Flood Damage or Water Damage Claim?
The difference between a flood damage and water damage claim is more than you would think.
Flood Damage Claims and Water Damage Claims may look similar as to the damages but the way the claim is handled is very different. As a matter of fact the insurance company that you will file the claim with will most likely be different depending on if you have a flood damage or water damage claim.
I felt the urge to write this post today as we receive many calls where insureds use words to describe their loss that make sense but in the insurance viewpoint they can create confusion. If you have a water loss due to a plumbing problem, leaking window or roof leak these are considered Water Damage Claims. The definition of a “Flood” as defined by the NFIP or National Flood Insurance Program is:
” A general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of two or more acres of normally dry land area or of two or more properties (at least one of which is the policyholder’s property) from one of the following:
- Overflow of inland or tidal waters
- Unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source
- Mudflow
- Collapse or subsidence of land along the shore of a lake or similar body of water as a result of erosion or undermining caused by waves or currents of water exceeding anticipated cyclical levels that result in a flood as defined above
This definition is strictly held to, if it does not completely meet the definition your claim will be denied. If you have a claim where you think it may be a Flood I recommend you contact one of our adjusters or another reputable public adjuster immediately to evaluate the situation and recommend which insurance policy the claim should be filed with.
Flood insurance is relatively inexpensive for the coverage that it provides. When a flood happens it causes significant property damage. According to the NFIP a relatively small flood with only 1 inch of water to a 2000 square foot home will cause approximately $20,920 in damage on average and if there is 1 foot of water this figure goes up to $52,220. Of course these are averages but they do show the significance of damage that can be caused by a flood. Most people feel that they only need flood insurance if the are in a “Declared Flood Zone”, this is not accurate as floods can and do happen all throughout the Country. If you are in a “Flood Zone” you may ‘Need’ this insurance for your mortgage and of course you will pay a bit more for it but in my opinion EVERYBODY should have it or at least understand the risks of not having it.
Don't Take Our Word For It
Read Reviews From Our Happy Clients
Meet the Senior Public Adjusters at Claim Concepts
Our Commitment
Greg Roover, SPPA
Inspired by Personal Experience
Greg’s path to becoming a Public Adjuster was deeply personal. The Northridge Earthquake was a turning point, where his family’s experience with a public adjuster opened his eyes to the profound impact of this role. Greg embarked on a strategic career journey, motivated by a desire to help others as his family was helped. He honed his skills working for insurance companies as an independent insurance adjuster.
In 2006, Greg’s vision came to fruition with the founding of Claim Concepts. His insider knowledge, gained from years within the industry, and his passion for aiding others have been instrumental in the company’s success.
In 2025, Greg earned the Senior Professional Public Adjuster (SPPA) designation from The Institutes, the highest designation available to public adjusters. Awarded only to seasoned professionals who complete a rigorous course of study and examinations, the SPPA reflects Greg’s commitment to mastering every aspect of the claims process on behalf of the policyholders he serves.
Greg’s expertise is not just in his impressive resume but in the countless testimonials from those he has aided, reflecting his dedication to securing the rightful settlements for our clients.
Greg's Expertise Backed by Industry Accreditations
-
Florida Public Adjuster -
Lic #P017831 -
Georgia Public Adjuster -
Lic #2790971 -
South Carolina Public Adjuster -
Lic #716585 -
Tennessee Public Adjuster -
Lic #716858 - SPPA - Senior Professional Public Adjuster Designation
- NFIP Certified Flood Adjuster
- Former Independent Adjuster working for the Insurance Companies
- Former ICC Certified Residential Building Inspector
- Former Licensed: Mold Inspector/ Home Inspector
- Member FAPIA - Florida Association of Public Adjusters
- Member GAPIA - Georgia Association of Public Adjusters
Morgan "Eric" Thomas
From Adjuster to Advocate
Eric’s journey in the insurance world began in 1989, marking the start of a career defined by expertise and dedication. Fresh out of college, he jumped into the role of an independent adjuster, swiftly advancing to a general adjuster position at a major firm. There, Eric specialized in complex homeowners and commercial property insurance claims, showcasing his skill in navigating intricate scenarios.
