National Flood Insurance Program

Last updated on, Friday, November 2nd, at 8:00 A.M.

FEMA has begun outreach for its National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policy holders to assist with claims applications.

The FEMA Call Center at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) is currently operating seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) until further notice.  The Call Center can provide answers to general questions about the NFIP and can direct callers to other NFIP areas according to their needs.

NFIP policy holders who have experienced a flood can file a flood insurance claim by following three steps:

STEP ONE:

After experiencing a flood, NFIP policy holders should contact their agent or insurance company to file a claim. An adjuster should contact the policy holder within a few days of filing your claim. If policy holders do not hear from an adjuster, they can contact their insurance agent or company again. Make sure you have the following information handy:

•The name of your insurance company

•Your policy number

•A telephone and/or email address where you can be reached at all times

STEP TWO:

Separate damaged from undamaged property. Your adjuster will need evidence of the damage to your home and possessions to prepare your repair estimate.

 •Take photographs of all of the damaged property, including discarded objects, structural damage, and standing floodwater levels.

•Make a list of damaged or lost items and include their date of purchase, value, and receipts, if possible.

•Officials may require disposal of damaged items so, if possible, place flooded items outside of the home.

STEP THREE:

Your adjuster will provide you a Proof of Loss form for your official claim for damages. You'll need to file this claim with your insurance company within 60 days of the flood. This document substantiates the insurance claim and is required before the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or insurance company can make payment.

You'll receive your claim payment after you and the insurer agree on the amount of damages and the insurer has your complete, accurate, and signed Proof of Loss form. If major catastrophic flooding occurs, it may take longer to process claims and make payments because of the sheer number of claims submitted.

Additional NFIP Resources can be found below.

After a flood (English): http://www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/pages/preparation_recovery/after_a_flood.jsp

After a flood (Spanish): http://www.floodsmart.gov/toolkits/spanish/downloads/spanish/despues-de-la-inundacion.pdf

How to file a flood insurance claim (English): http://www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/pages/preparation_recovery/file_your_claim.jsp

How to file a flood insurance claim (Spanish): http://www.floodsmart.gov/toolkits/spanish/downloads/spanish/consejos-para-presentar-un-reclamo.pdf

Summary of Coverage (English): http://www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/pdfs/NFIP_Summary_of_Coverage.pdf

Summary of Coverage (Spanish): http://www.floodsmart.gov/toolkits/spanish/downloads/spanish/programa-nacional.pdf

Claims Handbook: https://agents.floodsmart.gov/manageagent/claims-and-services/filing-process

Managing Your Flood Insurance Claim (English): http://www.floodsmart.gov/toolkits/flood/downloads/ManagingYourFloodInsuranceClaim08-2008.pdf

Managing Your Flood Insurance Claim (Spanish): http://www.floodsmart.gov/toolkits/spanish/downloads/spanish/manejando-reclamacion-de-inundacion.pdf

Flood Insurance Requirements for Recipients of Federal Disaster Assistance: http://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=3323