Experiencing water damage in your home can be stressful, so it’s essential to handle the aftermath correctly. Here are five tips to ensure your water damage insurance claim is more successful and less problematic.
Property Water Damage
1. Be Careful How You Describe the Damage
Avoid using words like “flood” or “flooded” when describing your damage to your insurance agent or your insurance company. Most standard home insurance claims do not cover flood damage, which typically requires a separate policy. Misusing the term might cause confusion, delaying your claim and potentially leaving you financially disadvantaged.
2. Be Selective About Cleanup
If your damage resulted from specific causes like a burst pipe or roof leaks, leave evidence undisturbed if possible until your insurance company assesses the damage. However, balance this approach with the need to mitigate further damage to your home. Take photos of the affected areas and any damaged items you must move or repair. Consider consulting a restoration company to professionally document the types of water damage and prevent mold damage from developing.
Water dropping from ceiling
3. Document Everything With Photos
Smartphone technology makes it easy to thoroughly document water damage. Take clear photos of affected areas, damaged items, and any evidence of mitigation efforts. Comparing these “after” photos with “before” photos strengthens your case, especially if a dispute arises regarding the pre-existing condition of your property.
4. Fully Document Any Third-Party Involvement
If your property water damage occurred due to actions by another party, document all relevant details meticulously. Collect the responsible person’s name, contact information, contractor license number, insurance details, and policy number. For vehicle-related incidents, record the license plate and VIN number if possible. If a third party caused the water leak, their insurance company is likely responsible, and you might recover your deductible from your insurance provider.
5. Clarify Temporary Housing Coverage
If the water damage forces you to leave your home temporarily, immediately discuss “loss of use” compensation with your insurance agent. Typically, your insurer will cover temporary housing and meals, capped at about 20% of your total home insurance claim coverage. Get exact figures from your insurance company beforehand and keep detailed spending records during your evacuation.
Following these guidelines can simplify handling your water damage insurance claim. For professional assistance and to ensure you receive fair compensation from your insurer, contact an experienced attorney like those at Grun & Associates.
