Everything You Need to Know About Filing an Insurance Claim for Water Damage

One of the most stressful parts of dealing with water damage is trying to figure out how to pay for the restoration. Many homeowners believe they can’t afford to hire a water damage contractor, so they opt to DIY the cleanup. However, this usually doesn't yield the best results.

Fortunately, most people don’t have to worry about paying for the damage out of pocket. Many homeowners can file a claim to get all or most of the restoration process paid for by their insurance. In fact, this guide can help homeowners get the most out of their coverage so that they can get their property restored to its pre-loss condition with minimal out-of-pocket expenses.

Check to See if Your Policy Covers Water Damage

Before a homeowner takes the time to go through the entire insurance claims process, they should verify that their policy covers water damage. For the most part, insurance providers will cover anything that is sudden and accidental. These types of events may include a pipe burst. 

Many insurance companies don’t cover flooding, however. Homeowners will need separate flood insurance to cover events from storms. They may also need to add additional coverage for water damage restoration that is not sudden. For example, a leaky pipe may be hidden for months. In some cases, insurance won’t cover the damage it causes if the homeowner doesn’t do anything to try to stop the leak. 

Know Your Coverage Limits 

Even if an insurance company does cover water damage, homeowners should still review their policies to see if they have any limitations. They may limit the total amount a homeowner can receive for a water damage claim, or they can place limitations on specific areas of the restoration. For example, they may only cover $1,000 of household contents. 

If homeowners aren’t sure how much coverage they can expect, they should get in contact with an insurance agent who can provide more information on their specific policy.

The Process for Filing an Insurance Claim for Water Damage 

Oftentimes, homeowners avoid filing insurance claims because they don’t want to deal with the hassle. However, the process doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Customers can get coverage for hiring a water damage company by following these five simple steps to file their claim.

Make an Effort to Mitigate Further Loss

One of the most important things that a homeowner can do to avoid getting a claim denied is to make an effort to mitigate further water damage loss. Insurance companies will want to see that homeowners attempt to minimize the total damage by addressing the source of the leak. For example, plumbing leaks can usually be stopped by shutting off the main water supply valve. 

Thoroughly Document Damage 

After homeowners have taken the necessary steps to stop the water damage, they need to go around the property and document as much of the loss as possible. This can be done by walking through the house and taking photos of the source of the water damage as well as the areas that were impacted. Videos are also a great option and can help back up a homeowners insurance claim. 

Contact Insurance Company

From there, homeowners should reach out to their insurance company right away to start the claim. Most providers have a 24/7 phone number or app that can be used to start claims as soon as damage occurs. 

It’s important that this step be done as quickly as possible because the risk of secondary water damage increases with every hour that passes. After all, mold can start to grow in as little as 24 hours. 

Meet with Adjustor

The insurance company will then send an adjustor to the property to evaluate the total loss. They will take their own photos and videos to document the water damage. At this meeting, they will look to make sure that the event was an accident. They will also see how much it will cost to restore the property. 

Negotiate Settlement for Repairs

Based on their findings, the adjusters will give an initial quote, but it may not cover the cost of hiring a water damage contractor. In these cases, homeowners may find themselves needing to negotiate their settlement in order to avoid paying for the services out of pocket. Many of the best water restoration companies can actually handle the insurance claims process and negotiations themselves to get customers the best coverage. 

Learn More About How a Water Damage Contractor Can Assist with Insurance Claims

Contact Swift Restoration and Remodeling to learn more about how their professionals can take the stress out of filing an insurance claim. Customers can call or fill out their online form to get started.