Claims
A flood is an overwhelming experience. But taking quick action will put policyholders back in control of their home and their life.
Step One
Report the claim:
Alacrity Solutions
866-979-9400
You can also report your claim to Alacrity Solutions via email to TFIA@alacritysolutions.com.
The email should include the insured's name, policy number, and contact phone number.
Information they will need from you:
Date of Loss
Description of Loss
Contact information including temporary address for the policyholder if they are not able to stay in their home
Phone number where the policyholder can be reached during the evening
The policyholder email address
An adjuster will be assigned within 48 hours. In cases of widespread flooding it may take longer. While you are waiting to be contacted by an adjuster please begin step two below.
Step Two
Take photos of the damaged property. Your adjuster will also take photos, but any additional documentation showing the damage will help the adjuster.
Separate Property, but do not throw anything away. The insurance policy requires the policyholder to separate damaged property from undamaged property. But don’t throw anything away before an adjuster has seen it, unless local law requires you to do so. In that case, take photos of the property before disposing of it and keep samples for the adjuster to see. (For example, cut out a piece of wall-to-wall carpet.)
Mitigate the damages. Do everything possible to protect undamaged property. You do not want further damage to happen by doing nothing.
Do not sign anything prior to seeing your adjuster. Prior to signing an agreement/contract with a cleaning, remediation, or maintenance contractor, policyholders should consult with the flood adjuster concerning coverage.
Review FEMA’s Claims Handbook for further information and instruction about the claims process. Even though the policy is not issued through FEMA, the Private Market Flood Policy coverage is the same as the FEMA policy and is settled the same.
Claims Handbook: https://agents.floodsmart.gov/sites/default/files/fema-claims-handbook-04-2022.pdf
Important Tips:
If waters rise in the house before you can leave safely, move to the highest level necessary— even the roof. Take extra clothing, a radio, a flashlight and, if possible, food.
If time allows, turn off electricity at the breaker or fuse box and close the main gas valve; get valuables (furs, jewelry, important papers) to a higher level; fill bathtubs, sinks and plastic soda bottles with water. (Sanitize tubs and sinks with bleach, rinse and then fill); and bring outdoor possessions (lawn furniture, grills, etc.) inside or tie them down securely.
Keep away from downed power lines and any other electrical wires— electrocution is always a major cause of death in floods.
If you hear hissing or smell gas, leave immediately and call the gas company. Using a home phone or cell phone inside the house could spark an explosion.
Resource Links:
Prepare, Plan, Stay Informed
http://www.ready.gov/
Helping Pets
http://www.fema.gov/helping-pets
Mold, Moisture and the Home
https://www.epa.gov/mold/brief-guide-mold-moisture-and-your-home
How Do I Find A Place to Stay?
http://www.fema.gov/how-do-i-find-place-stay
How Do I Find My Family?
http://www.fema.gov/how-do-i-find-my-family
Disaster Assistance
https://www.disasterassistance.gov/