31
03/11
17:08
Warning: Only 60 Days to File Flood Claims
The weather services are publicly predicting severe flooding heading into the spring. Higher than normal rainfall on the heels of much higher then normal snow fall across much of the United States. We spoke with the leading national flood insurance claims lawyer Samuel W. Bearman (author of the book Your Guide to Handling Flood Insurance Claims) about the basics if you suffer losses from floods this year.
At the time you are in the deepest distress – trying to pull your life, and possibly the life of your family, back together – there are some tricky rules, that few know anything about, that must be followed or your claim for flood insurance may be barred. First, it is important to understand that all flood insurance is federal insurance. Although ninety percent of flood insurance is sold through private companies, they are in effect “brokering” business for the federal government. So, in the event of a claim, you will be dealing ultimately with federal law, and federal rules, no matter where in the United States you live or what was the cause of flood, whether it is the flooding of inland waterways, or storm surge related to hurricane.
So, if you hear nothing else, hear this: You only have sixty (60) days after a flood loss to give notice, with particular specified details, of your loss to your carrier. This claim is a prerequisite to any later recovery on your policy. Although you might be able to do it yourself, it is recommended that you hire someone who knows what they are doing - flood claims attorney – to do it right and get it in on time. In a later post we will look at what this claim needs to include. Just understand, do not be duped into thinking the insurance company, adjusters, or the government are going to be sympathetic if you miss this crucial filing deadline.