When navigating a homeowner’s insurance claim where the city has accepted liability, here are legitimate and ethical ways to ensure you receive appropriate compensation while maximizing the benefits: 1. Full Property Restoration: • Ensure that the claim includes full repair or replacement of damaged materials, even if upgrades are required to meet current building codes (this is often called ordinance or law coverage). • If appliances or fixtures were damaged, make sure they are replaced with comparable models or better. 2. Loss of Use: • If the property is uninhabitable, claim the full fair rental value of a comparable property for the period of repairs, even if the home was empty. Use local rental data to justify your claim. • Include utilities, property maintenance costs, and any additional expenses you might incur. 3. Contents Coverage: • If you had personal items in the home, submit claims for damaged furniture, electronics, or appliances. Even if items seem old, they may be reimbursable at replacement cost rather than depreciated value. 4. Professional Cleaning Costs: • Add the costs for a full deep cleaning, including mold remediation, carpet cleaning, and air duct cleaning, even if the damage appears limited. 5. Temporary Storage: • If any undamaged belongings need to be moved and stored during repairs, the cost of storage and moving is typically covered. 6. Landscaping Repairs: • If flooding affected outdoor features (e.g., landscaping, patios, or fencing), include these in your claim. Damaged trees, shrubs, or lawns may also qualify for compensation. 7. Emotional Distress or Loss of Enjoyment: • Some states allow homeowners to claim compensation for the inconvenience, disruption, and emotional impact of losing use of their home. Consult with a lawyer to determine if this applies in your jurisdiction. 8. Upgraded Repairs: • If repairs allow for upgrades (e.g., replacing a standard floor with hardwood), negotiate for the upgrade as part of the settlement. Cities and insurers sometimes agree to these requests to expedite the process. 9. Professional Services: • Submit costs for hiring an architect, engineer, or contractor to evaluate the property and oversee repairs. 10. Legal or Expert Consultation: • If you needed to consult a lawyer, public adjuster, or appraiser to negotiate your claim, ask to have those fees reimbursed.

Always work with documentation—photos, receipts, and estimates—to back up your claims. If you’re unsure about what qualifies, consider consulting a public adjuster or attorney who specializes in insurance claims to ensure you’re fully compensated. Keep your claim honest and focused to avoid disputes or delays.