The Blog

After the Flood – Documenting Flood Damage

After a flood, you will likely feel a range of emotions. Documenting your damage may, naturally, not be top of mind. However, to make a claim on flood insurance, it is required. Use these helpful tips to navigate the process.

An image can be worth more than a thousand words. It could mean real dollars at a time when people need the resources the most.

After the waters subside & home access is restored, A PHOTO MAY BE WORTH A THOUSAND DOLLARS!  Images come into sharp focus in a flood damage claim.

For guidance on what to do in the first 24 hours after a flood event, go to our blog post “After the Flood: the First 24 Hours“.

1.  BUT FIRST, LEMME TAKE A SELFIE!

• No really.  Before you rip out damage. When it’s SAFE to return AND you’ve notified your insurance provider and FEMA. Document your damages. Different claims may need different documentation, so ask!

2.  DATE & TIMESTAMP

• There are apps that can add date and time stamps to photos and videos. Check your favorite app store or a site like AppCrawlr.com for reviews and options.

3.  VIDEO

• Smartphone video is another great way to “prove” damages. Don’t rush it, can slowly walk the perimeter of your property, take 360° of each room. Let the images help tell your story.

4.  THE POWER OF 4

• Ask your insurer and FEMA what you need for your claim. It’s never a bad idea to have more than required. Take a pic from all 4 (or more) sides of your home and from all 4 (or more) corners of each room.

5.  DOWN TO THE DETAILS

• Use tape measures or rulers to show the height or depth of damage. Take photos of open drawers/closets/cabinets to show the contents. Take pics of the serial numbers of major appliances/equipment.

6.  MAKE A BACK-UP

• Whether it’s in the cloud, on a jump drive or email to your mom, don’t risk losing your documentation. You can also snap pics of receipts (old or new) as a backup in case they get lost.

Below are more helpful links.

Here’s a link to the FEMA Flood Insurance Claims Handbook.

Here’s a link to FEMA’s How to file your flood insurance claim.

FEMA How to File A Flood Insurance Claim updated May 2020.