If your home or business was damaged by flood waters from Hurricane Irma and you had flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) the deadline to submit a proof of loss is quickly approaching. The Standard Flood Insurance Policy (SFIP) provides that a proof of loss must be submitted within 60 days of the loss. However, FEMA Bulletin W-17040 waived the 60-day proof of loss deadline, extending the deadline to submit a proof of loss to 365 days (one year) from the date of loss.
A proof of loss is an insured’s statement of the money being requested to repair the flood damage. Here are a few important notes about completing the proof of loss:
- Form: You must use the NFIP proof of loss form. You can find the current version of the form here.
- Completeness: I commonly see policyholder representatives write “partial” on the top of a proof of loss. Don’t do it! Fill in every line on the proof of loss form and ensure the numbers are as accurate and complete as reasonably possible.
- Supporting Documentation: Submit estimates, invoices, proposals, photographs, receipts, cancelled checks, etc., to support the claimed amounts.
- Mailing: If the flood policy was issued by a Write Your Own (WYO) program then contact the insurance agent or carrier directly to locate the correct address for submitting the proof of loss. If the flood policy was issued directly by FEMA through the NFIP Direct Servicing Agent, then send to:
Regular Mail:
NFIP Direct Servicing Agent
P.O. Box 2966
Shawnee Mission, KS 66201-1366
Overnight Mail:
NFIP Direct Servicing Agent
7701 College Blvd.
Overland Park, KS 66210
If you have any questions about completing your proof of loss form please do not hesitate to contact me and I am happy to answer any questions. Timely and correctly completing this form is critical to obtaining additional insurance proceeds under your flood insurance policy.
