FEMA 907 Form: A Step-by-Step Guide to Filing Flood Claim Proof of Loss

Table of Contents#

1. What Is the FEMA 907 Proof of Loss Form?
2. Who Needs to File a FEMA 907 Form?
3. Pre-Filing Prep: Documents You Need Before You Start
4. Step-by-Step Guide to Completing and Submitting FEMA 907
5. Common FEMA 907 Mistakes to Avoid
6. What Happens After You Submit Your FEMA 907 Form?
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
8. References

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What Is the FEMA 907 Proof of Loss Form?#

The FEMA 907 is the official, legally required sworn document for all NFIP flood insurance claims. It serves as your formal, itemized statement of the total amount of compensation you are requesting for covered flood damage, supported by verifiable evidence. All information on the form is submitted under penalty of perjury, so accuracy is non-negotiable.

The form serves three core purposes:

• Validates that you are the policyholder or authorized representative filing the claim
• Substantiates that your damage was caused by a covered flood event
• Provides transparent documentation of all losses to help adjusters process your claim quickly

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Who Needs to File a FEMA 907 Form?#

You are required to file a FEMA 907 form if you meet all of the following criteria:

1. You have an active NFIP flood insurance policy (residential or commercial)
2. Your property suffered covered damage from a flood event
3. You are seeking a payout for damages that exceed your policy deductible

Additionally, many private flood insurance providers accept or require the FEMA 907 form for their own flood claims, so check your policy documents to confirm requirements.

Eligible filers include:

• The named policyholder on the NFIP policy
• An authorized legal representative of the policyholder (with proof of power of attorney)
• A licensed public adjuster hired by the policyholder (with a signed authorization form)

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Pre-Filing Prep: Documents You Need Before You Start#

Gathering all required documentation before you fill out the FEMA 907 will reduce errors and speed up processing time. You will need:

1. A copy of your NFIP policy declarations page (to confirm coverage limits, deductible, and covered property)
2. Proof of ownership: property deed, mortgage statements, or receipts for high-value personal items
3. Visual evidence of damage: date-stamped photos and videos of all damaged property, taken before any cleanup or repairs
4. Itemized loss list: a detailed list of all damaged/destroyed building materials and personal belongings, including age, make/model, and pre-flood value
5. Financial documentation: licensed contractor repair estimates, receipts for temporary emergency repairs, and receipts for additional living expenses (ALE: hotel stays, restaurant meals, pet boarding if you were displaced)
6. Supporting event documentation: FEMA disaster declaration number for your area, police/fire department flood reports, or weather service records of the flood event
7. Government-issued photo ID to verify your identity as the policyholder

Important note: Do not discard damaged furniture, appliances, or building materials before your insurance adjuster completes their in-person inspection, unless they pose a health or safety hazard. If you must remove hazardous materials, take photos/videos of the items first, and keep a small sample if possible.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Completing and Submitting FEMA 907#

First, note the standard filing deadline: you must submit the FEMA 907 form within 60 days of the date of the flood loss. Extensions are available only if you submit a written request to your insurance provider before the 60-day window expires. You can download the latest version of the FEMA 907 form from FEMA’s official website, request a copy from your insurance adjuster, or access it via your NFIP provider’s online portal.

Step 1: Fill out basic policy and loss information (Section A)#

This section confirms core details about your policy and loss:

• Enter your full NFIP policy number, policyholder name, and mailing address
• Enter the physical address of the damaged property (this may differ from your mailing address for second homes or rental properties)
• Enter the exact date of the flood loss, and the FEMA disaster declaration number if your area was included in a formal disaster declaration
• Add your current phone number and email address so adjusters can contact you with questions

Step 2: Detail your claimed losses (Section B)#

Split your losses into two categories: building property damage (structural damage, built-in appliances, permanent fixtures) and personal property/contents damage (furniture, clothing, portable appliances, electronics). For each item:

• Add a specific description (e.g., “3-year-old Samsung French door refrigerator, model RF28R7201SR” instead of “broken fridge”)
• Enter the age of the item, original purchase price, replacement cost (cost to buy a new equivalent item today), and actual cash value (replacement cost minus depreciation for age and wear and tear)
• Enter the total amount you are claiming for the item. If you have replacement cost coverage, you can claim the full replacement cost upfront; you will receive the remaining balance after you submit proof that repairs/replacements are complete.
• Add any claimed additional living expenses (ALE) at the end of this section, with attached receipts for each expense.

