Welcome to ICC
We're Insurance Claim Consultants, and for 35 years we've been helping neighbors across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia navigate flood damage claims. We handle everything—documentation, NFIP coordination, settlement—so you can focus on recovery. We're not here to dramatize what you're going through. We're here to help you rebuild.
Ready to unlock your policy's full potential? Click the ICC logo below to talk with us live via phone or video. We're here when you need us.
Flood Damage Insurance Claims Guide
Why Choose a Public Adjuster for Flood Claims
Flood insurance through NFIP has adjusters working for the program—shouldn't you have someone working for you? A public adjuster is your advocate, working solely on your behalf to maximize your flood claim settlement. We know the tactics used to minimize NFIP payouts, and we know how to counter them.
In 2024 alone, we helped a Lumberton homeowner recover an additional $78,000 that NFIP initially denied for proper flood damage assessment after their home flooded during a major storm. After Hurricane Florence, we helped a New Bern family secure $94,000 for comprehensive flood damage that adjusters tried to minimize. That's the difference an experienced public adjuster makes—we find what others miss and fight the battles you can't.
What Flood Insurance Covers
NFIP flood insurance coverage is specific and limited compared to homeowners policies. Understanding what's included prevents surprises:
- Building structure: Foundation, walls, floors, and systems damaged by flooding—up to $250,000 maximum for residential properties
- HVAC and utilities: Furnaces, water heaters, electrical panels when installed in basements or crawl spaces
- Built-in appliances: Dishwashers, built-in microwaves, permanently installed bookcases and cabinets
- Debris removal: Clearing flood-damaged materials from the property
- Contents coverage: Separate policy up to $100,000 maximum—furniture, clothing, electronics, portable appliances
A 2023 Fayetteville family we worked with recovered $112,000 for comprehensive flood damage and contents losses after their Cape Fear River area home flooded. Proper NFIP claim documentation made the difference.
How to Document Flood Damage Properly
Documentation is your strongest tool in securing a fair NFIP settlement. Here's what we do for every flood claim client:
- Water height marking: Photographing high-water marks on walls before cleanup begins—critical evidence
- Comprehensive photography: 200+ photos capturing every angle of structural and contents damage
- Video walkthroughs: Room-by-room documentation showing full flood extent and water levels
- Detailed inventory: Every damaged item with purchase dates, receipts, and pre-flood values
- Professional moisture detection: Documenting hidden water damage in walls, floors, and structural elements
- Mold assessment: Air quality testing and contamination documentation when flooding leads to mold
We've learned through 35 years of flood claims that proper documentation can increase NFIP settlements by 40-50% on average compared to inadequate documentation.
City-Specific Flood Damage Resources
Flood risks and response resources vary by location. We've created detailed guides for 20 flood-prone cities across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, including local resources, floodplain information, and region-specific NFIP claim strategies:
North Carolina
South Carolina
Immediate Actions After Flooding
Immediately after flooding subsides and authorities declare safe re-entry, protecting your property and preserving evidence is critical:
- Document water height marks on walls before any cleanup—photograph high-water lines from multiple angles
- Photograph everything before moving or discarding flood-damaged items—NFIP requires evidence
- Pump standing water to prevent additional structural damage and mold growth
- Remove wet materials within 48 hours to prevent mold—drywall, insulation, carpeting absorb floodwater
- Preserve damaged items for adjuster inspection—keep samples of damaged materials and contents
- Report immediately to NFIP and your insurance agent—flood claims have strict filing deadlines
In 2024, we helped a Columbia family document and recover $67,000 in flood damage after Congaree River flooding. Quick action and thorough documentation protected their claim.
Common Flood Claim Mistakes to Avoid
We've seen these mistakes cost property owners thousands in NFIP claims:
- Throwing away damaged items: NFIP adjusters need to inspect flood damage—keep everything until inspection occurs
- Missing the 60-day deadline: NFIP requires Proof of Loss within 60 days of flooding—missing this deadline can void your claim
- Inadequate documentation: NFIP requires detailed evidence—photos, receipts, inventories before adjusters arrive
- Not understanding coverage limits: $250,000 building, $100,000 contents maximum—underinsurance leaves gaps you pay
- Confusing flood with water damage: Homeowners policies exclude flood—you must have separate NFIP or private flood coverage
- Accepting lowball estimates: Initial NFIP estimates often miss 30-40% of actual damage—don't settle without professional review
- Missing basement exclusions: NFIP covers limited basement items—understand what's excluded before filing
Don't navigate NFIP complexities alone. ICC has recovered over $18.7 million in denied or undervalued claims for homeowners just like you.
How ICC Helps You Recover
As your public adjuster, we handle every aspect of your flood damage claim:
- Free initial consultation to review your NFIP policy and flood damage
- Comprehensive damage assessment with professional documentation meeting NFIP requirements
- Detailed Proof of Loss preparation with accurate damage estimates and inventories
- NFIP deadline management ensuring all required forms and documentation submitted on time
- Direct negotiation with NFIP adjusters on your behalf—we handle all communications
- Maximum settlement recovery for structure and contents within policy limits
- Contractor coordination to ensure quality flood damage restoration
We work on a contingency basis—we only get paid when you do. No upfront costs, no risk to you.
For over three decades, Insurance Claims Consultants has helped property owners navigate NFIP's complex requirements. We understand flood zones, base flood elevations, and the documentation NFIP demands. Our public adjusters handle the entire claims process so you can focus on your family and recovery.
Ready to get started? Call us at (864) 497-2151 or click the ICC logo to start a conversation. We're standing by to help you recover what you deserve.


