Anyone who owns a home may find themselves dealing with water damage. Whether the problem is caused by a leak in the roof or a problem in the pipes, it is vital to file a water damage insurance claim as soon as possible.
The claim process can be tedious and the following tips can make it go more smoothly.
Limit the Damage
The main reason many claims are denied is due to the homeowner not trying to prevent further damage. Insurance providers will require proof that effort was made to fix the problem or that an attempt was made to slow it down. If the issue is allowed to continue unabated, the claim will be denied because of owner negligence.
Check the Policy
Most basic homeowner insurance covers water damage. Call us and we can assist with determining the source, coverage, etc since we work with most insurance carriers.
Take Photos
Taking snapshots with a phone or camera, or shooting some video of the damage will increase the chances of a successful claim. Documenting the event is also helpful for the water damage restoration phase that will come later.
Avoid Saying Flood
Water damage and flood damage are considered to be different things in the insurance world. Flood insurance has to be purchased separately and does not apply to common water damage situations, such as a broken pipe.
The above steps, along with being cooperative, will be sufficient to resolve most claims regarding water damage. Any questions or concerns can be directed to our office and we can assist with determining the cause of the water damage. It can be helpful for a prospective homeowner to shop around for insurance prior to purchasing a home in order to receive the best possible policy and service.
About Micah Somarriba