Inspectors are temporary independent contractors, not FEMA employees. Some are good at inspection, others are not. You must be present at inspection. The amount of money you get depends on the type and quantity of damage recorded by the inspector. Inspectors only record type and quantity of damage, and do not record explanations of their decisions. So to get an accurate inspection you should:

• Politely insist that the inspector view all of the disaster damage even if the inspector is rushed;
• Ask the inspector to show you exactly what type and quantity of damage the inspector recorded as disaster-related, and what measurement the inspector recorded as the high-water mark in your home;
• If the inspector does not record damage that you believe was caused by the disaster, you should ask and see if the inspector can give you a good explanation for why he or she did not record the damage; and
• Consider using your phone to record a video of the inspection, and writing down your experience with the inspector immediately after the inspection is done, which could help later if you need to appeal.