Florida, being located near the coast, is no stranger to flooding events. In a matter of moments, a flood can destroy basements, floors and, in severe situations, even entire homes. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) reports that in the United States, floods top the list of natural disasters and that from 2010 to 2014, the average flood claim was close to $42,000.
Flood damage is beyond stressful and the flood insurance claims process can be confusing. Below, ServiceMaster by Reed discusses tips to handle the flood insurance claims process.
Tips for Handling the Flood Insurance Claims Process
- Review your coverage in your homeowners or renters insurance policy. Check the declarations page for the coverage, exclusions, limitations and the filing deadlines. If the original documents were lost or damaged by the flood, your insurance provider can supply a copy.
- Call your insurance company immediately to start the claims process.
- Document damage by taking photos or videos before beginning any cleanup or restoration work. These will be required by the claims adjuster.
- Contact ServiceMaster by Reed for a free inspection and area assessment, a mitigation cost estimate and to begin the restoration and cleanup process. We perform water removal, structural drying and other procedures as needed.
- Do not discard any water-damaged item. The claims adjuster may ask to examine items during the claims inspection.
- Notate the following information:
- A list of all damaged items including building materials and furniture
- Cause of the flood
- Date of the flood
- Estimates for cleanup and remediation
- Receipts for cleanup, repairs and other related costs
- Your contact information or the contact information of the property owner
- Keep a detailed record of all interactions with the insurance company during the flood insurance claim process.
- Log phone conversations, complete with the date and time, the name of the person interacted with and a description of the conversation.
- Keep a copy of all written communication with your insurance provider, which includes printed copies of emails and other digital communication.
Flood Damage Policies
- Basic homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. If you live in a flood-prone area, secure a separate policy for floods.
- It may take longer to receive a claim check following a major or catastrophic flood event.
Schedule a Flood Damage Restoration Appointment Today
For a fast response following flood damage emergencies, call ServiceMaster by Reed at 954-922-2020. We service residential and commercial properties 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in Miami, Florida and the surrounding areas.
- We offer FREE estimates for all insurance claims
- We bill insurance directly, so you don't have to
- 100% guaranteed work with years of industry experience
Visit ServiceMaster by Reed at 1210 Stirling Rd. Unit # 8A Dania Beach, FL 33004. To schedule an appointment, connect with us online or email us at smreedoffice1@aol.com today.
Don’t know what to do next? We do. Contact ServiceMaster by Reed today!