Flood-in-Progress Investigations

Flood-in-Progress details

The Standard Flood Insurance Policy (SFIP) does not cover damage from a flood that is in progress at the time and date the policy is bought. This means if the flood begins before the policy is purchased, any damage it causes won’t be covered even if the damage happens after the policy's effective date.

When a policyholder asks to add or increase coverage while a flood is already happening, their new coverage will not apply to the flood. This is true even if the damage happens after the new coverage goes into effect, only the original (lower) coverage limits will be used.

But if a flood happens after the effective date of the added or increased coverage, the new (higher) limits will apply.

What prompts a Flood-in-Progress investigation?

FEMA is aware that flood insurance policies are being bought after there is evidence of flooding in the area. Extensive sandbagging or temporary levees should prompt a Flood-in-Progress investigation.

Claim handing considerations

Each claim is looked at on an individual basis to determine if the Flood-in-Progress exclusion should apply. Evidence that a flood may be in progress on the date the policy was bought or changed may include a recent:

• Flood in the same community, caused by the same source as the flood on the insured property, or
• Flood-starting event that causes damage, like a spillway opening, levee breaching, dam releasing water or overflowing waterways (stream, river, creek, etc.).

When adjusting a claim that may involve the Flood-in-Progress exclusion, the adjuster must investigate if a flood had already started when the policy was purchased. The investigation and decision about coverage should be clearly documented in the claim file. It’s important to tell FEMA about any possible Flood-in-Progress claims to make sure all insurers handle them the same way.

• The NFIP Claims Manual provides guidance on when the Flood-in-Progress exclusion may apply, adjustment concerns and how to request assistance.