Imagine coming back home after a long vacation. You find the floors in your home waterlogged due to a leak. Naturally, you will panic in such a situation.
But have you thought about what would be your second thought or feeling?
Many people will go for insurance due to water damage. But how will they claim it?
This article will explain the steps people need to take to get water damage claim insurance for your house.
You can also consult the insurance experts for further guidance.
Steps to Claim Insurance for Water Damages in Your Residence
Step 1: Check the Source of Water and Stop it from Flowing
If you feel it is safe to do so, stop more water from flowing in unwanted areas. You may have to shut off the main valve of your home.
Or else, shut off the separate water supply valve called stop.
Furthermore, you can also research water leak detection systems and automatic shutoff valves to prevent any disaster in your residence.
Step 2: Check If Your Home Insurance Policy Covers Water Damage
In 2018, one out of four claims of home insurance were a result of water damage.
The number of these claims was actually higher than the number of losses caused by hurricanes or fires. This makes water damage quite common.
However, you need to remember that every kind of water damage is not covered. Generally, it is covered by home insurance if it is accidental or sudden.
Water damage is not covered by home insurance if there is a lack of home maintenance. It also doesn’t cover flood water damage.
Types of water damages covered by home insurance are:
Sudden issues of appliances and plumbing.
- Frozen or burst pipes.
- Roof Leakage.
- Ice dams.
- Vandalism
- Negligence or lack of home maintenance
- Damage that occurs gradually over time. For example, slow leaks, poor plumbing, and seepage through the foundation of the home.
- Flood Damages
- Damage caused by a septic system or sewage backup
- You should review your policy and share your concerns with your insurance agent to ensure adequate coverage for specific needs.
Step 3: Contact Your Insurance Agent and Report the Claim
In case of water damage, you should not waste your time calling your insurance agent. Mould starts developing in 24-48 hours, which leads to pipe burst in no time.
It is advised to call an insurance agent, who will provide 24/7 assistance to guide you through the claims process.
These agents will also help you identify the most appropriate water damage/restoration company locally to clean up your home.
Step 4: Consult Professionals to Clean up Water and Moisture:
Contacting a water damage/restoration company is necessary to eliminate any standing water and thoroughly dry the surfaces before the spread of moisture and mildew.
You need to find the best company specializing in restoration services that will help you improve the condition of your house.
You should also check their credibility by checking their licenses.
Step 5: Check If You Should Leave The Home
Water damage can make your homes unsafe and unhealthy. You should also consider factors like the mix of chemicals and wastewater during floods and the risk of electrocution.
Even after the water gets pumped out, the air gets contaminated due to mould spores.
Step 6: Click Pictures of the Damaged Area and Possessions:
The home restoration team will click photographs of the damaged area. However, you should also take your own. This will help you get the reimbursement for the damaged areas.
Step 7 Consult Your Adjuster:
The insurance company will send an adjuster quickly to your home. They will assess the damage and take pictures for evidence.
The adjuster will ask questions about the causes and time of the incident.
They would want to know if anyone was at fault while determining the cost to repair the damage.
When Should You Consult a Legal Aid?
There are some situations where legal assistance can be helpful.
While an insurance agent can help you out throughout the claims process, there are some instances where an attorney can help you out.
Issues like coverage disputes, inadequate offers of settlement, legal liability, and bad faith claims can be such instances where it is essential to seek legal aid.
Conclusion
Living in a waterlogged home can be a nightmare. Many homeowners have to deal with unwanted issues that can destroy their living environment.
With the right insurance coverage, they can ensure the most suitable coverage that will help them repair their surroundings.
Your insurance agent can help you choose the most appropriate insurance policy to cover all the potential losses that can happen by water damage.
It is also important to review the policy on your own to ensure it suits your requirements.
Hence, this is how you can claim insurance coverage for water damage inside your home.