TIPS FOR FILING YOUR FLOOD INSURANCE CLAIM
If your community has been flooded, and your property or home has suffered flood damage, please follow these instructions to file your flood insurance claim.
IMMEDIATELY
Call your agent or insurance company. Have the following information with you when you place your call: (1) the name of your insurance company (your agent may write policies for more than one company); (2) your policy number; and (3) a telephone number/e-mail address where you can be reached.
When you file your claim, ask for an approximate time frame during which an adjustor can be expected to visit your home so you can plan accordingly.
ONCE YOU HAVE REPORTED YOUR LOSS
An adjustor will work with you to calculate the value of the damage and prepare a repair estimate.
BEFORE THE ADJUSTOR ARRIVES
Local officials may require the disposal of damaged items. If you dispose of items, pleasekeep a swatch or other sample of damaged item(s) for the adjustor.
Separate damaged items from undamaged items. If necessary, place items outside the home.
Take photos. Take photos of any water in the house and damaged personal property. Your adjustor will need evidence of the damage and damaged items (i.e.: cut swatches from carpeting, curtains, chairs) to prepare your repair estimate.
Make a list of damaged or lost items and include their age and value where possible. If possible, have receipts for those items available for the adjustor.
If you have damage estimates prepared by a contractor(s), provide them to the adjustor since they will be considered in the preparation of your repair estimate.
Contact your insurance company if an adjustor has not been assigned to you within several days.
To Register For FEMA Disaster Assistance
Call 1-800-621-3362.
www.fema.gov/nfip- www.floodsmart.gov
To locate free or low cost legal assistance:
Visit the Michiganlegalaid.org home page and search for local assistance by entering your zip code in the box marked “Find a lawyer, organization or related service to help you with your problem.” or
Look under "attorneys" in the yellow pages to find your local legal aid office, or
Contact the Michigan State Bar Lawyer Referral Service at (800) 968- 0738.
Persons age 60 or older, regardless of their income, may be able to receive free advice from the Legal Hotline for Michigan Seniors by calling (800) 347-5297.
This article is provided courtesy of FEMA