Navigating Flood Insurance Claims from Hurricane Helene

Walking through my local South Tampa community, the devastation from Hurricane Helene flooding is widespread, as is unfortunately true across the State of Florida and many other states. Many insureds and even insured representatives have never dealt with a flood insurance claim and the intricacies of the National Flood Insurance Program. Resources are available at the fema.gov website, and I am highlighting a few documents to assist in navigating a flood insurance claim here.

First, just as with any homeowner’s, commercial or condominium loss, you have to read the insurance policy. Links to the most recent versions of the dwelling, general property, and residential condominium building association policy forms are available here:

Second, you have to know and understand the rules the National Flood Insurance Program plays by. The NFIP Claims Manual is the rulebook and includes detailed information regarding coverage applications and required proofs.

I’m also including a link to the NFIP Claims Handbook. This could be helpful to share with insureds to give them an overview of the flood insurance claim process.

Lastly, as in all NFIP claims, there is currently a 60-day deadline to submit a proof of loss if the insured disputes the insurance carrier’s estimate of damages. Given the number of insureds affected by Hurricane Helene, this deadline will likely be extended (I anticipate to one year), but until it is extended, the deadline to calendar is November 25, 2024.

Comment with any flood topics you would like addressed in the coming days and weeks.