Water damage can be an overwhelming experience. In many cases, it is an unforeseen event that causes thousands of dollars in property damage and emotional distress. Thankfully water damage insurance claims are not all that complicated to file, especially if you have the right information at your fingertips. To help make this process as painless as possible for you, we’ve put together four water damage insurance claim tips.
Common Types of Water Damage Claims
According to Forbes, water damage makes up for about 24% of insurance filings. Thinking of filing a water damage insurance claim? First examine the type of water damage that has occurred.
- Flooding
- Broken Water Heater
- Leaking Appliances
- Burst Pipes or Hoses
- Sewer Backup
While the most common type is flooding, there are several different types of water related claims you could be dealing with. Not all water damage claims will be covered by insurance. No coverage can be determined due to the source of the damage, length of time damage has existed, and whether the homeowner tried to mitigate damage.
What to Do During a Water Damage Insurance Claim
- File a Claim Immediately
Upon discovering water damage, the first thing you should do is contact your insurance company. Based on the time and day, call your insurance agent to determine the best course of action. If unable to contact your agent, call the insurance claims department right away. A fast response can help prevent further property damage and save money in the long run.
2. Document Damage
For insurance purposes, you’ll want to take photos of the damage and make a list of everything that was damaged or destroyed. It may be tough to document and understand the full extent of damage without aid from a professional restoration company or adjuster. If no insurance or restoration professional has been contacted, document as much as possible. You should also write down:
– the date and time the loss occurred
– what caused the water damage (broken pipe, water heater leak)
– the amount of time your home may have been damaged
3. Remove Any Undamaged Items
Once you have taken pictures and documented most of the damage, it’s time to remove undamaged items out of your home. This can help speed up drying time and prevent further water damage from occurring. Do not remove or throw away any items that have been affected by water, even if you have documented them. An insurance adjuster will need to also inspect and document these items. This will help determine whether the item is salvageable or the value of the item in the case compensation is needed.
4. Remove Standing Water and Begin the Restoration Process
The last and most important step is to remove any standing water as soon as possible. If the water is not removed with urgency, it can cause further damage to your home and belongings, even allowing secondary damage like mold growth. Beginning the drying process after water removal is also necessary.
Your insurance company may recommend a vendor or provide a list of multiple vendors to complete the restoration process. It is important to perform your own research on a professional restoration company who is best qualified and experienced to help you.
Work with a company like Pro Master Cleaning Restoration to provide damage assessment, estimates, water removal and restoration. Our certified technicians will not only provide proper water cleanup and drying but we will also guide you with our water damage insurance claim tips. Our team has years of experience in working with insurance companies and understand the entire insurance claim process.
While specific questions regarding your policy and coverage are best handled by your insurance company, our team of water damage restoration experts will help you get your life back on track after a water damage insurance claim.
