Time Running Out To File Flood Insurance Claim In Oklahoma

Powerful storms hammered the southwest last month, resulting in widespread flooding across dozens of counties.  The storms, originating in Texas, expanded into nearby states like Oklahoma, bringing episodes of heavy rain and intense wind for hours or days at a time.

The storm caught many homeowners off guard as thousands of people live without a valid flood insurance protection plan.  For those that do have protection from overland flooding, Oklahoma encourages qualified residents to file a flood insurance claim before the deadline passes.

Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John Doak issued a statement this week reminding residents that the deadline to file a claim is 60 days post flood.

“We want to make sure everyone who has damage is on the road to recovery.  Filing a claim is the first step.  But there is a deadline for anyone who had flood insurance under the National Flood Insurance Program.”

Only a limited number of insurers offer flood insurance protection to homeowners, and these plans are administered through the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA), which manages the NFIP.  Flood insurance is separate from standard home insurance plans, which generally do not include protection from overland flooding.

Doak advises any Oklahomans affected by the floods to contact their insurers for advice.  Those residents with flood insurance plans should collect evidence of damage to the home through photographs and checklists.  Insurance adjustors may visit the property to visually confirm the damages before filling out a proof of loss form.

The proof of loss form will be provided to you the homeowner, and the onus is upon you to file the form with your insurer in the appropriate time for the claim to be valid.

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