Ohio has numerous waterfront communities that face threats of flooding. Due to frequent rainfall and poorly maintained stormwater infrastructure, cities and towns across the state are also at increased risk of floods. Flooding can cause significant destruction to homes, property, and personal belongings. It’s important for Ohio homeowners to understand the flood claims process and know what steps to take to protect their rights.
What Is Flood Damage?
Flood damage refers to the destruction caused by water inundation resulting from heavy rainfall, overflowing rivers, surface water runoff, and stormy weather. Importantly, this damage is distinct from water damage and sewer backup damage for the purpose of filing an insurance claim.
While flooding originates from an external source, water damage comes from a source within the structure, such as a burst pipe. Likewise, sewer backup damage is caused by wastewater from drains and toilets flowing back into a building, rather than outward through the sewer system.
Ohio Flood Risks and FEMA Flood Maps
Many different types of flood disasters can occur in Ohio. To determine your local risk, view the Federal Emergency Management Agency flood map for your location.
River flooding frequently happens along the Ohio River, the Scioto River, the Great Miami River, the Cuyahoga River, and other river areas. Flash flooding, caused by inadequate stormwater infrastructure and the loss of wetlands, can occur anywhere, including urban areas.
Ohio also experiences coastal flooding caused by stream overflow and wave run-up, which regularly occurs in the counties bordering Lake Erie. Shallow flooding can occur in flat areas across the state that lack adequate drainage channels.
If you live in a high-risk flood zone, it’s essential to have a plan in place to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your property. To mitigate the impact of rising water levels, prepare your home by taking measures such as grading soil away from the foundation, sealing entry points, and installing flood vents. Be sure to develop an evacuation plan and keep an emergency kit on hand.
Is Flood Damage Covered by Homeowner's Insurance in Ohio?
People often incorrectly believe that their homeowner’s insurance policy will cover them in the event a flood destroys their property. However, standard homeowners insurance typically does not cover flood damage. Instead, you may have options through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private flood insurance policy.
Many people also mistakenly assume that flood insurance is always optional. Notably, if you live in a high-risk flood area in Ohio, your mortgage lender may require you to have this coverage.
Keep in mind that over 20% of flood claims come from areas outside of high-risk zones. It’s a good idea to have a flood insurance policy in place to protect your property, no matter where you live within the state.
Meagan Tate
Attorney
“Property and Casualty insurance typically covers any sudden and accidental loss to your real property (land and buildings) or personal property (stuff) up to the limits of your insurance and not otherwise excluded by the policy. We typically handle insurance disputes that stem from damage caused by wind, storms, fire, theft, and vandalism.”
How To File a Flood Damage Insurance Claim in Ohio
There are several steps involved in filing a flood damage insurance claim:
- Contact your insurance provider: Notify your insurance provider as soon as possible after a flood if you will be filing a damage claim. Insurance companies have strict timelines by which a claim must be submitted to avoid denial.
- Document all damage: Be sure to properly record damage by taking photos or videos of the destruction and flood levels. Keep any receipts, repair estimates, and other documentation related to your claim.
- Get professional estimates: Obtaining a professional estimate for flood damage can provide you with the documentation you need to support your claim. A professional can also use special tools to assess damage in areas that may be difficult to see, such as behind walls or under flooring.
- Complete and submit claim forms: After you have initiated the claim process and documented your case, complete and submit the necessary forms to the insurance company.
- Speak with the adjuster: Once you have submitted the forms, the insurance adjuster will likely contact you to discuss your claim. In this conversation, always be honest, but avoid providing additional information or making any statements that could be misconstrued as fault.
If you work with a property damage attorney for your flood claim, they can handle the claims process for you and communicate with the insurance adjuster on your behalf. They will also know how to file a property damage lawsuit if the insurance company refuses to settle for a fair amount.
Common Reasons Flood Claims Are Denied or Underpaid
Insurance companies will try to find any reason to avoid paying out on your flood damage claim. Some common reasons for denial can include:
- Not covered: Insurers may deny your claim on the grounds that it is excluded from flood insurance coverage. For instance, the insurance company may assert the water damage was caused by surface groundwater due to rain, snowmelt, or backup from a sewer, rather than flooding.
- Pre-existing damage: The insurer may allege that your property was already damaged before the flood event.
- Late filing: Insurance companies have designated deadlines by which you must submit a proof of loss statement. If you fail to file a claim within this window, it can be denied.
- Lack of documentation: If you are unable to provide evidence of your loss, such as receipts, photos, repair estimates, or video, your claim may be denied.
Flood insurance policies often contain language traps or vague exclusions that can lead to denials. Additionally, insurers may undervalue structural or personal property damage.
When To Consult a Property Damage Attorney for Your Flood Damage Claim
The aftermath of a flood that caused damage to your home can be overwhelming. A property damage attorney can help reduce your stress and give you the peace of mind you need by speaking with the insurance adjuster and handling any paperwork.
An attorney can also assist you with the following:
- Appeal a denied or underpaid claim
- Negotiating a fair payout on your claim
- Navigating any disputes that may arise with private insurance companies or the National Flood Insurance Program
- Providing knowledge and insight regarding your property damage claim
- Advising you regarding your rights and options
- Communicating effectively with insurance companies
Consultations with an attorney who handles flood damage claims are often free, and legal help may be available with no upfront cost.
Meagan Tate
Attorney
“Insurance companies are in the business of evaluating and balancing risk. If your insurance company is not fairly evaluating your property damage claim, you should hire an aggressive attorney with a winning record that can demonstrate to the insurance company that the financial risk of litigation outweighs the potential financial reward of undervaluing your claim.”
Contact Lawrence & Associates for a Free Flood Damage Claim Review Today
We understand the challenges you’re facing if your property was damaged in a flood, and we’re here to protect your rights every step of the way. Our experienced Ohio property damage attorneys can guide you on what to do and not to do so you don’t inadvertently harm your case.
We are committed to fighting for fair compensation on your behalf. Contact us online or call (513) 951-6723 to learn how we can assist you.
