Resources For Coloradans Following Southwestern Colorado Flooding

Coloradans have been impacted by flooding in Pagosa Springs and neighboring towns in La Plata County. In wake of the damage 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.

Evacuation maps can be found here. 

The Colorado Division of Insurance 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. Our team does not regulate the National Flood Insurance Program. Contact the Consumer Service Team at 303-894-7490 / 800-930-3745 (outside of the Denver metro area) / DORA_Insurance@state.co.us or file a complaint.
 

Will my homeowners insurance cover flood damage?
It is unlikely that your homeowners insurance policy covers flood damage. Floods operate differently than other disasters as they are not typically a covered event under a homeowner policy. If you do not have a copy of your homeowners insurance policy, you can request one from your insurance company. If you submit a request, your homeowners insurance company must provide a copy of your policy within 3 business days. 

Will my commercial property insurance cover flood damage?
It is unlikely that your commercial property insurance policy covers flood damage. Floods operate differently under property insurance than other disasters as they are not typically a covered event under a property policy. If you do not have a copy of your property insurance policy, you can request one from your insurance company. 

I purchased private flood insurance as an add on or surplus line, what should I do next?
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, 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.

Will my homeowners insurance provide Additional Living Expenses (ALE) if I'm evacuated due to the floods?
Probably not. Flooding is typically not a covered peril under a homeowner policy. This means that Additional Living Expenses (ALE) due to a flood would not be covered.

My car is damaged from the floods, is that covered by my auto insurance policy?
If you purchased comprehensive (or “other than collision”) coverage on your insured vehicle, you have coverage for flood damage to that vehicle(s). 
 

I have a flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), what do I do now?
If you have a flood insurance policy through the NFIP, visit www.floodsmart.gov to begin the claim process. Given the current federal government shutdown, customer service and the claim process may be slower than usual. 

I have more questions about insurance, my insurance company isn't responding, or I don't know how to file a claim, where do I go?
Contact the Colorado Division of Insurance's Consumer Services Team. at 303-894-7490 / 800-930-3745 (outside of the Denver metro area) / DORA_Insurance@state.co.us or file a complaint.
 

Following widespread flooding, FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program can assist with recovery.

Below are a number of resources available for your use. All resources may be distributed widely with other partners in insurance, public safety, emergency management, media, and elsewhere.

For questions about any of the resources below, please contact Ugo Iteogu with FEMA.