Question 1 of 14
You are handed a homeowners water-loss file. How do you distinguish a flood exposure from a covered interior water loss before you begin estimating?
Strong Interview Answer
I would identify the source and pathway of the water first. Surface water or overflow from a river is a flood exposure, and a standard homeowners policy does not automatically provide flood coverage. I would verify the issued policy, any flood endorsement, and any separate NFIP/private flood policy before valuing the loss under homeowners coverage.
What to Listen For
- source/pathway of water
- standard homeowners flood limitation
- separate NFIP/private flood coverage
- policy/endorsement verification
Caution
Do not treat every water loss the same. Water backup, plumbing discharge, wind-driven rain, and flood can have different triggers and exclusions.