Central Texas just got hammered by flooding, and if you’re standing in your soggy living room wondering what the heck to do next, here’s your action plan. The Texas Department of Insurance wants you to know: time is money when it comes to flood claims, and every day you wait is a day your insurance company isn’t cutting you a check.
Your Home Got Flooded: Here’s What to Do Right Now
Step 1: Find Out if You Actually Have Flood Insurance
Bad news first: Most regular home and renters insurance policies don’t cover flood damage. Yeah, it’s as frustrating as it sounds. But check anyway – a few policies do cover it, and you need to know where you stand.
Can’t find your insurance paperwork? (Because who keeps track of that stuff when their house is underwater?) Call the Texas Department of Insurance at 800-252-3439 and they’ll help you figure out what coverage you have.
Step 2: If You Have Flood Insurance, Call TODAY
Got flood insurance? Call your insurance company immediately. Not tomorrow, not next week – today.
Have a National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policy? Call 877-336-2627 right now. Here’s the catch that’ll make you mad: you only have 60 days to file a claim. Miss that deadline and you’re out of luck.
Step 3: Even if You Don’t Have Flood Coverage, File a Claim Anyway
Wait, what? Here’s why this matters: you might need an official denial from your insurance company to qualify for federal disaster assistance if it becomes available. Sometimes the government steps in to help flood victims, but they want to see that your insurance company said no first.
Step 4: Check for Other Damage Your Insurance WILL Cover
Good news: Your regular home insurance probably covers damage from wind and falling tree limbs. Did a tree crash into your roof? That’s covered. Fence get blown down? Also covered. File those claims too – every dollar counts.
Your Car Went Swimming: Here’s How to Get Paid
The Truth About Flooded Cars
If your car got flooded, your auto insurance will cover it – but only if you have comprehensive coverage. Most people do, but check your policy or call your insurance company.
Important: Don’t try to start a flooded car or dry it out yourself. Talk to a mechanic first. You could make expensive damage worse and give your insurance company a reason to deny your claim.
Document Everything (This Is Super Important)
Take Photos of EVERYTHING
As soon as it’s safe, start taking photos and videos of all the damage. Your phone is your best friend right now. Take pictures of:
- Water damage to walls, floors, and furniture
- Damaged belongings
- Your car in the water (if it’s safe to do so)
- The water level marks on your walls
- Any structural damage
Don’t Throw Anything Away Yet
This is crucial: Don’t start cleaning up and throwing away damaged items until you talk to your insurance adjuster. You need evidence of what got ruined, and once you toss it, you can’t prove it existed.
The Reality Check: What You’re Up Against
Insurance companies are businesses, and businesses try to pay out as little as possible. They’re not evil, but they’re not your friend either. The more organized and persistent you are, the better your chances of getting a fair settlement.
Document everything twice. Take photos, keep receipts, write down who you talked to and when. Make copies of everything. This paperwork nightmare now will save you months of headaches later.
Your Next Steps This Week
- Call your insurance company today – don’t wait for the water to recede completely
- Take photos of everything while the damage is fresh
- Keep detailed records of all your phone calls and conversations
- Don’t sign anything without reading it carefully or getting advice
- Call the Texas Department of Insurance at 800-252-3439 if your insurance company gives you the runaround
The Help Line That Actually Helps
Texas Department of Insurance Help Line: 800-252-3439
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday
These folks know all the tricks insurance companies use, and they’re on your side. If your insurance company is stalling, being difficult, or you just don’t understand what they’re telling you, call this number.
What Happens Next
Filing the claim is just the beginning. Your insurance company will send an adjuster to look at the damage. Be there when they come. Walk through everything with them. Point out damage they might miss. Don’t let them rush through the inspection.
Remember: You’re not asking for charity. You’ve been paying premiums for years, and now it’s time for your insurance company to do what they promised to do when you signed up.
Your house and your car are probably your biggest investments. Don’t let an insurance company shortchange you because you didn’t know how to play their game. Get organized, document everything, and fight for what you deserve.
The bottom line: Insurance companies count on people being overwhelmed and giving up. Don’t be one of those people. Get what you paid for.
