Flood Insurance Claims: NFIP Proof of Loss, Deadlines, Appeals

To file a flood insurance claim, report it to the company that issued your flood policy right away, document the damage, and send a signed proof of loss. Under the standard National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policy, that proof of loss is generally due within 60 days of the flood, even if you disagree with the adjuster.

Flood claims follow different rules than homeowners claims. This guide covers how flood differs from water damage, the NFIP claim process, deadlines and how to appeal.

Flood vs. water damage: why it matters

FEMA ↗ says "most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage." You need a separate flood policy, either from the NFIP or a private insurer.

The NFIP's Standard Flood Insurance Policy (SFIP) ↗_to_part_61) defines a flood as "a general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of two or more acres of normally dry land area or of two or more properties (one of which is your property)" from:

• Overflow of inland or tidal waters
• Unusual and rapid buildup or runoff of surface water from any source
• Mudflow

In plain terms, flood is water that rises or flows in from outside and affects a wider area. A pipe that bursts inside your home is usually a homeowners "water damage" claim instead. See our water damage insurance claim guide. After a hurricane you may have both: wind damage on your homeowners policy and flood damage on your flood policy.

What NFIP flood insurance covers, and what it doesn't

FloodSmart ↗, the NFIP's consumer site, says residential building policies cover up to $250,000 and contents policies up to $100,000. Building and contents are separate coverages, so check which ones you bought.

NFIP policies generally do not cover (FloodSmart ↗):

• Temporary housing and additional living expenses while your home is repaired
• Personal property kept in basements
• Property outside the building, such as landscaping and septic systems
• Cars and most self-propelled vehicles

Basement coverage is narrow. The SFIP covers certain basement items, such as furnaces, water heaters, sump pumps and electrical boxes, and limits contents coverage there to items like washers, dryers and food freezers (SFIP ↗_to_part_61)).

Extra NFIP coverages people miss

The SFIP ↗_to_part_61) also includes:

• Loss avoidance: up to $1,000 for sandbags, pumps, plastic sheeting and similar costs when a flood is imminent, and up to $1,000 to move insured property to safety, if conditions in the policy are met.
• Debris removal, within your coverage limits.
• Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC): up to $30,000 to help bring a substantially damaged building up to local floodplain management rules.

Private flood insurance

Private flood policies are sold by regular insurers, and coverage varies. United Policyholders notes private policies "may offer better coverage" but "also may contain exclusions and limits" (UP ↗). Some can cover more than NFIP limits. For a private flood claim, your policy's own deadlines and your state's insurance rules apply, not the NFIP appeal process. Read your policy and contact your state insurance department with questions (see your state's page, such as Florida or Texas).

How to file an NFIP flood claim

FloodSmart's claims checklist ↗ lays out the steps:

1. Stay safe. Don't go back in until it's safe. You can file before you return.
2. Report the claim fast. Call your agent or flood insurer as soon as possible.
3. Expect an adjuster. FloodSmart says your insurer will assign an adjuster to contact you within 48 hours of reporting. Ask to see their Flood Control Number (FCN) card and a government photo ID.
4. Photograph everything inside and out, from several angles, including the waterline.
5. Don't throw things out before the adjuster sees them, unless they're a health hazard or local law requires it. Keep samples of flooring and similar materials.
6. List damaged items with descriptions, values, make, model, serial numbers and quantity.
7. Keep a log of every conversation with your insurer, adjuster and contractors.
8. Ask about an advance. FloodSmart says you may request an advance partial payment.
9. Review the estimate for errors or missing items and ask for corrections.

The NFIP proof of loss: deadline and process

A proof of loss is your signed statement of how much you're claiming, with supporting documents.

• The standard deadline is 60 days. The SFIP says: "Within 60 days after the loss, send us a proof of loss" (SFIP ↗_to_part_61)).
• Send it even if you disagree. FEMA says that even if you disagree with the adjuster's estimate, "it's important that you submit the Proof of Loss form within 60 days" (FEMA ↗).
• Include support such as a building damage estimate and a contents inventory, and sign the form.
• Your insurer may accept the adjuster's report instead of your proof of loss, at its option (SFIP ↗_to_part_61)). Don't assume it will. Ask in writing.
• Deadlines can be extended after big disasters. For Hurricane Irma, for example, FEMA set the proof of loss deadline at one year from the date of loss (FEMA ↗). Check whether an extension applies to your event before relying on one.
• Found more damage later? FEMA says you can submit a supplemental claim later for items left off (FEMA ↗). See supplemental insurance claims.

Treat the 60-day date as firm unless your insurer or FEMA confirms an extension in writing. Put it on your calendar the day of the flood.

How to appeal an NFIP flood claim

If your claim is denied in whole or part, or you're not satisfied with the amount, FloodSmart ↗ says you can appeal to FEMA. You don't need a third party to represent you, and there's no fee.

Appeal deadline

You must appeal "within 60 calendar days of the date written on the denial letter." If the 60th day falls on a weekend or federal holiday, the deadline moves to the next business day (FloodSmart ↗).

What to include

• A written explanation of the issues you're appealing
• A copy of the insurer's denial letter
• Supporting documents, such as photos and itemized contractor estimates
• FEMA's official claim appeal form

You can appeal by mail or email. Get the current address and form from the FloodSmart appeal page ↗.

Appeal vs. appraisal vs. lawsuit

These options interact, so choose carefully (FloodSmart ↗):

• Appraisal: If you complete an appraisal, you can't then appeal to FEMA. Under the SFIP, appraisal applies when you and the insurer disagree on the value of the loss. See the appraisal clause.
• Lawsuit: You must sue within one year of the written denial of all or part of the claim. Filing an appeal does not extend that year, and once you sue, you give up the FEMA appeal.

For lawsuits, talk to an attorney who handles flood claims. FEMA's Office of the Flood Insurance Advocate ↗ can also answer questions about the NFIP if you're stuck.

When a public adjuster may help, and when not

A licensed public adjuster can document building and contents damage, prepare a proof of loss on time and prepare an appeal. That can matter on large losses or claims with both wind and flood damage.

A public adjuster may not be worth it if the loss is small, the insurer paid fairly, or you're close to the NFIP limits already. FEMA says you don't need a representative to appeal. Public adjusters usually charge a percentage of what's paid, and fee rules vary by state.

If your flood claim is large, stuck or underpaid, get matched with a licensed public adjuster.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. NFIP rules and deadlines can change after disasters, so confirm with your insurer and FloodSmart.gov.

Frequently asked questions

Does homeowners insurance cover flood damage?

Usually not. FEMA says most homeowners insurance does not cover flood. You need a separate NFIP or private flood policy.

How long do I have to file a proof of loss for an NFIP claim?

Generally 60 days after the flood, under the Standard Flood Insurance Policy. FEMA sometimes extends this after major disasters, such as one year for Hurricane Irma.

Does flood insurance pay for a hotel while my home is repaired?

NFIP policies do not cover temporary housing or additional living expenses, per FloodSmart. Some private flood policies may; check your policy.

How do I appeal a flood insurance claim denial?

Send FEMA a written appeal with the denial letter and supporting documents within 60 calendar days of the date on the denial letter. Details and the form are on FloodSmart.gov.

Can I sue my flood insurer?

Under the NFIP policy, a lawsuit must be filed within one year of the written denial. An appeal doesn't extend that deadline. Talk to an attorney before that year runs out.

Can I file for more money after my flood claim is paid?

Yes. FloodSmart says you can request more money if you find more damage, even after the claim is settled, through a supplemental claim.