If you were one of the lucky, or smart, ones who bought or had flood insurance before Irene struck and you now have flood damage, the Connecticut Insurance Department and National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) offer the following tips for filing claims in the wake of the storm. Claims must be filed within 60 days of the flood.

STEP ONE

After experiencing a flood, contact your agent or insurance company to file a claim. An adjuster should contact you within a few days. If you don’t hear from an adjuster, contact your insurance company or the Connecticut Insurance Department. Have the following information ready: The name of your insurance company, your policy number and a telephone and/or email address where you can be reached at all times. You can find contact information for your insurance company on the department’s Irene Resource page.

STEP TWO

Separate damaged from undamaged property. Your adjuster will need evidence of the damage to your home and possessions to prepare your repair estimate. Take photographs of all of the damaged property, including discarded objects, structural damage and standing floodwater levels.

Make a list of damaged or lost items and include their date of purchase, value, and receipts, if possible. Officials may require disposal of damaged items so, if possible, place flooded items outside of the home.

 STEP THREE

Your adjuster will provide you a Proof of Loss form for your official claim for damages. You'll need to file this claim with your insurance company within 60 days of the flood. This document substantiates the insurance claim and is required before the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or insurance company can make payment.

You'll receive your claim payment after you and the insurer agree on the amount of damages and the insurer has your complete, accurate, and signed Proof of Loss form. If major catastrophic flooding occurs, it may take longer to process claims and make payments because of the sheer number of claims submitted.