Water damage can wreck your home in two main ways: Mother Nature’s Fury or Indoor Mishaps. Windy storms, icy blasts, overflowing rivers – these weather events can all cause water to wreak havoc. But believe it or not, according to the Insurance Journal, more water damage actually happens inside your home! Burst pipes, leaky appliances, plumbing problems – these everyday culprits can cause big headaches.
The big questions: will insurance cover repairs, and how can you get your property back to its pre-flood glory? Here at 1-800 WATER DAMAGE, we’ve guided countless homeowners and business owners through the insurance claim process. We’re here to share our water damage claim tips to help you navigate this situation smoothly.
Does Your Insurance Policy Cover Water Damage
First things first – check your insurance policy! Most policies cover sudden and accidental water damage, but it’s important to understand the specifics. Think burst pipe creating a watery mess in your ceiling? That’s likely covered. But a slow leak you ignored for months? Not so much. Understanding what qualifies as “sudden and accidental” can save you a major headache down the line.
According to the Insurance Journal, over half (53%) of non-weather water damage claims are plumbing related? Yikes! That’s why knowing how to make a winning water leak insurance claim can make this whole water damage situation a lot smoother..
Filing a Water Damage Insurance Claim
While your tendency may be to start remediating the water damage problem, there are three steps you need to take before you do anything else:
- Find the source of the leak and stop the flow ASAP!
- Review your insurance policy – does it cover water damage?
- Get on the phone with your insurance agent and report the claim.
How to Maximize Your Insurance Claim
Your agent confirms you have a claim. Now, get ready to work with an adjuster or fill out a proof-of-loss form. Here’s how to prep before the adjuster arrives:
- Temporarily protect your property to prevent further damage. If your roof is gushing, cover it with a tarp or plywood – temporary fixes only until the adjuster sees it. Keep receipts for these stopgap measures. You should not make any permanent fixes until you have met with the claims adjuster. Keep your receipts for any expenses you incur in performing these temporary measures.
- Document damaged items. Make a list of damaged items with photos or videos. Don’t toss anything – the adjuster needs to see the wreckage.
- Consult a water damage professional.Call 1-800 WATER DAMAGE! We assess the damage and provide a report for the adjuster, including a cost estimate to get your home back to pre-flood paradise.
The adjuster is a damage detective, and the more info you provide, the smoother your claim will flow. According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average water damage or freezing claim payout is a cool $11,098! Not too shabby.
The adjuster will give you a proof-of-loss form to submit to your insurance company. But wait, there’s more! How much you actually get depends on your policy, the damage severity, and your deductible.
Flood Damage and Your Insurance Policy
Before you assume your homeowner’s policy covers floods, think again. Standard policies leave you high and dry when floodwaters rise. But there is hope! The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), managed by FEMA, offers separate flood insurance for homeowners, renters, and businesses. Even if you’re not in a high-risk zone, NFIP might be a wise investment. We’ll explore flood insurance in more detail in a future post – stay tuned!
Hiring a Professional Water Damage Company
We’ve seen it all – thousands of homeowners facing water damage claims. Here’s the truth: the damage is often sneakier than it seems. What you see might not be the whole story. Without a pro’s assessment, you could face future repairs that your insurance might have covered initially. Ouch!
With an average water damage claim exceeding $11,000, getting a professional water damage restoration assessment is a smart move. A pro can ensure all the damage gets documented, maximizing your insurance payout. Think of it as an investment in your wallet and your peace of mind.
The Plumbing Assessment
Over half of all water damage claims stem from plumbing woes! Clogged pipes, accidental mishaps, bad installations, crazy weather, even rogue tree roots – all can wreak havoc on your plumbing. If a plumbing problem is the culprit behind your water damage disaster, you’ll need a plumber to patch up the leak and stop the flow for good. Once the plumbing puzzle is solved, 1-800 WATER DAMAGE swoops in to extract the standing water and assess the damage. We’re your water warrior team, here to rescue your home!
The Flood Assessment
Flood damage is a race against the clock, and our 1-800 WATER DAMAGE team is here to sprint into action! We assess the damage lightning-fast, then remove water and restore your property to its pre-flood glory. Here’s what we tackle during a flood:
- Cracks in the walls or flooring
- Foundation damage
- Oversaturated drywall
- Contaminated water removal
- Mold and mildew growth
- Carpet and upholstery damage
Mold: The Hidden Issue with Water Damage
One of our biggest concerns during a water damage assessment? Mold – the hidden enemy! This nasty stuff can sprout within 48 hours if left unchecked, causing even more damage to your property. That’s why mold restoration and removal are our specialty at 1-800 WATER DAMAGE.
While you’re busy focusing on restoration, mold might be silently lurking in the shadows. Without a proper mold assessment, you could miss telltale signs like weird smells or spots weeks later. Ugh! Imagine reliving the water damage nightmare all over again? No thanks! That’s why a mold assessment is essential for any water damage situation. It’s like preventive medicine for your home – a smart move to avoid future headaches.
Contacting 1-800 WATER DAMAGE
We’ll assess your water woes and provide rock-solid solutions to get your home back to its pre-flood paradise. From tiny leaks to raging floods, our water damage pros have the tools and know-how to navigate your insurance claim and get you back on track, fast. Call us today – we’re here to help!
We are available 24/7 online or by calling our 24-hour emergency service line at 812-625-3475.
