Becoming a
flood adjuster:
Your path to a
rewarding career
Meeting high-risk and challenging
claims head-on
Catastrophe Services
In the landscape of
insurance, flood claims
represent a unique and
growing opportunity.
For independent adjusters looking to expand their expertise and
marketability, becoming certified in handling flood claims is a pivotal step.
With the complexity of flood insurance in the United States, the demand
of skilled adjusters in this field is on the rise.
By the Numbers
Each year, the United States faces an average of $10 billion in flood-
related damages, yet a substantial portion of these losses occur
in areas not traditionally considered high-risk for flooding. This
disconnect highlights a critical need for more adjusters who are not only
knowledgeable in the intricacies of flood insurance but also certified to
manage and adjust flood claims eectively.
$10 billion
FLOOD-RELATED DAMAGES FACED BY
THE UNITED STATES EACH YEAR
AVERAGE OF
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Why get flood certified?
Becoming flood claim certified opens the door to numerous benefits for
independent insurance adjusters:
Increased Demand: As the frequency and severity of flood events
rise, so does the need for skilled adjusters. Certification positions
you as a go-to expert in a field that is only expected to grow.
Comprehensive Understanding: Gain in-depth knowledge of the
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), private flood insurance,
and the latest in flood risk assessment to provide unparalleled
service to carriers and policyholders.
Expanded Opportunities: With certification, you’re not just limited to
local or regional work; flood claims can take you across state lines,
oering diverse and challenging assignments.
Monetary Gain: Although not promised, the complexity of flood
claims, time-consuming deployments and increased claim volumes
after a flood event may create enhanced earning opportunities and
increased demand for this specialized skill.
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How to become NFIP
Claims Certified
To qualify for NFIP certification and adeptly manage residential, commercial,
or manufactured home losses, adjusters must meet the below criteria, set by
the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA):
Experience: At least four consecutive years of full-time property
loss adjusting experience.
Estimation Skills: Ability to prepare accurate scope of damage and
dollar estimates – up to $50,000 for manufactured homes and up to
$500,000 for residential and commercial losses.
Education: Successful attendance at an NFIP workshop,
demonstrating a thorough understanding of the Standard Flood
Policy (SFIP) and NFIP adjustment criteria for all policy forms.
Specialized Knowledge: Familiarity with manufactured (mobile)
home and Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) adjusting techniques.
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Flood Training
At Crawford Catastrophe Services, the flood program was built from
the ground up. With the industry struggling to deliver high-quality
certified flood adjusters, Crawford CAT saw an opportunity by oering
dedicated training and consistent support to these adjusters.
At Crawford CAT, we’re committed to assisting individuals interested in
working flood claims. Our team oers unparalleled help in getting flood
certified through three distinct programs: Flood Adjuster Specialized
Training (FAST), the comprehensive 5-Day Flood Claim Handling
course, and Flood Adjuster Capacity Program (FACP).
Flood Adjuster Capacity Program (FACP)
Connected to the NFIP, the shell of this course was created by FEMA,
who then gave it to firms to create a program based on their requirements.
Essentially this course helps adjusters get certified for an FCN in a
streamlined way, enabling more adjusters to work claims eciently.
At Crawford CAT, we developed FACP which includes:
• Specific training based on the carrier we are representing
• Elaborate in-oce training before fieldwork
• Field training with an approved flood adjuster for a minimum of 10 claims
• Assigned 10 claims with a trained approved manager (manager must
have 10+ experience in flood claims)
• Sign o from the carrier
The FACP creates flood adjusters that consistently produce above-average
work, keeping policyholders and carriers happy and ready to serve a wider
range of the United States.
I’ve commied myself and my team to developing
the best training for flood claims available.
I can confidently say it’s now one of the
top-performing flood claims management
programs in the industry.”
Richard Folkman, Vice President of CAT Operations, Flood and Carrier Practice
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Flood Adjuster Specialized Training (FAST)
The FAST program is a Crawford-designed course aimed at equipping
property adjusters with the skills needed to proficiently write flood claims,
covering critical aspects such as interpreting flood policies, recognizing
genuine flood damage, documenting water lines accurately, and eectively
communicating mitigation strategies to policyholders. This intensive two-day
training ensures attendees gain a comprehensive understanding of the
NFIP program.
5-Day Flood Claim Handling course
Our 5-Day Flood Claim Handling course oers an even more extensive
training experience. This course is meticulously structured to cover every
angle of flood claim management, for adjusters with 4+ years of property
experience. Participants benefit from an immersive curriculum that
combines theoretical knowledge with practical application, ensuring they
are well-reserved in the latest standards and practices in flood claims
adjustment. By the end of the training, adjusters are fully equipped to
manage flood claims with the utmost competence, contributing to
higher satisfaction levels among policyholders and carriers alike.
SM
I have to say that the 5-day Flood course is likely
the most useful course I have taken. Every day
was a learning experience and the way the course
was designed assumed our level of experience and
moved us forward from there.”
Bryan M., Adjuster
SM
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FAQ
What is flood claim certification?
Flood claim certification is a designation given to insurance
adjusters who have completed specific training and met the
criteria to adjust flood claims, specifically those under the
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Once certified,
you will receive a Flood Control Number (FCN) card.
What are the qualifications for becoming NFIP certified?
For a full list of requirements, visit the NFIP’s website:
https://agents.floodsmart.gov/agents-guide/eligibility
How do I maintain my flood claim certification?
Maintaining your certification typically involves completing
continuing education units (CEUs) at intervals specified by
the certifying body, staying updated with NFIP policy changes,
and periodically attending refresher courses or workshops.
Can I work on flood claims without being NFIP certified?
While you may be able to assist with some aspects of flood
claims, NFIP certification is required to independently adjust
flood claims under the NFIP.
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Ready to apply?
First, make sure you’re on our roster. If you’re not, apply here.
If you ARE on our roster, and meet the requirements to be NFIP certified,
reach out to FloodOpera[email protected]co.com for the next steps and visit our
training website for upcoming flood courses.
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CRAW-GTS-0822
About Crawford & Company
®
For over 80 years, Crawford has led the industry through a relentless focus on people and the
innovative tools that empower them.
10,000 employees | 50,000 field resources | 70 countries | $18B claims managed annually
THIRD PARTY
ADMINISTRATION
MANAGED
REPAIR
MEDICAL
MANAGEMENT
ONDEMAND
INSPECTIONS
CATASTROPHE
RESPONSE
LOSS
ADJUSTING
CRAW-BROCHURE-FLOOD ADJUSTER-0424
Learn more at
www.crawco.com
We’d love to talk flood with you! Contact us at:
E: FloodOperations@us.crawco.com
Visit our website at www.crawco.com/cat
