Preparing for Your Flood Adjuster’s Visit

Before anything else: do not begin permanent repairs, and do not throw damaged property away, until the adjuster has had a chance to inspect. Temporary measures that stop further damage are expected. Permanent ones can cost you.

1. Protect the property

Your first priority is preventing further damage — temporary repairs, water extraction, covering openings. Document every action you take and keep receipts for every expense.

2. Hold off on permanent fixes

Wait for the adjuster’s assessment before undertaking significant repairs. Consult the adjuster before signing contracts for cleaning, remediation, or maintenance work.

3. Document everything

If it is safe, photograph and video the damage immediately. Capture water levels inside and outside, and note where the water entered. These images are the backbone of the adjustment.

4. Separate damaged from undamaged

Segregate damaged property so the adjuster can evaluate it quickly. If damaged items must go outside, keep them on your property until they have been inspected.

5. Preserve the evidence

Do not discard damaged items before the visit unless local regulations require disposal. When something must go, photograph it first and keep a sample — a swatch of carpet or fabric — if there is no health risk.

6. Build a detailed inventory

List every damaged item with a description, brand, where and when it was purchased, price, model and serial numbers, and your estimated loss. Attach bills, receipts, and photos. The full method is on the after-a-flood page.

7. Gather repair estimates

Save any estimates you have already received. They play a real role in determining the scope and cost of repairs.

8. Manage your documents

Keep every original — estimates, receipts, contracts — in a secure place, and give the adjuster copies. Never hand over your only copy of anything.

9. Record your conversations

Log every interaction with contractors and with your adjuster: date, time, and what was discussed. A simple running log prevents most claim disputes.

10. Update your contact information

If the flood displaced you, give your adjuster and your agent a phone number and address that will reach you now.

11. Understand your policy

Review your limits, deductibles, and conditions before the visit. If you do not have a copy, request one from your agent or carrier — and write down your questions in advance. The gaps worth checking for are listed on coverage gaps that surprise people.

12. Stay safe

Confirm utilities are safely shut off before entering a flooded building. If an area is unsafe, wait for a professional. Check what local disaster relief services are available to you.

What happens at the inspection

During the initial visit, the adjuster will typically explain the process, ask about the property and prior repairs, measure or sketch the building, photograph building damage, review affected contents, confirm mortgage information, and discuss next steps and a reporting timeline.

Walk the property with the adjuster if you can. Point out every affected area and hand over your pre-flood photographs, contractor documents, receipts, and contents inventory.

Before the adjuster leaves, settle five things

• The best way to reach them with routine questions
• Whether longer questions should go by email
• Which documents are still outstanding
• Whether an advance payment is available on your claim
• When to expect the next update

Adjusters often inspect during the day and write estimates at night; a clear communication plan prevents a week of missed calls.

Ask whether an advance is available

If covered damage clearly exceeds your deductible, ask the adjuster whether the carrier can issue an advance payment. A contents advance can be especially useful, because depending on the policy and circumstances a contents payment may not include the mortgage company as a payee, while building payments often do. An advance is not guaranteed and is not the final settlement.

Review the estimate and use the supplement process

The first estimate may not capture every cost that surfaces during repairs. Hidden damage, contractor pricing, HVAC equipment, doors, windows, and regional cost increases all create differences. When additional covered damage or higher documented costs appear, contact the adjuster promptly, provide photographs, estimates, invoices, and technical reports, and ask how to submit a supplement. Deadlines and proof-of-loss requirements may apply — ask the carrier, in writing, which forms and deadlines govern your claim.

You should not have to navigate a claim alone

We are not claims adjusters and we cannot adjust your claim. What we can be is your advocate: helping you understand what your policy actually covers, keeping your documentation on track, and making sure the people handling your claim give you the service and responsiveness you are owed. Call us at any point in the process — before it starts is even better.

855-CAL-FLOOD (225-3566), Mon–Fri 7:30–5 PT · Start a claim · Back to the flood claim guide

Download this as a printable guide (PDF) · one-page claim checklist.

Common questions

What does a flood adjuster do at the inspection?

They explain the process, ask about the property and prior repairs, measure or sketch the building, photograph the damage, review affected contents, confirm your mortgage information, and set out next steps and a reporting timeline. Walking the property with them and handing over your own documentation makes the visit substantially more accurate.

Can I get money before my flood claim is settled?

Sometimes. If covered damage clearly exceeds your deductible, ask whether the carrier can issue an advance payment. Contents advances can be particularly useful because a contents payment may not name your mortgage company as a payee, while building payments often do. An advance is not guaranteed and is not the final settlement.

What if the adjuster’s estimate misses damage?

Use the supplement process. When additional covered damage or higher documented costs appear during repairs, contact the adjuster promptly with photographs, estimates, invoices, and any technical reports, and ask in writing which forms and deadlines govern a supplement on your claim.

California Flood Insurance does not have the authority to adjust insurance claims. This information is provided as a courtesy, is general information only, and is not legally binding. Coverage is governed by the terms of your policy. Consult your insurance representative or a qualified legal advisor for guidance on your specific claim.