How to file a flood insurance claim

Checked against FEMA and other official sources · Last reviewed October 8, 2026

Step 1: Report the loss right away

FloodSmart, FEMA's flood insurance site, says to "report the flood and your loss to your insurance provider as soon as possible." The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policy itself says that after a flood loss you must "give prompt written notice to us."

FEMA's claims handbook says to file your notice of loss "promptly, even if you are unsure if your loss is covered or exceeds the policy deductible." Send it to your insurance agent or directly to your insurer, and include your policy number.

The handbook warns that it may be hard to reach your agent or insurance company after a flood. Keep trying, and follow any other directions your insurer gives you. [1][2][4]

Step 2: Document the damage and keep samples

Don't wait to clean up. FEMA's handbook says "the longer your items sit in water, the more likely they are to become damaged." It tells you to remove wet building materials and belongings that can't be saved, to avoid mold and worse damage. But document first.

• Photos and video. Take photos and videos of the damage to the building and your belongings, inside and outside, from several angles and distances.
• Appliances and electronics. Write down or photograph the make, model and serial number.
• Structural damage. List and photograph possible structural damage you want the adjuster to see. Signs include visible cracks, sagging or uneven floors, and doors and windows that are hard to open.
• Separate. The policy says to separate damaged and undamaged property "as soon as reasonably possible" so the insurer can examine it.
• Inventory. The policy requires an inventory of damaged property showing "the quantity, description, actual cash value, and amount of loss," with bills, receipts and related documents attached. FloodSmart's checklist adds make, model, serial number, approximate age and replacement cost.

What to throw away and what to keep. FEMA says not to throw anything away before your adjuster sees it, unless the item is a health hazard or local law requires you to discard it. If you must throw something out, photograph it first to show it can't be repaired. Keep samples for the adjuster, such as a piece of wall-to-wall carpet, wood flooring, blinds or curtains. Items you think can be repaired should be set aside for the adjuster to examine. See after a flood for safety steps and mold after water damage for drying out. [1][2][4][5]

Step 3: Meet the adjuster and ask about an advance

FEMA's handbook says your adjuster generally contacts you within one to two days of your notice of loss, though it can take longer after severe flooding. The inspection is usually done in person. Remote adjusting may be an option, but not all claims qualify.

When the adjuster arrives, ask to see their Flood Control Number (FCN) card and a government-issued photo ID. FEMA warns that scammers may pose as government agents or insurance adjusters, and that reputable sources "will never ask for payment, your Social Security Number or your bank account information."

Give the adjuster your photos, videos and lists, and point out damage you noticed. The adjuster measures, photographs and notes the damage. This is called "scoping" the loss. The policy says you must cooperate with the adjuster. It also says the adjuster is not authorized "to approve or disapprove claims."

Advance payments. You can ask your adjuster for an advance or partial payment before the full claim is settled. FloodSmart says FEMA allows advance payments "during major flood events," and that your insurer "may offer up to $5,000 without an adjuster's visit, official documentation or FEMA's authorization," and that "with authorization and documentation, you may get up to $20,000." The advance is deducted from your final claim payment. If you have a mortgage, your mortgage company must sign all building payment checks, including advances. The insurer sends the personal property (contents) advance directly to you. [1][2][4][5]

Step 4: Send your proof of loss within 60 days

The Standard Flood Insurance Policy says: "Within 60 days after the loss, send us a proof of loss, which is your statement of the amount you are claiming under the policy signed and sworn to by you." It must include details such as the date and time of loss, how the loss happened, other insurance, detailed repair estimates, mortgage holders, and your inventory of damaged belongings.

Your adjuster may give you a proof of loss form and help you fill it out. The policy calls that "a matter of courtesy only." You still have to send it within 60 days even if the adjuster doesn't. The insurer may choose to accept the adjuster's report, signed by you, instead of your proof of loss. Before you mail anything yourself, confirm the right address with your insurer. FEMA warns that papers sent to the wrong address may not arrive in time.

Extensions. The policy's terms can't be waived without the written consent of FEMA's Federal Insurance Administrator. FEMA has extended the deadline for some large disasters. For Hurricane Helene in 2024, FEMA set the deadline at 180 days from the date of loss. FloodSmart's checklist says to submit within 60 days "or within the timeframe your adjuster or insurance provider provides." Don't assume an extension. Ask your insurer in writing.

