Water damage is a common cause of insurance claims, and filing a water damage claim can be challenging, no matter the cause, whether broken pipes or flooding. Here, we’ll walk you through some crucial steps to correctly file a water damage claim.
Prevent Further Damage
Protecting your home and all the valuables inside from any further damage is the first thing you need to do when disaster hits. Insurance companies may not provide coverage for damages that they believe are avoidable. Turning off the water supply, placing items in a safe place, and placing tarps over holes can prevent more water damage.
Take Pictures And Videos
Next, it’s vital to record proof of the damages by taking videos and pictures. If you have older pictures of the damaged area, it can be helpful when filing a claim. Finally, don’t make permanent repairs or throw away broken items. Doing this may affect your insurance claim quote.
File A Water Damage Claim
It’s essential to gather all evidence, create an inventory of your damages, and write a full detailed report of the water damage before contacting the insurance company to file a claim. The insurer has 14 days to respond to your claim, and if they do not respond, they must pay for the damages by law.
When the insurance company replies, they will send their adjuster to your home to determine the nature of the damages. The adjuster will also ask questions about the damages. If your claim is approved, you will receive reimbursement for damaged property.
