"FIMA's ADJUSTMENT STANDARDS AND REQUIREMENTS: The FIMA's adjustment standards and requirements have been revised and expanded in order to clarify what the NFIP expects from the adjuster in the adjustment of a flood loss. What follows supersedes the "NFIP Minimum Standards and Reporting Procedures," which have been distributed in the past. Since there are several significant changes from the previous "Minimum Standards," adjusters should review these revised standards and requirements carefully and become thoroughly familiar with them."

For more information on Adjuster participation in the NFIP, click here. 

NFIP's Adjuster FAQ

"Click here for the Adjustment Standards and Requirements.

Follow this link to the NFIP web page for Claim Adjusters, http://www.fema.gov/business/nfip/claimsadj.shtm, on this page you will be able to get the Adjuster Claims Manual in pdf format, Claim Forms, Info on FLood Disaster Offices, WorkShop Information and more.

Adjuster Certification

""Claims Adjusters must attend a claims presentation every year to maintain certification. NFIP Claims Presentations/Workshops are held from January through May so they do not interfere with hurricane season which begins in June" from the NFIP website.  The Claims Presentation Workshops will be posted in the event section below along with additional information in January of each year. 

From the FEMA WYO March 4th, 2010 Bulletin W-10017

 In previous bulletins, FEMA discussed wind and flood investigative tips and a logical approach in addressing claims that involve both perils. Attached for your review are previous bulletins that address adjusting practices: WYO Bulletins W-08008, dated February 25, 2008 “Wind/Water Investigative Tips”; and W-08070, dated September 25, 2008 “Flood Insurance Claims Guidance.”

The following will not ask adjusters to do much more than they currently do when approaching any flood or wind damaged building. There is no requirement for the flood adjuster to estimate the wind damage.

When adjusting wind/water losses the, adjuster should use established and proven investigative methods when documenting flood and wind damage to buildings and/or contents occurring during hurricane or storm events. “Wind/Water Investigative Tips” can be helpful.

The adjuster is asked to record the process they always use when approaching a wind/water claim. In addition to looking for signs of flood damage and/or a General Condition of Flood and documenting the exterior water line, the adjusters should note any exterior wind damage, such as missing shingles, turbine or fascia damage. The adjuster should also photograph this damage and mention what was observed in the narrative report.

Remember, the Standard Flood Insurance Policy (SFIP) Pays Only For Direct Physical Loss by or From Flood to Insured Property. Once inside the building, the adjuster should always document the flood water line. Damage below this line is typically flood damage (exceptions like wicking should be noted in the narrative report). Damage above the flood water line is typically wind damage, such as water-stained ceilings or water damage at broken windows or exterior doors. This damage should also be photographed and mentioned in the narrative report.  

Auditors of the NFIP have asked that adjusters explain their rationale or the adjuster’s basis for identifying the separation of wind and water damage. Typically, this rationale is as simple as:  

• Shingles damaged at the right front of roof;
• Interior water line three feet;
• Damage below the water line is caused by flood;
• Damage above the water line is caused by wind to include water-stained ceiling in the area of roof damage. 

As this separation becomes narrower, the basis may be more detailed, but it should be kept concise. When the cause of damage overlaps, the basis must be clearly explained in the narrative report; otherwise, the adjuster may approach the insurer to request an engineer to provide a professional opinion on causation.