By purchasing flood insurance,
you have taken the first and most important step
toward protecting yourself against financial loss.
You can add an extra level of protection by being
prepared to speed up the claims process –
before a flood ever occurs.
Create a personalized "flood file."
- Include a copy of your insurance policy and
the name and contact information for your agent
or insurance company.
- Perform a thorough, room-by-room inventory
of all possessions in your home or business.
Describe each item and include serial numbers,
model numbers, date of purchase and receipts.
Itemize everything—from sofas, chairs
and rugs to pictures, plants and contents of
drawers and cupboards.
- Take photos or video of your possessions and
add them to your "flood file" with
your itemized list.
Safely store your flood file (flood insurance
policy, itemized list, receipts, video, etc.)
in a secure place, away from the property you
are insuring; typically a safe deposit box.
Review your policy and understand what's
covered.
Flood insurance covers buildings and/or
contents for residential and non-residential properties.
It's important to know what your policy covers.
To claim personal property loss you must have
contents coverage. Use this list for general guidance:
Covered:
- The insured building
- Built-in appliances and central air
- Permanently installed paneling, wallpaper,
cabinets and carpets
- Garage (up to 10 percent of total building
coverage)
- Limited coverage for basements
- Debris removal
- Contents, if contents coverage has been purchased
Not covered:
- Vehicles
- Decks
- Land and fences
- Plants
- Animals
- Currency
- Boats
- Swimming pools
Understand the process.
Review the claims filing process. If
anything is unclear, ask your agent detailed questions
so that you understand what you will need to do
if you ever experience a flooding event.
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