Understanding flood damage.

Standard property insurance policies do not cover flood. A separate policy must be obtained through a separate carrier. There are many complex issues involved in the NFIP program in terms of underwriting as well as the property claims process. One of many unique coverage issues relates to the definition of “flood” under the NFIP. As an example, in order to qualify as a “flood” there must be “a general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of two or more areas of normally dry land area or of two or more properties from an overflow of inland or tidal waters; unusual and rapid accumulation or run-off of surface waters from any source; mud flow.” In reality, a flood is an excess of water (or mud) on land that is normally dry. A flood can stem from heavy rains, overflowing rivers, thawing snow, flash flooding, and hurricane storms surges. The resulting damage from a flood event can include all types of complex issues, which will require expert analysis in order to prove the damages and support the claim.
A flood adjuster that is sent out by your insurance company has no real authority. They can only write up a claim and submit it for payment consideration. If you have a flood loss to your insured home or commercial property, you need to understand the 60 day provision for filing a flood proof of loss. This puts enormous pressure on you the insured to get all your damages documented in a very limited amount of time. This 60 day provision may be waived by an authorized government official but if not and you fail to submit your proof of loss within sixty days, it is likely your claim will not be paid!
If you suffer a flood loss For The People Public Adjusting can most likey help you obtain a waiver of this time constraint as in most disasters much time will pass while emergency crews are on scene restoring order after a disaster. Many times it could take at least a month for the insurance company to even get an adjuster out to your property. This is no fault of your own but if even if a waiver can be secured we still need to move fast on the documenting and preparation of your claim for submission. Time for documenting a loss is always very critical as we need to see the property when things look their worse. Often times when the flood waters have receded and an insurance company adjusters steps onto the property, things don’t seem as bad as they truly were. Taking photos before, during and after a loss is crucial. Do yourself a favor and keep a camera charged and ready to go if a flood loss is imminent.

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