Consumer advisory: insurance information for Southwestern Colorado flooding

In wake of the flooding in Southwestern Colorado, the Colorado Division of Insurance can help people with their insurance questions.

While remaining safe, checking on your family and neighbors, taking care of the basics (food, shelter, clothing) and ensuring medical needs are met are the most important things in the immediate aftermath, assessing the damage, collecting critical documents and starting to clean up will soon be a top concern for many people. 

The Colorado Division of Insurance (DOI), part of the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), can help people with their insurance questions, whether that’s getting the contact information for insurance companies and agents or asking how to file a claim. Contact the Consumer Services Team at (303) 894-7490/(800) 930-3745 (outside of the Denver metro area)/DORA_Insurance@state.co.us or visit our website, doi.colorado.gov (click on “File a Complaint”). You can also find flood resources from the DOI here. 

“The Division of Insurance is here to help Coloradans as they navigate the after effects of the serious flooding in Southwestern Colorado,” said Insurance Commissioner Michael Conway. “Unfortunately, most property insurance policies don’t cover flooding. But there are other resources available, and Coloradans shouldn’t hesitate to contact us if they have questions.”

Floods operate differently under property insurance than other disasters as they are not typically a covered event under a homeowner policy; this means that damages and evacuations from flooding and additional living expenses (ALE) would not be covered. Review your policy and contact your insurance carrier if you have any questions about what’s covered under your policy. If you have a National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policy or are requesting federal assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) because you do not have other coverage, know that FEMA and the NFIP are likely to provide slower support given the current government shutdown. 

It is always important for homeowners to know what’s in their insurance policy. The division will be monitoring consumer protections for impacted homeowners, including analyzing compliance with the following requirements:

Homeowners insurance companies are required to provide policyholders with a copy of their policy within three business days of the policyholder’s request. This can be helpful to people who have been evacuated or who do not have access to the internet. 

Insurance information and reminders 

Verify coverage before filing claims — automobile, homeowners, renters and businesses

• If you purchased comprehensive (or “other than collision”) coverage on your insured vehicle, you have coverage for flood damage to that vehicle(s).  
• If you do have flood insurance coverage under your homeowner or business property policy, start the claim process as soon as you can. For your home, or any out buildings and vehicles, you’ll want to contact your insurance company or agent right away to begin the claim process. However, these floods were severe and many people have been significantly impacted, so the insurance process will take time. 
• If you have a flood insurance policy through the NFIP, with a policy that was in effect prior to Sept. 30, visit www.floodsmart.gov, to begin the claim process. Given the current federal government shutdown, customer service and the claims process may be slow.  
• Document the damage: Only when it is safe to do so, you can try to document the damage by taking photos. 
• Ask questions: Throughout the process, you are entitled to know what’s happening. If your agent, insurance company or adjuster don’t provide you with information, or tell you something that you don’t understand, ask questions.