Prioritize safety and report the loss to your insurer promptly. When safe, photograph the affected rooms and belongings, make a list of damaged items, and keep receipts for emergency work. Save your policy and all claim correspondence so a flood damage lawyer can review the situation.

Most homeowners policies exclude flood damage from rising surface water or storm surge. You generally need separate flood insurance or an applicable endorsement. Burst pipes and roof leaks may involve different coverage, so the source of the water matters.

A flood insurance lawyer can review your coverage, explain the insurer’s decision, identify deadlines, and assess the evidence supporting your claim. If representation is appropriate, an attorney can help challenge disputed estimates or denials and pursue available legal options.

National Flood Insurance Program policies follow federal rules, even when issued through a participating private insurance company. Separate private flood policies can have different benefits, exclusions, and claim requirements. Reviewing the policy itself is the best way to identify which rules apply.

You may have options. Start by reviewing the written decision alongside your policy and damage documentation. Eligible NFIP denials can be appealed to FEMA within 60 days of the denial letter’s date. Private flood disputes follow the applicable policy and law rather than FEMA’s NFIP appeal process.

Reporting, proof-of-loss, appeal, and lawsuit requirements have separate deadlines. For NFIP claims, an eligible FEMA appeal generally must be filed within 60 days of the denial letter’s date. A lawsuit generally must be filed within one year of the insurer’s first written denial of all or part of the claim. Filing an appeal does not extend the lawsuit deadline. Have your documents reviewed promptly.

Share your property’s city or ZIP code, your policy information, and a brief description of the dispute. We’ll confirm whether we can assist with your location and claim type during the initial review.