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Life threat: call 911. Then start the claim on the published line or in the app. Write the claim number down before you hang up.
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When the IVR or agent asks why you're calling, lead with words like 'file a claim', 'flood claim', 'catastrophe claim', or 'property loss' rather than 'customer service' or 'billing'. Catastrophe and claims queues are often separate from policy service.
During declared cat events, carriers often staff dedicated claims lines 24/7 and may publicize temporary numbers on local news and their claims pages. Prefer the carrier's claims URL over random Google results. Avoid waiting on agent office hours if a 24/7 claims number is published.
Most standard homeowners policies do not cover flood (water from the ground up / overflow of bodies of water). NFIP flood covers flood and mudflow physical damage under the Standard Flood Insurance Policy. Wind-driven rain through a damaged roof is typically a homeowners (wind) claim, not NFIP. You may need two claims with two adjusters. Source: FloodSmart start-a-claim FAQ + Allstate flood claims page.
Get and write down the claim number at first contact. Keep a log of every call (date, time, rep name, adjuster name, what was discussed). NFIP Claims Checklist explicitly recommends a conversation log.
Report as soon as possible with your policy number if available. Progressive property process page asks for policy number when calling. FloodSmart: call agent/provider ASAP.
Many carriers (State Farm, Allstate, Farmers, USAA) push mobile app or web claim filing which can create a claim number without waiting on hold. Still call if you need catastrophe guidance or cannot upload docs.
If you cannot find your flood agent/carrier, call NFIP FMIX at 877-336-2627.
Lost the flood carrier: call FMIX 877-336-2627. Source: FloodSmart.
These are the numbers on the carrier pages linked under each card. A temporary storm line on the news is not listed here until that carrier publishes it.
IVR codes: none published.
State FarmIVR codes: none published.
AllstateIVR codes: none published.
FarmersIVR codes: none published.
USAAIVR codes: none published.
ProgressivePhotograph the waterline, separate wind from flood, and keep receipts. Detail is from the linked official pages.
If safe: photos/videos of exterior and interior including floodwater lines inside and outside; structural damage; make/model/serial of appliances and electronics.
Do not discard items before the adjuster sees them unless they present a health hazard or local law requires disposal. If disposal is necessary, keep samples (carpet, flooring, blinds) to show the adjuster.
ALE/Loss of Use (hotel, extra living costs) is typically on homeowners policies for covered perils (e.g., wind making home uninhabitable). Not standard NFIP flood. Allstate flood FAQ: flood insurance does not help pay ALE/temporary housing. If displaced by flood only, ask FEMA IA (if declared) and check any separate coverage. Keep all lodging receipts.
Ask: Did water enter from the ground up (flood/surge/overflow) or from the top down (roof/windows/wind-driven rain)? NFIP covers ground-up flood and mudflow; not rain through a wind-damaged roof. File the correct policy. And often both if both perils caused damage.
Public adjusters can charge up to 10% of the total claim payment (not just the disputed amount). Verify license and complaints via TDI Help Line 800-252-3439. Cannot door-knock for business during a natural disaster or after 9 p.m.; cannot act as your contractor; 72-hour cancel window after signing. You do not need a PA to file a claim.
Report the loss ASAP. Submit required documentation to your provider within 60 days of the flood, or within the timeframe your adjuster/provider gives. If denied, you generally have 60 days after the denial letter to appeal to FEMA (FloodSmart appeal guidance). Advance payments may be available in major events (FloodSmart: up to $5k without adjuster visit in some cases; more with auth/docs).
Ask to see Flood Control Number (FCN) card and government-issued photo ID. Card should have photo and be dated for the current storm year.
After documenting, throw away health-risk items (perishable food, soaked carpets/pillows as appropriate). Do all you can to prevent mold; standard NFIP policies do not cover mold damage.
FEMA encourages applying even if you have flood insurance. For uninsured/underinsured needs like temporary housing. DisasterAssistance.gov or 800-621-3362.
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