Questions & answers · Flood insurance
My flood insurer paid less than I expected. Can I ask for an appraisal, and does it affect my right to appeal to FEMA?
Flood insurancePaid too littleChecked Nov 5, 2026
From K.Actuary, founded by Sangmin Kwon, ASA · sources checked 2026-11-05 · Source: FEMA · Standard Flood Insurance Policy, Dwelling Form (44 CFR Part 61, Appendix A(1)) · Art. VII.M (Appraisal) View original ↗
In short
- The standard flood policy lets either side ask for an appraisal when you and the insurer disagree on what the damage is worth.
- Each side picks an appraiser within 20 days after a written request.
- FloodSmart says that if you finish an appraisal, you cannot file an appeal with FEMA.
What this means
This answer is about the federal flood insurance program (NFIP). The policy has an Appraisal section. It applies if you and the insurer do not agree on the actual cash value or, if it applies, the replacement cost of your damaged property. Then either one may ask for an appraisal. Each side picks a competent and impartial appraiser within 20 days after getting a written request from the other. The two appraisers pick an umpire. FloodSmart says an appraisal can help when you agree a loss happened but disagree on the cost. It also says that if you finish an appraisal, you cannot file an appeal with FEMA. Each side pays its own appraiser. The other costs of the appraisal and the umpire are shared equally.
Your next step
If you want to ask for an appraisal, do it in writing; the policy gives 20 days to choose an appraiser after a written request. Think about the FEMA appeal time limit (see our answer about appealing a flood claim denial) before you decide.
Check it yourself
Open the policy text at the eCFR link and read Article VII, paragraph M. Open the FloodSmart appeal page and read «Get an appraisal».
Where this comes from (2)
[1] FEMA · Standard Flood Insurance Policy, Dwelling Form (44 CFR Part 61, Appendix A(1)) · Art. VII.M (Appraisal) · checked 2026-11-05
M. Appraisal If you and we fail to agree on the actual cash value or, if applicable, replacement cost of your damaged property to settle upon the amount of loss, then either may demand an appraisal of the loss. In this event, you and we will each choose a competent and impartial appraiser within 20 days after receiving a written request from the other. The two appraisers will choose an umpire. … Each party will: 1. P…
[2] FloodSmart.gov (FEMA NFIP) · checked 2026-11-05
You and your insurer may agree that a loss occurred but disagree about the cost of the loss. An appraisal can help resolve the disagreement; however, if you complete an appraisal you cannot file an appeal with FEMA.
How we found this
We matched your question to 2 official sources, quoted the exact lines, and re-checked each quote against its source on 2026-11-05.
What we don’t know yet
Your own plan or notice may say something different. If your letter cites another rule, send it and we will look again.
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Information only — not legal advice. Your plan, insurer or agency decides.
This answer quotes the official sources listed above, with the date we checked them. Your own policy, notice and state rules control. We are not your lawyer or your insurer. We don’t file, argue or negotiate claims for you — you send any letter or form yourself.
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