Hurricane Matthew

If you have experienced a flood, you can file your flood insurance claim by following these three steps.

STEP ONE: NOTIFY YOUR INSURER TO START THE CLAIMS PROCESS

After experiencing a flood, contact your agent or insurance company to file a claim. Make sure you have the following information handy:

• The name of your insurance company
• Your policy number
• A telephone and/or email address where you can be reached at all times

An adjuster should contact you within a few days of filing your claim. If you do not hear from an adjuster, please contact your insurance agent or company again. Find your company’s toll-free phone number.

STEP TWO: DOCUMENT THE DAMAGE

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: COMPLETE A PROOF OF LOSS TO SUPPORT YOUR CLAIM

Your adjuster will assist you in preparing a Proof of Loss (which is your sworn statement of the amount you are claiming including necessary supporting documentation) for your official claim for damages. You'll need to file your Proof of Loss with your insurance company within 60 days of the flood. 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.

• Find out more about filing your claim.
• Frequently Asked Questions About Flood Insurance (Video)

When disaster strikes, every little bit helps. To make the most of your contributions, please follow our guidelines to learn the most effective and safest ways to donate cash, goods, or time following a disaster.

• Cash is best. Financial contributions to recognized disaster relief organizations are the fastest, most flexible, and most effective method of donating. Organizations on the ground know what items and quantities are needed, often buy in bulk with discounts and, if possible, purchase through area businesses which supports economic recovery.
• Confirm donations needed. Critical needs change rapidly – confirm needed items BEFORE collecting; pack and label carefully; confirm delivery locations; arrange transportation. Unsolicited goods NOT needed burden local organizations’ ability to meet survivors’ confirmed needs, drawing away valuable volunteer labor, transportation, and warehouse space.
• Connect to volunteer. Trusted organizations operating in the affected area know where volunteers are needed, and can ensure appropriate volunteer safety, training, and housing.

States affected by Hurricane Matthew have provided the following additional information on the best ways to help survivors.

FLORIDA

Volunteer Florida serves as Florida’s lead agency for volunteers and donations before, during, and after disasters.

Individuals interested in helping following Hurricane Matthew may register online to volunteer, or call the Volunteer and Donations Hotline.

Volunteer Florida CEO Chester W. Spellman said “One of the most critical times to use volunteers is following disasters. Whether it is shelter staffing, food distribution, or to assist with clean up, we will need volunteers positioned to serve immediately with local disaster relief organizations. Having volunteers prepared and ready to deploy will be a critical tool as we move forward.”

GEORGIA

Please volunteer and donate responsibly. For information on volunteering in Georgia, email volunteer@gemhsa.ga.gov.

NORTH CAROLINA

• Monetary Donations & Volunteer Opportunities: Governor Pat McCrory has activated the NC Disaster Relief Fund to which monetary contributions may be made. To make a donation, please visit ncdisasterrelief.org. You may also text NCRECOVERS to 30306 to donate funds. All donations received will support Hurricane Matthew long-term recovery efforts in North Carolina. All other monetary donations & offers to volunteer may be made directly through charitable nonprofit organizations that are responding to this disaster. Information is available under “Hurricane Matthew--Donate Now” on the NC Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NCVOAD) website at ncvoad.org.
• Clothing: Clothing items are not being accepted at this time. Please donate clothing items to charitable organizations in your local community which can make best use of these donated items.
• Food: Please donate food items through local food banks & charities in your community.

SOUTH CAROLINA

• Monetary Donations: The One SC Fund supports & directs funds to nonprofit organizations providing disaster relief & recovery assistance.
• Volunteer Opportunities: First consider volunteering within your own networks, such as churches or civic groups. If you are not affiliated with a group, please register at VolunteerSC.org to be matched with appropriate opportunities & training.
• SC Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (SCVOADs): Additionally, consider making a direct donation to or finding local volunteer opportunities with relief organizations listed at the SC Emergency Management Division website below.
• Clothing & Food: Please take these donations to charitable organizations in your community. You can confirm most-needed food items by contacting the South Carolina Food Bank Association.
• For updates & additional information, please call 1-888-585-9643, or visit scemd.org/recovery-section/donations-and-volunteers.