You just flooded. Here’s where to begin:

First Things First

Pictures, pictures, pictures. The first step after returning to your home is to take photos of everything. Now is the time to be organized. If you keep it organized from the beginning, it will be much easier when you are further along in the process. The most important photos you can take are the interior and exterior waterlines. It is even better if a tape measure is in front of the line showing exactly how deep it is. The remaining photos should include every room affected, and those photos should include the flooring, wall finishes, and built in cabinetry. All mechanical items such as furnaces, boilers and water heaters should be photographed along with the ID sticker showing the model and serial number. Any unique characteristics should also be included, such as custom or high grade materials, multiple layers of walls or flooring, etc. Lastly, if you also purchased contents coverage (personal property coverage, which is optional), you should photograph all content items to be claimed. For the sake of organization, you should photograph one room at a time and group your photos and contents by room.

Documenting Your Contents

If you also purchased contents coverage (personal property coverage, which is optional), you will need to photograph all content items to be claimed. For the sake of organization, you should photograph one room at a time and group your photos and contents by room.
It may be efficient to make your contents list during the cleaning process. This way you have the ability to list it, photograph it, throw it away, and be done with it.
It is ideal if you can use Microsoft Excel. You can download a blank template HERE, or ask your adjuster.

Verify Banking, Residency and Mailing Addresses

One of the biggest delays and hiccups in the claim process is outdated information on your policy. If you are forced to evacuate, you can begin rectifying this even before returning to your home/business.

If you have a mortgage, regardless of whether or not they require you to carry the coverage or list them on the policy, all building damage payments are payable to you and your mortgage company. Normally, you can call your agent and ask them to change it. However, once you have a claim, the only way to remove them from the policy and/or check, is to provide a payoff letter or a letter of satisfaction indicating the bank no longer has a legal interest.

If your policy is for your principal residence, but has a different mailing address (P.O. boxes for example), you will need to provide proof it is your principal residence. A copy of a driver’s license is acceptable if it has the same address as the insured property.

For temporary mailing addresses due to the home being uninhabitable, please email your adjuster.