- A general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of 2 or more acres of normally dry land area or of 2 or more properties (at least 1 of which is the policyholder’s property) from:
- Overflow of inland or tidal waters
- Unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source
- Mudflow
- Collapse or subsidence of land along the shore of a lake or similar body of water as a result of erosion or undermining caused by waves or currents of water exceeding anticipated cyclical levels that result in a flood as defined above.
Take Photos
Take photographs of your building and content damage as much as possible.
- Take photographs of your building and content damages in all rooms. This will ensure all your damaged and covered items can be accounted for in the claim settlement process.
- Take photographs of the outside of the premises showing the flooding and the damage.
- Take photographs of the inside of the premises showing the height of the water and the damaged property. Shoot multiple pictures of each room from different corners.
- Take overview photos showing as much of the area as possible as well as close up photos to show specific damage.
- Photograph all items with a value over $250 and all unique or unusual items regardless of value.
Clean Up
You may begin clean-up and tear-out on a limited basis, and the sooner the better to limit your loss and return your life to normal. Do not dispose of any damaged property until the adjuster can inspect it.
- Pursuant to the policy guidelines, separate the damaged property from the undamaged property.
- Photograph identification labels/tags that show make, model, and serial numbers on electronics, power tools, and items with motors.
- Take photos of all damaged items in place at the time of the loss prior to discarding the item.
- After photographing damage in place, remove all non-salvageable wet building materials which would require replacement pursuant to FEMA Bulletin W-13025A. https://bsa.nfipstat.fema.gov/wyobull/2013/w-13025a.pdf
Inventory
Make an inventory of damaged personal property on a room by room basis.
- Include the quantity, date purchased, description, replacement cost, and the total amount of loss claimed. Be sure to note the following:
- Description (including the brand name/manufacturer, model and serial number, and the purchase price)
- Quantity of each item
- Approximate age
- Cost to replace each item with like kind and quality at current pricing
- Use the Contents Inventory worksheet to help with this. Download links are available in the “Inventory” section of the Begin To Help Yourself chart as well as the “Additional Information” section of the previous page.
- Any bills, receipts, photographs of damage, and related documents should be attached to the list you submit.
- Please include cost documentation to support expensive, unique, or unusual personal property items.
If you have suffered a loss from a , please report your claim to your agent or carrier as soon as possible. Expect to be contacted by a flood certified adjuster for an appointment; in major catastrophe situations, initial contact may take more than 24 hours. See the document links below for helpful information.
Begin to Help Yourself:
Inventory
Make an inventory of damaged personal property on a room by room...
Contents Inventory Worksheet (Excel) +
Contents Inventory Worksheet (PDF) +
Deliver to Adjuster
Give your photos and inventory worksheet to the adjuster as soon as possible.