Water damage is the the leading property insurance claim and causes the greatest financial expense to insurance companies. These claims are often underpaid, delayed or denied. You must understand your policy coverage so you can take proactive measures to protect from further damage. Here are our tips before filing your water damage insurance claim.
What Should Businesses Do After Commercial Water Damage?
Commercial water damage restoration should begin immediately to reduce downtime, protect building materials, and prevent mold growth. A professional restoration team will:
- Assess the damage
- Remove standing water
- Dry affected areas
- Sanitize surfaces
- Restore damaged materials
These steps help return the property to safe operating conditions as quickly as possible.
Tips before filing your claim:
- Understanding Verbiage: If you have a burst pipe and your basement is filling with water, don’t call it flooding. Most insurance companies won’t compare your drowning basement with the aftermath of a natural flood. You could argue, but it would likely take months.
- Documentation: Before you do anything, document the disaster by snapping some photos. Be thorough in your documentation; look for anything that could cause irreparable damage if left. If nothing is going to self-destruct, leave it so the adjustor can see the full extent of the damage.
- Who Did It? Record the possible cause of damage and keep connections with anyone involved. (Are you getting a new pool and the contractor broke the pipe? Did your upstairs neighbor leave the water running the week she was on vacation?) Report any involved parties and document your communication with them.
- What Now? Your house has first floor water damage. Where do you stay? Will your insurance cover the temporary housing? Understand what your insurance covers or find out during your first call and get a set number.
Once you have your claim there are things you do to ensure consistent coverage. Here are some water damage insurance claim tips for after you have the claim.
Tips after filing your claim:
- Notify Insurance: Immediately notify your insurance once you have your claim. If you let the damage fester it can be grounds to deny your claim. Time will cause the damage (and any possibility of mold) to spread.
- Remove Standing Water: After you secure your claim you are free to begin drying out the area and remove any water that would cause further damage. Don’t make any permanent repairs until the insurance has made their own inspection to eliminate any chance of getting a lower insurance claim.
- Remove Water-Logged Material: Keep track of anything you remove from the area. Don’t discard anything yet; keep damaged items in a well-ventilated area to lower chances of mold growth.
- Documentation: Document the procedure and any changes made to the damaged environment. Log activity and record all instances of contact with your insurance for future use. Keep track of receipts for any purchased replacement items for reimbursement.
- Be Safe: Keep within your own financial capabilities and make sure you proceed within the phrase “safety first.” Water damage can cause trouble to more than what can be seen with the naked eye and improper protection can result in personal and/or property damage.
These water damage insurance claim tips for homeowners will encourage better claims and navigate you through a stressful situation. Call Jarvis Restoration before filing your claim to guide you through the process. We are available 24/7 at 949-362-5388. Anywhere in Orange County in ONE hour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What should I do before filing a water damage insurance claim?
Answer: Before filing a claim, take detailed photos and videos of all affected areas and belongings. Document the possible cause of the damage and keep records of anyone involved, such as contractors or neighbors. Understanding your policy coverage before contacting your insurer can also help prevent delays and misunderstandings.
Question: Does homeowners insurance cover all types of water damage?
Answer: Coverage depends on the cause of the damage and the terms of your policy. Sudden and accidental incidents, such as burst pipes, are often covered, while flood-related damage may require separate flood insurance. Reviewing your policy carefully will help you understand what is and is not included.
Question: Should I remove water immediately after discovering water damage?
Answer: After notifying your insurance company and starting the claims process, you should take reasonable steps to prevent further damage. Removing standing water and beginning the drying process can help reduce additional losses. However, avoid making permanent repairs until the insurance adjuster has inspected the affected areas.
Question: Why is documentation important during a water damage claim?
Answer: Thorough documentation creates a clear record of the damage, cleanup efforts, and communications with your insurance company. Keep photos, receipts, activity logs, and notes from phone calls or emails. These records can support your claim and make it easier to request reimbursement for covered expenses.
Question: What should I do with water-damaged items after a loss?
Answer: Keep track of any damaged materials or belongings you remove from the affected area. If possible, store them in a well-ventilated location rather than discarding them immediately. Retaining damaged items allows the insurance adjuster to verify the extent of the loss and helps support your claim.