Wind and Flood Insurance Claims
 Hurricane Ida caused damage from wind, rain, storm surge, flooding, debris impact and more. Water damage will be seen in many structures not only from rising waters, but also from rain that entered buildings from roof damage, downed trees and more.
Why is this important? It is important because the Standard Flood Insurance Policy (SFIP) only pays for direct physical loss by or from flood to an insured property. So if you have damage from both wind and flood, you will need to file separate claims: a homeowner’s insurance or windstorm claim and a flood insurance claim. Note: the policies for each claim may be with different companies, and you may have to work with more than one insurance company representative.
What's the difference between wind and flood damage?
Flood insurance adjusters will be looking for signs of a general condition of flooding and documenting the flood water line in a structure. Damage below this line is typically flood damage. Damage above the flood water line is typically wind damage, such as water-stained ceilings or water damage at broken windows or exterior doors, missing shingles, turbine or fascia damage, water stains to the ceiling or down walls.
What do we do when it is difficult to tell if the damage was from wind or flood?
When necessary, NFIP insurers may recommend the use of an expert to help determine causation and extent of damage by wind and/or flood. To help expedite the adjustment, be prepared to share the wind damage estimate with your flood adjuster and your flood estimate with your wind adjuster. This will ensure that damages are not duplicated.
If NFIP policyholders are unsatisfied with the amount of their flood insurance claim or receive a denial letter for some or all of their claim, they can learn their options at FloodSmart.gov in English or Spanish.
|
