As high water recedes and property owners survey the damage done, insurance agents’ phones are beginning to ring.
For those with flood insurance, restoring damaged property and belongings will be easier than for those without protection. But there are rules to the process.
First off, if you have classic homeowner’s coverage but no flood insurance, you’re probably out of luck. Virtually no home policy covers flood damage.
But if you’re covered by the National Flood Insurance Program and have damage, you should try to prevent further losses as soon as it’s safe to do so. That means drying out carpets and walls or similar actions.
First, however, take a snapshot or two for posterity. It will help.
“Taking pictures of the loss before you start tearing things apart is very important,” said Bob Quigley, who runs the claims department at Seattle Specialty Insurance Services. The Everett firm is an administrator for the federal flood insurance program.
If you’re renting or buying equipment or services to protect a property from further flood damage, save the receipts. Such expenses could be covered.
Once an insured property owner calls his agent and schedules an adjuster to visit, there’s a usual process. A property owner can receive payment after that’s done.
“So don’t expect an adjuster to show up with a check in hand,” cautioned Rick Pedack, president of Seattle Specialty.
His company already is dealing with about 20 claims from around Western Washington. Many are from homeowners with an average of three to five feet of water in their homes, Quigley said.
The federally backed National Flood Insurance Program makes policies available nationwide to people living in flood plains. For buyers of homes in flood-prone areas, most mortgage lenders require buyers to obtain such insurance.
But those living outside flood plains also can buy such insurance. Usually, it takes 30 days for a policy to take effect after being purchased. And coverage can be bought to cover a house, its contents or both.
Reporter Eric Fetters: 425-339-3453 or fetters@heraldnet.com.
Flood insurance tips
* Immediately after the flood, call your agent or insurance company to begin the claim filing process.
* While waiting for an adjuster, separate wet or damaged items from undamaged property, but don’t dispose of damaged items if possible. At minimum, keep a swatch or sample of those items.
* Take photos of any water in the house or damaged personal property.
* Make a list of damaged or lost items, including their age and value if possible. Receipts for damaged items are even better.
For more information, go to www.floodsmart.gov or call 800-427-2419.
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