Hurricane Helene has caused devastation throughout much of Florida and other states. This devastation was caused by both wind and flooding.

Many insureds–and even insurance lawyers–have never dealt with a flood insurance claim and the intricacies of the National Flood Insurance Program.

Resources are available at the fema.gov website. Below are links to a few documents to assist in navigating a flood insurance claim.

First, just as with any homeowner’s, commercial, or condominium loss, you have to read the insurance policy. Links to the most recent versions of the dwelling, general property, and residential condominium building association policy forms are available here:

• Dwelling Form:  https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_F-122-Dwelling-SFIP_2021.pdf
• General Property Form:  https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_F-123-general-property-SFIP_2021.pdf
• Residential Condominium Building Association Policy Form:  https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_F-144-RCBAP-SFIP_2021.pdf

Second, you have to know and understand the rules the National Flood Insurance Program plays by. The NFIP Claims Manual is the rulebook and includes detailed information regarding coverage applications and required proofs.

• NFIP Claims Manual:  https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_nfip-claims-manual_062023.pdf

Here is a link to the NFIP Claims Handbook. This could be helpful to share with insureds to give them an overview of the flood insurance claim process.

• NFIP Claims Handbook:  https://agents.floodsmart.gov/sites/default/files/fema-nfip-claims-handbook-08-2024.pdf

Importantly, as in all NFIP claims, there is currently a 60-day deadline to submit a proof of loss if the insured disputes the insurance carrier’s estimate of damages. Given the number of insureds affected by Hurricane Helene, this deadline will likely be extended (perhaps to one year), but until it is extended, the deadline to calendar is November 25, 2024.