What to do if your flood insurance claim is denied
How to appeal a denied flood insurance claim
The NFIP wants to ensure you are on the road to recovery after a flood. If your claim is denied, or if you’re not satisfied with your claim amount, you can appeal to your insurance provider or with FEMA directly.
How to file an appeal with FEMA
To file an appeal, you must do the following within 60 calendar days of the date written on the denial letter:
- Explain the issue(s) in writing. Use FEMA’s claim appeal form to help ensure your appeal is eligible.
- Include a copy of the denial letter from your insurer.
- Provide supporting documentation like photos of your flood damage or itemized estimates signed by a contractor.
You can also browse examples of appeals decisions. to help you understand why appeals are overturned or denied.
Helpful information for appealing a flood insurance claim
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Learn from other policyholders' appeals
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FEMA publishes memos about why appeals are overturned or denied, which you can use to help write your own appeal.
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Get claim appeal advice from FEMA
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FEMA provides additional tips about what to do before you file your appeal and what to expect throughout the process.
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Use the official claim appeal form
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Set yourself up for success by using FEMA’s official flood insurance claim appeal form.
FAQS about flood insurance appeals
FEMA is the federal agency that oversees the NFIP.
You can send your appeal by mail or email.
The mailing address is:
FEMA
400 C Street SW
6th Floor
Washington, D.C. 20472-3010
You must submit your appeal within 60 days of the date written on your denial letter.
FEMA uses calendar days, not business days, to calculate this 60-day period. If the 60th day is a Saturday, Sunday or federal holiday, the window extends to the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or federal holiday.
If you send your appeal via mail, the envelope must have a post-marked date within the 60-day window.
If you send your appeal via email, the time stamp on the email must be within the 60-day period.
You can authorize another person to speak with FEMA about your claim. You must inform FEMA in writing; this is to protect your privacy.
By law, FEMA cannot discuss your claim with a third-party representative unless you provide certain information in writing. Your written document must include:
- Your name
- Your address
- Your date and place of birth
- The name of the person representing you
- Your signature
The document must be notarized or include the statement, “I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct. Executed on (insert date).”
Yes, you can represent yourself in your flood insurance appeal.
You can file a lawsuit within one year of the date your flood insurance provider first denied all or part of your claim. You must file the suit in the district court where the flood damage occurred. If NFIP Direct is your insurer, you would file the lawsuit against FEMA.
If your insurer is not NFIP Direct, you must sue your insurer. FEMA is not a proper party pursuant in this case.