How to Maximize Your Water Damage Insurance Claim
Water damage is a frequent issue in US households. In fact, one in 50 insured homes is affected by water damage each year. Insurers are likely to attempt to underpay or deny a claim. Here’s how homeowners can maximize their water damage insurance claim.
Dishwashers, water heaters, washing machines, and refrigerators are typical household appliances that can spring a leak and cause tremendous amounts of water damage to the surrounding area. Homeowners who ignore signs of appliance malfunctioning can expect water damage to occur.
Alternatively, the plumbing system inside a home can be faulty, leading to water damage. Especially in some geographic areas, such as the Midwest, frigid winters are expected; and, burst pipes are a common occurrence. Unaddressed leaks in the pipes can also cause severe water damage.
Fierce rainstorms, overflowing rivers, and hurricanes can cause flooding and water damage to the entire home. Flooding is a major concern when the sump pump is no longer working. Similarly, sewage backups can push water into the home and lead to water damage.
Structural damages can be severe when building materials are exposed to moisture for prolonged periods. Without immediately repairing the water damage that results from any of the abovementioned scenarios, the walls and floors could warp and rot. Within 24 to 48 hours, mold can grow.
Water damage repair costs can be high, so working with the homeowner’s insurance to settle the cost of the losses is important. However, working with the insurer can be stressful and confusing. Insurers aim to keep the claim amount as low as possible, even if the homeowner is fully covered.
-
Mitigate the damage
Maximizing a water damage insurance claim starts by limiting the damage. Failing to control the damage can result in the insurer claiming the homeowner did not intervene; and, to them, these are sufficient grounds for denying a partial or complete claim.
Lessening the damage depends on what type of water damage has occurred. If hurricane-force winds broke the windows and allowed moisture inside, the homeowner should board up the windows. Protect a leaky roof with tarp. Turn off the water when a leak is present inside the home.
-
Gather critical evidence
Document the water damage with photos and videos; the latter can be especially helpful evidence, so the homeowner should describe what he sees while taking the videos. Note the value of each damaged item and its replacement cost. Keep all receipts for any repairs performed by plumbers or roofers.
Also critical is documenting efforts to stop the water damage and prevent further destruction to the property. For example, if water has pooled around the dishwasher, take photos and videos of the water. Then, clean up the water to prevent additional damage.
-
Report the damage immediately
Notify the homeowner’s insurance company of the water damage as soon as possible to avoid risking a denial of the claim. Homeowners should file a claim even when they are unsure of whether water damage is covered. The insurer will let the homeowner know what is covered.
Insurance policies may stipulate that water damage must be reported within a certain time frame, such as within 72 hours of the loss. Call the insurance company’s 24-hour claim reporting call center or report the claim on their online portal. Record details associated with reporting the claim.
An insurer will ask when the leak started, and the answer will significantly impact the claim. Most insurance companies do not cover leaks that occur over a period of time, even if hidden from view. Rather than provide a date range, let them know the date the damage was found.
-
Inform the insurer of the type of damage
Insurers treat flood and water damage differently. Flood damage is covered under a separate insurance policy. Water damage, however, includes events, such as burst pipes and malfunctioning appliances. Most policies cover water damage, so inform the insurer of the type of damage sustained.
-
Work with a public water claims adjuster
An adjuster from the insurance company may contact the homeowner to begin work on the claim. However, adjusters affiliated with the insurer may be biased and attempt to minimize the insurance payout. It’s better to hire a public adjuster, especially when the claim is significant.
-
Hire an insurance claims attorney
Homeowners can best protect their interests in a major water damage claim by hiring an insurance claim professional. Claims are denied less frequently, and the insured receives more compensation when an insurance claim professional works for the homeowner’s best interests.
-
Use trustworthy vendors
The insurance company may recommend their own roofers, plumbers, or restoration services. These companies receive their work from the insurer, so their assessment may not be objective. Rather, when filing a claim for water damage, work with professionals that are reputable and trustworthy.
Call a Water Damage Restoration Contractor
A dependable water damage restoration company can help limit and restore damage from water and assist with insurance claims. Professional technicians are committed to stopping water damage in its tracks and returning your property to its pre-loss condition swiftly and efficiently.
Crews of highly trained technicians arrive promptly to assess the extent of ruin. After developing a restoration plan, they extract all excess moisture using high-tech equipment. They dry structural elements within the property, as well as carpets, upholstery, and furnishings, using powerful dehumidifiers.
Water damage restoration specialists provide content cleaning for any damaged items. If mold colonies have developed, they eliminate the mold. They also apply an antimicrobial to prevent mold and bacterial growth. A final inspection with the homeowner completes the proven process.