Water damage can be a devastating and overwhelming challenge to overcome. Fortunately, recovering from water damage can be much easier with the right insurance. While dealing with an insurance company can differ per situation and individual, it’s crucial to know what you should do and what to expect so that the claims process goes as smoothly as possible. The more you know and do, the more help you’ll get!
Here’s a standard timeline of events from the start of the water damage to the end of the insurance claim:
- Find the Water Damage and Stop it. First, find the root of the water damage and do what you can to stop it. We highly recommend calling a plumber to come in and do this as soon as you notice that there may be a leak somewhere in your house, as they’ll be able to find it and safely put a stop to it quickly. They can also tell you if you need to vacate your property. Plumbers can also testify to when and how long the leak occurred and provide any evidence of the water damage, which is crucial when filing your insurance claim.
- Document the Damage. As we said, evidence is essential to filing any insurance claim for water damage. Because of this, it’s critical to document all the damage from the leak. Take as many pictures as possible of where the leak started, floors that might have been damaged from the water, furniture damage, appliances, machines, etc. If you can, you may even want to take a video of the leak happening. All this evidence will only make your insurance claim stronger and will ensure that there are no coverage suspicions.
- Call Your Insurance. Time is of the essence, so call your insurance company and file a claim as soon as possible. Call your agent rather than the company if you can, though most companies will have 24-hour hotlines to help guide you through the filing process. It is, however, vital that you speak to your agent as soon as possible so that they know the exact details of your case. Your agent is your advocate throughout the process and will help negotiate your settlement from your carrier. Establishing this relationship is crucial!
- Meet with an Adjuster. Once you’ve filed a claim, the insurance company will send an adjuster to see what has happened and evaluate the damage. They may also ask about how the leak occurred, when you noticed it, and other details. During this process, an adjuster will determine the cost of repairs and replacements and whose fault the water damage was. If it was caused by a faulty washing machine, for instance, your insurance company may try to collect damages from the machine company. And remember, even if you caused the damage, you’re likely still Insurance companies will be there for you every step of the way!
- Negotiate the Settlement. After meeting with an adjuster, you’ll receive a written estimate of what they think it will cost to repair the water damage. Money may be provided immediately so you can get started on repairs but know that the settlement figure may seem low. When you can meet with the contractors performing the repairs, get estimates on how much it will cost. If you can provide evidence from multiple professionals that the adjuster’s estimate is low, you may be able to get more. Negotiating your settlement is a natural part of the claims process, but if you’re unsure of some of the key terms, refer to your insurance agent to help you with the negotiation.
RestoRite Water Restoration specializes in handling your water damage-related emergencies. We offer 24-hour emergency water extraction services trusted by thousands of homeowners. Our professionals work directly with you and your insurance company to return your home to a safe and dry environment as quickly as possible!
Visit our website to learn more, or call (910) 957-6690 to get started today!
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