It is imperative that the adjuster be alert to any claims for which there might have been prior losses. The policyholder must prove that prior repairs were made before any current flood claims for the same or similar items can be considered.

Adjusters should always request a copy of the prior losses and should investigate to determine whether prior repairs were completed. This can be accomplished with photographs (such as prior claim photos), serial numbers, the prior estimate with different materials included (for example, drywall versus paneling), receipts showing paid repairs, or a combination of all of these.