According to reports, between 2016 and 2020, water damage was the second-most common cause of home insurance claims. And this is why the most frequent claims by homeowners each year are water damage claims. Even though their home insurance policy typically covers water damage claims, many also require flood insurance.
Water damage claims have only overtaken wind and hail damage during the designated period of observance. As a result, it is the cause of the second-highest percentage of property losses.
So with water damage now a threat to homeowners, what is the best way to commence a claim for water damage? Let’s learn about some critical water damage insurance claim tips you should know.
Once you notice any water damage in your home, filing a homeowners' claim for water damage should be your next course of action. You must submit a claim to your flood insurance company if the water damage was caused by flooding.
But before doing anything else, submit a claim. You will have a better chance because they may be handling numerous similar claims. So you want to get the best and first attention, especially if the water damage was due to a heavy rainstorm, melting snow, or flooding.
An adjuster can assess the damage more quickly if you submit a water damage claim as soon as possible. Additionally, the sooner you receive payment for the necessary repairs to return your life to normal.
Salvaging those undamaged items before the water gets to them will limit your claim and your headaches since there is a good chance that you will have many damaged items if you file a water damage claim.
When you place undamaged items out of the way, it also makes it simpler to distinguish between them and damaged items. Even with minor water damage, there is a good chance that items close to the damage will need to be fixed or replaced.
While filing a water damage claim, document all the damages by taking photos and videos. You must record any areas with standing water as well as every object that has been harmed by the water.
You can ensure that you can dispute any damage that might have been overlooked during the claims process by maintaining thorough records. You can include your home content list. It will assist you in accurately listing the items you own, their cost, and their current market value.
After filing homeowners' claims for water damage, further damages are not the responsibility of the insurer. So you’ll want to drain the standing water to prevent further damage. Water seeping into your floors and walls and spreading through the wood and flooring can cause even more intensive damage.
You’ll need to lift a few corners with carpets and place fans around the room to dry the affected areas.
Even after you dry the area affected by water damage, you’ll want to keep all of your water-damaged possessions. At least until your insurance adjuster has had a chance to thoroughly examine them and make an assessment. This is to ensure you get the accurate money you’ll get to repair or replace your items.
You'll want to postpone making any repairs until your insurer has given you the go-ahead unless something like your roof or walls has been severely damaged and is still letting water into your home.
By waiting for their approval, you can avoid the possibility of performing repairs for which the claim's total value hasn't been taken into account. Putting up a tarp or plywood to stop further water damage is acceptable if your roof or walls are leaking.