Public NFIP Flood Claim Guidance

Simple guidance for insureds after a flood loss.

Use this page to view, print, or save general claim guidance documents. No private claim information, policy numbers, estimates, photos, or personal documents should be uploaded here.

Important Coverage Disclaimer This website provides general claim guidance only. Field adjusters cannot approve/deny coverage or authorize payment. Final claim decisions are made only by the Carrier.

How insureds should use this site

Pick the guide that matches the situation, review it online, then use the print button to print or save a PDF copy.

1

Choose a topic

Select the guidance that matches the loss issue.

2

Gather documentation

Use the checklist items to organize photos, estimates, invoices, and notes.

3

Keep copies

Save documents, receipts, photos, and communications in one folder.

4

Submit clearly

Provide organized, itemized, flood-related documentation when requested.

Guidance Library

Search or filter the public guidance documents below. Each guide can be viewed online, printed, or saved as a PDF from the browser.

General Claim Guidance

Start Here: What to Expect

A plain-English overview of the NFIP flood claim process, the adjuster’s role, and the usual next steps.

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Documentation

Photo Documentation Checklist

Photos that help tell the water-path story, including exterior, interior, demo, contents, and mitigation photos.

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Contractors

Contractor Estimate & Invoice Guidance

What contractor documents should include so the Carrier can evaluate flood-related scope and pricing.

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Coverage Concepts

Basement Coverage Overview

General explanation of basement restrictions and why some finished items may not be payable under the SFIP.

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Coverage Concepts

General Condition of Flood Documentation

What helps verify that flooding affected two or more properties or two or more acres, one of which is yours.

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Mitigation

Dryout & Mitigation Documentation

How to document emergency mitigation, drying, demo, cleaning, and related services.

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Payment

Mortgagee & Check Release Guidance

Why claim checks may include a mortgagee and what insureds should expect after payment is issued.

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