Once you have flood insurance, you’re protected against major financial loss. Taking stock of your possessions and knowing what your policy covers before a flood occurs can help when you need to file a claim.

Create a personalized “flood file”

First you want to create a personalized “flood file” that contains these items:

1) A copy of your insurance policy with the contact information for your agent or insurance company.

2) An inventory of the possessions in your home or business on a room-by-room basis. Describe each item and include serial numbers, model numbers, date of purchase, and receipts.

3) Photos or videos of your possessions.

4) Copies of other important papers.

Safely store your flood file in a secure place, away from the property you are insuring: typically in a safety deposit box.

For a handy tool to use in itemizing your possessions, go to www.knowyourstuff.org.

Review your policy and understand what’s covered

Flood insurance covers buildings and/or contents for residential and non-residential structures. It’s important to know what your policy covers and how you would go about filing a claim. For example, unless you have contents coverage you can’t claim personal property loss. Use this list as a general guide, but read your policy for more information!

Here are some covered items:

Covered:

• The insured building
• Built-in appliances and central air
• Permanently installed paneling, wallpaper, cabinets and carpets
• Garage (up to 10 percent of total building coverage)
• Limited coverage for basements
• Debris removal
• Contents (if contents coverage has been purchased)

Not covered

• Vehicles
• Decks
• Land and fences
• Plants
• Animals
• Currency
• Boats
• Swimming pools
• Contents of basements