Getting paid. FloodSmart says it can take four to eight weeks before a claim is finalized and paid, and in very rare cases longer. Review the adjuster's estimate carefully. If you later find more damage, a missed item, or repairs that cost more than the estimate, you can ask for an additional payment. You'll need a proof of loss and your contractor's detailed estimate. FEMA's handbook says this "must be completed within the 60-day limit or within any extensions of time granted." Your insurer can ask FEMA for more time, but that is not guaranteed. FloodSmart's checklist says an additional payment "can be requested at any time, even if you think your claim has been settled," which is looser than the handbook, so tell your adjuster or insurer as soon as you find more damage. [1][2][4][5][6]

If your claim is denied: appeal, appraisal or lawsuit

Talk to your adjuster or insurer first. If you still disagree after the insurer sends a written denial of all or part of your claim, you have three options. Some of them rule each other out.

• Appeal to FEMA. Send a written appeal within 60 days. The regulation counts from "the date of the decision" (the insurer's written denial), and FEMA's handbook says "the date on the denial letter." FloodSmart's checklist says "within 60 days after you receive a letter," so to be safe, count from the date printed on the letter. Include a copy of the denial, your policy and claim details, why you disagree, and supporting documents. FEMA's handbook gives the mailing address (FEMA, 400 C Street, S.W., 6th Floor S.W., Washington, DC 20472-3010) and an email address (FEMA-NFIP-Appeals@fema.dhs.gov). Send copies, not originals. Under the regulation, FEMA decides within 90 days after you have submitted all the information. An appeal can't add coverage that isn't in your policy, and it doesn't extend any policy deadline.
• Appraisal. If you and the insurer disagree on the value of your damaged property, either side can demand an appraisal. Each side picks an appraiser and pays for it, and you split the umpire's costs. If you use appraisal, you can't appeal that issue to FEMA, and if you appeal, you can't use appraisal.
• Lawsuit. The policy says you must sue "within one year after the date of the written denial of all or part of the claim," in the United States District Court for the district where the property was located at the time of loss. Filing a lawsuit ends any pending appeal. An appeal does not pause the one-year clock, so watch that date even while an appeal is open. Talk to your own attorney about litigation.

[1][2][3][4][5]

Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) claims

If your community declares your building "substantially damaged," you may have to elevate, floodproof, relocate or demolish it before you rebuild. FEMA says a building is substantially damaged if repairs would cost 50% or more of its market value, not counting the land. Your community will tell you by official letter.

The policy's Coverage D, Increased Cost of Compliance, pays "up to $30,000" toward those costs. It only applies if you have building coverage, and there is no separate deductible. ICC counts toward the building claim maximum. If your building claim pays the maximum allowed, no ICC money is left.

To claim ICC, tell your flood insurer as soon as you get the community's letter. FEMA's handbook says you must sign a separate ICC proof of loss within 60 days of the date of that letter, and you have six years from the date of the flood to finish the work. Ask your adjuster about it early. See flood zone AE and elevation certificate for how elevation requirements work. [1][2]

Flood claim checklist

Use this as a printable checklist. Your insurer's instructions come first.

• Call your insurance agent or insurer as soon as it is safe, and give your policy number.
• Photograph and video all damage, inside and out, including the building and belongings.
• Record make, model and serial numbers of damaged appliances and electronics.
• Separate damaged from undamaged property.
• Don't throw anything out before the adjuster sees it, unless it is a health hazard or local law requires it. Photograph anything you discard.
• Keep samples of carpet, flooring, blinds and curtains.
• List damaged items with description, quantity, age, value, and receipts if you have them.
• Ask the adjuster for their Flood Control Number card and photo ID.
• Ask about an advance payment.
• Review the adjuster's estimate for missing items.
• Send your signed, sworn proof of loss within 60 days of the loss, or by any extended deadline your insurer confirms in writing.
• Keep copies of everything you send and receive.
• If you get a letter declaring your home substantially damaged, tell your insurer and ask about ICC right away.
• If you get a denial letter, note the date. Appeal deadline: 60 days. Lawsuit deadline: one year.
• After repairs, photograph the work and keep the receipts.

[1][2][3][4][5]

Water damage that isn't a flood

Water from a burst pipe or a leak is usually a homeowners or renters insurance claim, not a flood claim. See does homeowners insurance cover water damage. The NAIC, the national association of state insurance regulators, says to read your policy, "contact your insurance agent or company as soon as possible," and ask what documents you need. You're also required to protect your home from further damage, for example by cleaning up water from a backed-up drain.

Texas's insurance department adds: "Stop the water flow or leak as soon as you can," make temporary repairs to protect your house and belongings, and don't make permanent repairs until your insurance company sees the damage. The NAIC also notes that if repairs cost not much more than your deductible, you might choose to pay for them yourself without filing a claim. [7][8]

Questions people ask