Preparing for Your Flood Adjuster’s Visit

Before anything else: do not begin permanent repairs, and do not throw damaged property away, until the adjuster has had a chance to inspect. Temporary measures that stop further damage are expected. Permanent ones can cost you.

One note specific to a big storm: after a landfalling hurricane or a regional flood, your adjuster may be a catastrophe adjuster deployed from another state, handling many claims at once. Everything below matters more in that situation, not less — an organized file is what keeps your claim moving when the adjuster’s day is full.

1. Protect the property

Your first priority is preventing further damage — temporary repairs, water extraction, covering openings. Document every action you take and keep receipts for every expense.

2. Hold off on permanent fixes

Wait for the adjuster’s assessment before undertaking significant repairs. Consult the adjuster before signing contracts for cleaning, remediation, or maintenance work.

3. Document everything

If it is safe, photograph and video the damage immediately. Capture water levels inside and outside, and note where the water entered. These images are the backbone of the adjustment — and after a hurricane they are what separates the flood loss from the wind loss.

4. Separate damaged from undamaged

Segregate damaged property so the adjuster can evaluate it quickly. If damaged items must go outside, keep them on your property until they have been inspected.

5. Preserve the evidence

Do not discard damaged items before the visit unless local regulations require disposal. When something must go, photograph it first and keep a sample — a swatch of carpet or fabric — if there is no health risk.

6. Build a detailed inventory

List every damaged item with a description, brand, where and when it was purchased, price, model and serial numbers, and your estimated loss. Attach bills, receipts, and photos. The full method is on the after-a-flood page.

7. Gather repair estimates

Save any estimates you have already received. They play a real role in determining the scope and cost of repairs.

8. Manage your documents

Keep every original — estimates, receipts, contracts — in a secure place, and give the adjuster copies. Never hand over your only copy of anything.

9. Record your conversations

Log every interaction with contractors and with your adjuster: date, time, and what was discussed. A simple running log prevents most claim disputes.

10. Update your contact information

If the flood displaced you, give your adjuster and your agent a phone number and address that will reach you now. After a mandatory evacuation this is the single most common reason claims stall.

11. Understand your policy

Review your limits, deductibles, and conditions before the visit. If you do not have a copy, request one from your agent or carrier — and write down your questions in advance. The gaps worth checking for are listed on coverage gaps that surprise people.

12. Stay safe

Confirm utilities are safely shut off before entering a flooded building. If an area is unsafe, wait for a professional. Check what local disaster relief services are available to you.

What happens at the inspection

During the initial visit, the adjuster will typically explain the process, ask about the property and prior repairs, measure or sketch the building, photograph building damage, review affected contents, confirm mortgage information, and discuss next steps and a reporting timeline.

Walk the property with the adjuster if you can. Point out every affected area and hand over your pre-flood photographs, contractor documents, receipts, and contents inventory.

Before the adjuster leaves, settle five things

• The best way to reach them with routine questions
• Whether longer questions should go by email
• Which documents are still outstanding
• Whether an advance payment is available on your claim
• When to expect the next update

Adjusters often inspect during the day and write estimates at night; a clear communication plan prevents a week of missed calls.

Ask whether an advance is available

If covered damage clearly exceeds your deductible, ask the adjuster whether the carrier can issue an advance payment. A contents advance can be especially useful, because depending on the policy and circumstances a contents payment may not include the mortgage company as a payee, while building payments often do. An advance is not guaranteed and is not the final settlement.

Review the estimate and use the supplement process

The first estimate may not capture every cost that surfaces during repairs. Hidden damage, contractor pricing, HVAC equipment, doors, windows, and regional cost increases all create differences — and in a post-disaster market, labor and material pricing can move sharply between the estimate and the repair. When additional covered damage or higher documented costs appear, contact the adjuster promptly, provide photographs, estimates, invoices, and technical reports, and ask how to submit a supplement. Deadlines and proof-of-loss requirements may apply — ask the carrier, in writing, which forms and deadlines govern your claim.

Download this as a printable guide (PDF).

You should not have to navigate a claim alone

We are not claims adjusters and we cannot adjust your claim. We can be your advocate — helping you read your policy, understand what the adjuster is asking for, and make sure the people handling your claim are responsive and doing right by you. Call at any point in the process; before it starts is even better.

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Common questions

Is a catastrophe adjuster different from a regular adjuster?

Functionally no, but practically yes. After a landfalling storm, carriers deploy adjusters from other states who are handling many claims at once and may not know local construction costs or practices. A well-organized file — photographs, inventory, written scopes — is what keeps your claim accurate under those conditions.

Can I hire my own adjuster or contractor representative?

Public adjusters exist and are licensed in most states, and some policyholders use them on large losses. Understand the fee, which is typically a percentage of your settlement, and be very cautious about anyone soliciting door-to-door after a disaster. Your own agent’s advocacy costs you nothing.

What if I disagree with the adjuster’s estimate?

Document, then escalate in order: raise it with the adjuster with photographs and competing estimates, ask about the supplement process in writing, then contact the carrier’s claims supervisor. NFIP claims also have an appeal path through FEMA. Ask, in writing, which deadlines apply before you start.

Statewide Flood Insurance does not have the authority to adjust insurance claims. This information is provided as a courtesy, is general information only, and is not legally binding. Coverage is governed by the terms of your policy. Consult your insurance representative or a qualified legal advisor for guidance on your specific claim.