Hermine Survivors Get 30 More Days to Submit Proof of Loss

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Homeowners who have a National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policy and have damages or losses from Hurricane Hermine have been granted a 30-day extension to turn in a Proof of Loss.

A Proof of Loss is a policyholder’s statement of the amount of money being requested, signed and sworn to by the policyholder, along with documentation to support the amount requested initially, and any requests for additional payment. Policyholders must submit a Proof of Loss (www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/9343) directly to their flood insurance company within 90 days after the date of the flood loss.

The Proof of Loss statement is included in the claims package that documents your flood losses. It is important to understand the Proof of Loss is not the claim. A policyholder who suffers flood damage to NFIP insured property has only one claim arising from that event, regardless of the number of Proofs of Loss with documentation packages the policyholder may submit in support of that claim.

The claims packages should include:

• Photos or video of your flood damage;
• A comprehensive and itemized list of what was damaged;
• Receipts, if possible, for damaged items along with any other supporting documents that show the value of what you lost.

Both state and federal officials encourage you to closely monitor the insurance claims process after reporting your loss. Once the documentation is submitted, an insurance adjuster hired by the NFIP insurer will inspect the property. The adjuster may also provide information about the flood insurance claims process.

Here are some tips to guide you through the process to ensure you receive all eligible insurance funds for your recovery:

What to Do Before an Adjuster Visits

• Take pictures of the damage.
• Write down a list of your damaged contents.
• Immediately dispose of flood-damaged items which pose a health risk, such as perishable food items, clothing, cushions and pillows. Cut off and keep a 12-square-inch sample of building materials like carpets and drywall to show your flood adjuster, and set aside other damaged personal property items like furniture, televisions and electronics.
• Have documents related to your damage ready for inspection. This may include contractor’s estimates and repair receipts.
• Also keep your policy number and insurance company information handy.

What Happens During an Adjuster’s Visit

• An insurance adjuster will contact you within 24 to 48 hours to schedule an appointment.
• Ask to see the adjuster’s official identification when he or she visits.
• The adjuster will take measurements and photographs and document your damage. They will provide you with their contact information and, if required, the adjuster may revisit your property.
• After your home is inspected, the adjuster will complete the covered estimate of loss and provide you with a copy of it, along with a Proof of Loss form.
• A FEMA inspector or flood insurance adjuster will never ask for money, approve or disapprove claims, or tell you whether your flood insurance company will approve your claim.

What Happens After an Adjuster’s Visit

• The adjuster will collect all of the necessary information and documentation during the initial visit and will contact the policyholder as the claim progresses to an agreement and closure.
• If you disagree with the resolution of your claim, ask the adjuster to show how they arrived at the figure(s) and explain the policy if an item was excluded from coverage, even though you feel it should be covered.
• If the adjuster and insured are unable to come to an amicable agreement, the policyholder may hire an independent contractor to prepare an estimate for flood related damage.
• Within 60 days after the loss, send the insurer a signed and sworn Proof of Loss.

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to begin processing your claim.

For more information on Florida’s disaster recovery visit fema.gov/disaster/4280, twitter.com/FEMA, facebook.com/FEMA, and fema.gov/blog, floridadisaster.org or #FLRecovers.