Step 3: List supporting documentation (Section C)#

List all evidence you are attaching to the form, and number each attachment so adjusters can cross-reference with your loss list. Common attachments include:

• Photo and video evidence of damage
• Contractor repair estimates
• Receipts for emergency repairs and ALE
• Proof of ownership documents

Step 4: Sign the sworn statement#

The signature section confirms that all information on the form is accurate to the best of your knowledge, under penalty of perjury. If you are filing on behalf of the policyholder, attach proof of your authorization (power of attorney, public adjuster license, or signed representation form) with your signature.

Step 5: Submit the form#

Submit the completed form and all attachments to your NFIP insurance provider via one of the following approved methods:

1. Your provider’s secure online claims portal (fastest option)
2. Certified mail (keep a copy of the signed form and mailing receipt for your records)
3. Direct email to your assigned adjuster
4. In-person delivery to your provider’s local office

Confirm receipt of your submission with your provider within 3 business days to avoid processing delays.

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Common FEMA 907 Mistakes to Avoid#

These are the top errors that lead to delayed or denied claims:

1. Missing the 60-day filing deadline: This is the #1 cause of automatic claim denials. Mark the deadline on your calendar as soon as you file your initial flood claim.
2. Inaccurate loss valuations: Overestimating losses can be considered insurance fraud, while underestimating leaves you with less compensation than you need for repairs. Use contractor estimates and original purchase receipts to validate all values.
3. Lack of supporting evidence: Claims without photo proof, receipts, or repair estimates are almost always denied.
4. Signing without reviewing all details: Since the form is a sworn statement, even accidental inaccuracies can lead to claim denial or legal consequences. Double-check every entry before signing.
5. Forgetting to claim ALE: Most NFIP policies cover temporary housing and living costs if your home is unlivable after a flood. These costs are often overlooked, but can add up to thousands of dollars in eligible compensation.

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What Happens After You Submit Your FEMA 907 Form?#

1. Initial review: Your insurance provider will assign an adjuster to review your submission within 10 business days of receipt.
2. Verification: The adjuster may contact you to request additional information, or schedule an in-person inspection of your property to confirm the extent of damage.
3. Claim decision: You will receive a written decision within 30 days of the adjuster completing their review. If approved, your payout will be sent via check or direct deposit. If denied, you will receive a written explanation of the reason for denial.
4. Appeal process: If your claim is denied, you have 60 days from the date of the denial letter to file an appeal. You will need to submit additional supporting evidence to validate your claim for re-review.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)#

Q: Can I file FEMA 907 if I don’t have flood insurance?#

A: No. The FEMA 907 form is exclusively for NFIP flood insurance claims. If you do not have flood insurance, you can apply for separate FEMA disaster assistance via FEMA.gov, which uses different application forms.

Q: Is there a fee to file FEMA 907?#

A: No. The form is free to download and submit, with no associated processing fees.

Q: Can a public adjuster help me fill out FEMA 907?#

A: Yes. Licensed public adjusters can help you document losses, fill out the form, and negotiate with your insurance provider, but they typically charge a fee equal to 5-15% of your final claim payout.

Q: What if I discover more damage after I submit FEMA 907?#

A: You can file an amended FEMA 907 form within the original 60-day filing window, or request an extension to submit updated loss information.

Q: Do I need to file FEMA 907 if my damage is less than my deductible?#

A: No. If your total claimed losses are less than your policy deductible, you will not receive a payout, so you do not need to submit the form.

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References#

1. FEMA Official Website: NFIP Proof of Loss Form (907) Download Page
2. FEMA NFIP Claims Handbook: Official 2024 Guide for Policyholders
3. FEMA Flood Claim Filing Deadlines: Official Deadline and Extension Guidance