Those filing a flood insurance claim MUST submit a “Proof of Loss” within 60 days from the date of loss. Unlike most other insurance claim types, policyholders must submit this document on time whether the insurance company asks for it.
The NFIP Standard Flood Policy(ies) does not require a specific form. The policy does require the following items:
- The date and time of loss
- A brief explanation of how the loss happened;
- Policyholder’s interest (for example, “owner”) and the interest, if any, of others in the damaged property;
- Details of any other insurance that may cover the loss;
- Changes in title or occupancy of the covered property during the policy’s term;
- Specifications of damaged buildings and detailed repair estimates;
- Names of mortgagees or anyone else having a lien, charge, or claim against the covered property;
- Details about who occupied any insurance building at the time of loss for what purpose;
- The inventory of damaged personal property (showing quality, description, actual cash value, and amount of loss, with attached bills, receipts, and related documents);
- Be “signed and sworn to” by the policyholder (notary not required)
FEMA provides a standard form that you can use. This form is available for free download on ClaimSpot.
FEMA’s site defines the “Proof of Loss” as “a policyholder’s statement of the amount of money being requested, signed to and sworn to by the policyholder with documentation to support the amount requested.”
Read our Flood Proof of Loss Guide for instructions on how to use this form.
