Questions & answers · Flood insurance
My home flooded. What should I record and keep before I clean up or hire a repair company?
Flood insuranceHow to fileChecked Nov 6, 2026
From K.Actuary, founded by Sangmin Kwon, ASA · sources checked 2026-11-06 · Source: FloodSmart (FEMA) View original ↗
In short
- FEMA's FloodSmart says to take pictures and videos before you clean up.
- It says to keep small samples of damaged materials and your repair receipts.
- It says to get estimates in writing and call your insurer before you sign a contract.
What this means
This answer uses two FEMA FloodSmart pages. They are guidance pages, not the policy itself.
FloodSmart says to take clear pictures and videos of damaged items before cleaning, fixing or throwing them out, with wide shots and close-ups of walls, floors and furniture, and to record serial numbers from electronics and appliances. It says to keep small samples of damaged materials for the insurance agent because they will help prove your losses, and, if you start repairs before you receive your claim, to save all your receipts for repair costs and newly purchased items.
On hiring, FloodSmart says to get multiple estimates in writing, check for proper company licensing and insurance, and talk to your insurance provider before signing a contract or submitting payment. It says that if a service demands full payment before starting, it may be a scam. The other FloodSmart page says to ask for all estimates in writing and to check with your insurance provider before signing any contracts.
Your next step
Take the pictures first, then keep the samples and receipts. Call your insurance provider before you sign any contract. The pages do not state a deadline.
Check it yourself
Open the FloodSmart "Document Damage" page and the "Recovery Checklist" page.
Where this comes from (3)
[1] FloodSmart (FEMA) · checked 2026-11-06
Document everything before you start cleanup Take clear pictures and videos of damaged items before cleaning, fixing or throwing them out. Capture wide shots and close-ups of walls, floors and furniture. Remember to record serial numbers from electronics and appliances to support your claim. Hold onto damaged materials and repair receipts Keep small samples of damaged materials for the insurance agent, they will help…
[2] FloodSmart (FEMA) · checked 2026-11-06
Get multiple estimates in writing. Check for proper company licensing and insurance. Talk to your insurance provider before signing a contract or submitting payment. If a service demands full payment before starting, it may be a scam. Consider other options.
[3] FloodSmart (FEMA) · checked 2026-11-06
Ask for all estimates in writing, and check with your insurance provider before signing any contracts.
How we found this
We matched your question to 3 official sources, quoted the exact lines, and re-checked each quote against its source on 2026-11-06.
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.
Every answer is checked against the official rule it quotes.
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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