Whether it’s from a burst pipe, a leaky roof, or a flooded basement, water damage can cause significant structural damage, mold growth, and other long-term issues. If you have recently experienced this type of damage, it’s important that you take the right steps so that you can get your property back to pre-loss conditions.
Contact Your Insurance Company As Soon As Possible
The first thing you should do when you discover water damage in your home is to contact your insurance company. 99.99% of insurance policies require you to report any damage promptly, so delaying the process could give your insurance grounds to deny the claim altogether. Be sure to provide as much information as possible about the damage.
Document The Damage
Before you start making repairs or drying the water, make sure to document the damage. You should take photos or videos of the affected areas, including any visible damage to walls, floors, ceilings, and personal property. You should also keep detailed records of any expenses related to the claim. Remember, in a property insurance claim, you can never have too much documentation.
Mitigate The Damage
It is one of your responsibilities as the policyholder to take all reasonable steps to mitigate the damage as soon as possible. This includes stopping the source of the water if possible, removing standing water, and using fans or dehumidifiers to dry out the affected areas. Failing to do this can also give your insurance company a reason to deny your claim.
Work With Your Insurance Adjuster
Once you’ve reported the damage to your insurance company and documented the damage, an insurance adjuster will be assigned to your claim. It’s important that you cooperate with them once they arrive for the scheduled inspection. Remember that they are just doing their job, and 99% of them are there to prepare an honest and fair report. Read more on how to prepare for your first inspection
Review Your Policy
Before moving forward with any repairs or replacements, it would be a good idea to first review your insurance policy to ensure you understand your coverage. It is highly recommended that you have a licensed policy expert review your policy and claim details to help guide you.
Hire A Reputable Contractor
If and when your insurance claim is approved, you’ll be receiving a check in the mail. With this money, you are expected to perform the necessary repairs. It’s important that you hire a licensed, bonded, and experience professional to repair the damages
Handling property insurance claims yourself can be a stressful and time-consuming process. The good news is that you are not alone! Hiring a public adjuster will help you navigate the claims process effectively, get your claim settled in a faster time period, ensure that you are receiving the maximum compensation that you are entitled to, and provide peace of mind during a stressful time.
Need help with your property insurance claim?