Water Damage

Water damage is a common occurrence in households. However, if you have homeowner’s insurance, you can file a water damage insurance claim to cover these costly expenses. Handling water damage issues may seem daunting, but understanding why water damage occurs and how to protect yourself can be a big help. Continue reading to learn more about water damage insurance claims and how to successfully conquer the claims process.  

Common Water Damage Insurance Claims

Before diving into the tips, let’s take a look at some of the most common water damage insurance claims:

1. Burst Pipes
2. Roof Leaks
3. Appliance Leaks
4. Sewer Backup
5. Floods

These common crises have likely occurred to every property owner in some capacity. In the worst cases, they can wreak havoc in your home or business and lead to costly repairs. Unfortunately, there’s only so much you can do to prevent these issues, so it’s essential to know what to do when these problems strike.

Tips to Consider When Filing Your Claim

Because water damage can occur quickly and randomly, it’ll be helpful to know what to remember when dealing with the aftermath. Below are a few tips you should consider when trying to remedy this situation to ensure that you’re as protected as possible.

Tip 1: Documenting the Damage

Before you start cleaning up the water, take pictures and videos of the damage caused. This evidence can help support your insurance claim and ensure that you get the maximum amount of compensation. Be sure to document the following:

• The extent of the water damage: Take pictures and videos of every room affected by water damage, including the furniture and personal belongings.
• The source of the water damage: Take pictures of the burst pipe, leaking roof, or any other source of water damage to your property.
• The cleanup process: Take pictures of the cleaning process to show the extent of the damage and the steps you took to mitigate it.

Tip 2: Understanding Your Policy Coverage

Insurance policies can be complex, and it’s essential to understand the coverage provided before filing a claim. Most homeowners’ insurance policies cover water damage caused by burst pipes and roof leaks. However, coverage for other types of water damage, such as floods and sewer backups, may require separate policies. Here are some key terms to keep in mind:

• Coverage limit: This is the maximum amount of money that your insurance company will pay for the damage. Be sure to check your policy to understand your coverage limit.
• Deductible: This is the amount of money that you must pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. Be sure to check your policy to understand your deductible.
• Exclusions: Some policies may exclude specific types of water damage. For example, if your policy excludes flood damage, you may need to purchase separate flood insurance.

Understanding your policy coverage will allow you to file a claim that is within your coverage limit and avoid any surprises when it comes to deductibles and exclusions. 

Tip 3: Contact an Insurance Claims Attorney

If you’re having trouble understanding your policy or feel that you’re not getting the compensation you deserve, it may be time to seek legal assistance. Insurance claims attorneys can help you navigate the claims process, negotiate with your insurance company, and ensure that you get the maximum amount of compensation. While it may seem like an additional expense, hiring an attorney can help you avoid costly mistakes and increase the success of your claim.

Tip 4: Act Quickly

When it comes to filing a water damage insurance claim, time is of the essence. Insurance companies often have strict deadlines for filing claims, and waiting too long can lead to a denied claim. Additionally, water damage can worsen over time, leading to more costly repairs. As soon as you discover water damage, document the damage, and contact your insurance company. The sooner you act, the better chance you have of a successful claim.

Tip 5: Keep a Record

It’s important to create a list of damaged items when filing a water damage insurance claim. Keep track of your communication with your insurance company for posterity’s sake. This includes dates, times, and people involved, as well as any receipts and invoices related to repairs and expenses. 

Filing a Water Damage Insurance Claim With a Professional

Unfortunately, insurance companies rarely seem to pay enough money to their Insureds to appropriately dry-out the home or perform the build-back to its pre-loss condition.

Failure to timely and adequately pay water damage claims can lead to unlivable circumstances for your family and also result in additional ensuing losses such as mold and health issues. Do not become just another underpaid statistic by waiting for your insurance company to change a bad claims decision. Hire us to help.