In 2001, his career took a pivotal turn towards the construction aspect of insurance. As the General Manager for a renowned Insurance Restoration Contractor, Eric oversaw everything from estimating to maintaining vital relationships with insurance companies. His profound understanding of insurance and construction led him to Claim Concepts, where he now thrives as a Public Adjuster. His unparalleled insight has been crucial in ensuring that our clients receive the settlements they genuinely deserve
Eric's Expertise Backed by Industry Accreditations
-
Florida Public Adjuster -
Lic #A263869 -
Georgia Public Adjuster -
Lic #3233218 -
South Carolina Public Adjuster -
Lic #3607940 -
North Carolina Public Adjuster -
Lic #3607940 - Former Independent Adjuster working for Insurance Companies (Since 1989)
- Former Insurance Restoration Contractor (Working for the Insurance Companies)
- Member FAPIA - Florida Association of Public Adjusters
- AIC - Associates In Claims
- Vale Institute - Large Loss Estimating
THE PROCESS
Our Proven Process Built on Precision, Leverage, and the Art of Resolving Complex Claims
Over many years, our team of seasoned professional Public Adjuster have developed a proactive claim management process to ensure our clients receive the proper settlement for their losses. We understand that proving your claim can be a daunting and time-consuming task, and we are here to alleviate that burden for you. Our goal is to make this process as seamless and stress-free as possible for you while ensuring that you recover the full and proper settlement for your loss that you need and deserve.
Step 1 - THE DISCUSSION
Your Claim, Our Strategy – It all begins with a no-obligation, in-depth review of your claim. We know that by the time most clients reach us, they’ve already experienced confusion, frustration, or a settlement offer that simply didn’t feel right. We will review all claim documentation including estimates, letters, policy, photos, and any other relevant items. We will then work directly with you to map out the most effective path forward. Rest assured that we will only make an offer to work with you if we are confident that we will add value to your claim.
Step 2 - THE EVALUATION
Exhaustive Inspection & Document Review – Once we partner, our team immediately gets to work on your claim. We dive deep into your policy to ensure we fully understand how it applies to your specific loss, while carefully reviewing all existing estimates, photos and documentation. We then conduct an exhaustive, technology-driven inspection of the property using advanced field tools to document every aspect of your loss, ensuring nothing gets overlooked.
Step 3 - THE DEMAND
Estimate Preparation & Submission – We develop a comprehensive, line-item estimate utilizing industry-standard software, subjecting it to a rigorous three-tier review process covering field accuracy, technical precision, and compliance, to ensure nothing is missed. Once completed, we share it with you for your review, input and approval before submitting our entire claim package to the insurance company as The Demand.
Step 4 - THE NEGOTIATIONS
Expert Negotiation, Focused on Your Best Outcome – We stand strong on your behalf, skillfully negotiating for the resolution you need and deserve. When negotiations stall, we don’t back down, we guide you through your available dispute resolution options, to keep your claim moving toward the outcome you deserve.
Step 5 - THE RESOLUTION
Successful Resolution, Your Satisfaction is Key: The final step, this is what everything has been building toward. A fair resolution isn’t just our goal, it’s our standard. Our clients’ outcomes speak for themselves, and yours will too!
CLAIM QUESTIONS? WE HAVE ANSWERS
Peace of mind! We are here to represent you and your interest in the claim. Unfortunately, insurance companies often times deny claims that should be paid or do not pay enough money on a covered claim. This is not always the case and even when it is it may not be intentional. I know that most adjusters have the best of intentions but sometimes they may be inexperienced or simply trained to see things one way, the way the big insurance company wants it to be seen. As Public Adjusters our number one job is to get you the largest settlement available to you under your policy with the insurance company.
NO. Most states have laws stating that Public Adjusters are not allowed to represent the insurance companies. At Claim Concepts, we only represent the insuring public.
The public adjuster is employed by you, the insured. Their function is to represent your interests and ensure that you recover the proper settlement for all of your losses per the terms of your insurance policy. The insurance company’s adjuster works for the insurance company and is responsible to protect their interests throughout the claim.
Public Adjusters typically work on a contingency basis which equals a small percentage of any money recovered by the insurance company.
NO! This is NOT required under any policy that I have seen to date and I do not recommend it. In the event of a loss it is best to employ a Reputable Public Adjuster that knows what the policy will cover and what it takes to get your property back to its pre-loss condition. Many contractors will provide you with a competitive bid to make repairs but not necessarily get your property back to its pre-loss condition.
Yes! In most cases we can reopen your file with a supplemental claim. There are many factors involved. Give us a call and we will be happy to offer you a free claim consultation.
Not necessarily. It is not recommended to file a claim every time you spill a glass of water as you may become classified as a nuisance claim maker. Property insurance is typically rated based on your area which is why all homeowner rates increased in Florida after the hurricanes, whether you filed a claim or not. The risk is more related to the area where your property is located and in commercial situations the use of the property. However, it is known that there are databases where claim activity is logged and each insurance company may have their own stipulations based on claim activity of the individual or the property. Ultimately, you buy insurance to protect you in the time of a loss. If you are debating whether you should file a claim or not, please feel free to call and speak with one of our Public Adjusters about your particular situation, we are always happy to help.
Do not do anything before having a qualified Public Adjuster or Attorney take a look at your file. Depending on the way everything is written you may be agreeing to their offer by depositing the check. Please call our office and speak with one of our Public Adjusters about your particular situation, we are always happy to help in any way we can.