If you are thinking about making a claim for water damage not covered by insurance, or damage caused by a disaster like a hurricane, flood after a wildfire, or flood-related water damage, FEMA has a claims handbook that may be a good resource for you. Here we will explain FEMA payments and walk you through how to make a claim.
Average Claim Payments Through FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program
Below is an overview of the most recent available data for the average claim payments made by FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program.
1. Register Your Claim With FEMA
When you apply for emergency assistance from FEMA, you’ll need to ensure your request is the result of a federally declared disaster. If you apply online, you’ll have to enter your ZIP code in order to link your claim to the disaster at hand. If the website is overwhelmed, or you prefer to apply for assistance via phone, you can also contact FEMA at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). You can call 800-462-7585 for TTY assistance.
2. Contact Your Insurance Company
If you have home, flood, and/or other types of disaster insurance, you’ll next want to contact your insurance company or agent to report your claim and loss damage, just as if it were any other claim. Keep in mind that FEMA will not cover anything your insurance already covers, but it may be able to pick up where your insurance leaves off.
3. Take Photos of Damage
Take photos of any damage inside and around your property. You will need all the evidence and proof you can get, so be diligent during this process.
4. Meet With an Insurance Adjuster
An insurance adjuster will be assigned to you, and you should hear from them within 24 to 48 hours to schedule a visit to your property. They will help in the collection of information for the claims process, as well as documenting your claim. The adjuster will not approve or decline coverage to you directly or tell you about other forms of assistance you may qualify for.
5. Collect Relevant Documents
Having all documents relevant to your claim ready—such as receipts, photos, estimates, etc.—speeds up the claims process. Your adjuster can also help guide you by explaining what you will need to provide.
6. Get a Proof of Loss Statement
A proof of loss is your sworn statement about the amount of money you are claiming and usually includes supporting documentation. Your insurance adjuster may provide the proof of loss form and help you complete it if necessary. You will need this to get paid.
What Types of Costs Are Covered by FEMA?
Below are the four types of costs covered by FEMA:
Housing Coverage and Eligibility
If you do not have the means to provide for your temporary housing, you may qualify for the FEMA Assistance to Individuals and Households program. Renters may apply for a grant from FEMA to replace damaged personal contents if not insured by their primary insurance coverage and may also qualify for a Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loan.
Waiting Periods
The first step in getting paid is collecting all the necessary documentation needed for your proof of loss. Once your proof of loss is signed and provided to the adjuster, they can get started on the claim payment process. It may take a while for you to get paid on a FEMA claim, but you can request an advance or partial payment if needed.
How Payments Are Calculated
The claim payment is based on your actual loss and damage declared in your proof of loss. The sooner you submit proof of loss, the faster you receive payments. If you discover additional damage after you submit your proof of loss, you should contact your adjuster and insurance company to request additional payments by submitting another proof of loss within the 60-day limit.
