What Are the Maximum Times You Can File on Flood Insurance?
After a flood, clean up and re-building takes time and money. Expediting your insurance claim can make it easier to get back to normal. Quickly filing your claim and staying on top of the claim's processing so you meet the necessary deadlines helps you get your money more quickly.
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Initial Claim Deadline
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From the date of the flood, you have 60 days to file the proof of loss form with your insurance company to finalize your claim. The insurance adjuster provides you this form when he visits to tour the damaged property. The proof of loss form documents the damages incurred and states the amount of damages. You must submit it by the deadline since neither the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) nor your insurance company can issue a claim payment without it.
Supplementary Claims
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If you find additional damage after receiving payment for your initial claim, you can file a supplementary claim. You must also file the supplementary claim within 60 days of the flood's occurrence. Contact the insurance adjuster concerning additional damage found after 60 days, because insurance companies handle supplementary claims filed after the 60-day deadline on a case-by-case basis.
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Appeals
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You have 60 days from the receipt of a denial letter to file an appeal with FEMA. FEMA will respond in writing and may ask for additional documentation or for a second adjuster visit. You have 14 days from the issuance of the letter to comply. The agency will include a specific date in the letter. If you miss the deadline, the appeal closes; if you adhere to the deadline, FEMA issues an appeal decision within 90 days from the date you completed the request for additional information.
Lawsuit
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If you do not agree with FEMA's appeal decision, you can file a lawsuit according to the terms in your flood insurance policy. Refer to your flood insurance policy's general conditions section, paragraph R for guidance. The deadline for filing a lawsuit is one year from the date of the insurance company's denial letter. The appeals process does not lengthen the deadline.
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