an SBA disaster loan application can be required or recommended for certain needs. You have 60 days to appeal FEMA decisions if needed (FEMA Individuals and Households Program; DisasterAssistance.gov; SBA Disaster Loans).
