When you’re met with an ankle-deep flood, the last thing that comes to mind are insurance claims. Your first instincts might be swiftly removing water, cleaning up the mess, and salvaging your property. But doing this can actually do more harm than good. If you discard items, you could get denied from your coverage or not receive the rightful compensation. As a result, you might have to pay for the water damage repairs and find ways to revert to your routine without any financial help.
Ensuring a Problem-Free Water Damage Insurance Claim
Understanding what to do after a disaster will help you file for a water damage insurance claim. The process isn’t as difficult as you think especially when you’re prepared for the worst. The following are ways you can do:
1. Understand Your Insurance Policy
Whether you have a home or renters insurance, knowing if you’re covered. If you happen to live in a city that’s most likely to get flooded, it’s safe to add it to your policy. Read over your documents to know its exclusions, limitations, deductibles, and coverage. Most cases, there’s a deadline for filing claims so make sure to not delay this process.
2. Inform Your Insurance Company
Right after the disaster, call your insurance. Be sure to have your policy number available and prepare to answer all questions for a speedy process. Be careful using the word flood as many standard insurance policies do not cover this. At the point, ask the agent what your course of action should be. Make the most of what your insurance will cover.
3. Note All Damages
Keep all the documents you can have. The more evidence you have, the better you can get a water damage insurance claim. The following are some things you can do:
- Take videos and pictures of the incident before making changes or repairs.
- Keep the damaged items as proof to your insurance company.
- Create an inventory of your damaged possessions such as model and make of appliances, its current condition, age, and the replacement cost.
- Do not discard items that are malfunctioned or damaged by the water damage.
4. Reduce the Loss
Do whatever you can to prevent additional losses from happening. Salvaged belongings are considered as emergency repairs which are not affected by the claimed process.
After the initial claim, these items will not be covered. So be sure to remove excess water and other water-saturated materials to an area where they can easily dry. Tarp holes in the roof, board up broken doors and take extra measures to prevent further damages. If you had to make any emergency repairs, keep the receipt. Also, do not make any restoration work until the insurance company further instructs you
5. File a Water Restoration Insurance Claim
We suggest making a written notice to your insurance after you review the policy and gathered all relevant information. Keep in mind that your insurance might take a few days to before an adjuster can scope your property. Ensure to work according to your insurance company for a speedy recovery process.
