Water damage is expensive to fix, can disrupt your daily activities, and creates a risk to human health. However, you learn that your insurance provider denies you upon filling the water-damaged claims. It’s critical to understand what to do.
This article will walk you through some water damage claims, what to do after claims rejection, and explain what is covered or not by house insurance.
What to Do?
Find the water’s source and act to stop it from leaking.
Take urgent action to prevent more water from flowing. It could entail turning off your house’s primary water supply valve, which frequently needs a wrench or a specific water supply valve.
Report the claim to your insurance provider.
Timing is crucial when it comes to flood damage mold, and mildew can start to grow within one to two days, according to FEMA. So, if your pipe leaks on Tuesday, don’t wait until Thursday to notify your insurance agent. Calling a public adjuster to help you with your claims is better.
For mold removal, you can contact the provider to help you navigate the claims procedure and assist you with the cleanup.
Get the water and mold cleaned up professionally.
Before moisture or mildew develops, water damage restoration experts will drain any floodwater and dry surfaces. Mold removal services are not all the same. Before accepting any contracts or service requests, ask for an estimate and verify if the company is licensed.
Decide whether or not you need to leave home.
Water leaks can lead to life-threatening or harmful living conditions within the home in severe circumstances. Mold spores can generate toxicity even after removing the remaining water.
If you feel any of these concerns are at work, consult with your public adjuster and mold team to determine the best course of action. Most insurance policies cover hotel rooms and food costs if you leave home. However, you’ll want to know the coverage for these products and organize these spending before being reimbursed. Be ready to save invoices if you stay and dine elsewhere.
Recognize your loss of compensation
After the assessment, your public adjuster will offer you a price quote of how much it will cost to restore your damage. The provider lists labor and materials line items such as tile, drywall, paint, etc. Depending on the claim’s magnitude, they may release a check for all or part of the amount, allowing you to begin restorations.
Types of Water Damage that a House Insurance Policy May Cover
Here’s a look at what forms of water damage are covered or not by homeowners insurance.
- Unexpected or accidental leakage
- Water backup or sewer backup
- Overflowing
- Flood
- Storm-related flooding
People frequently ask whether these water leak policies, leaking toilet coverage, and water leaks from a breaking roof are covered in their insurance policy (condominium, apartment, and home insurance).
The answer depends on the cause of the damage, the type of insurance you have, or whether the flood damage is unintentional and sudden or gradual. Water damage that occurs gradually or over time is not typically covered.
What is Gradual deterioration?
Gradual deterioration occurs when your home is gradually deteriorating.
Say you ignore dripping sink faucet knobs. Leaking water will harm your home. When that happens, your insurance claim may be denied. Your insurance would discover that you ignored a long-standing problem.
Claims for Gradual Water Damage Examples
The wording of your policy may determine whether or not it will pay out. Here are some scenarios where you might receive reimbursement for gradual damage.
- Mold Concerns
- Roof Damage Caused by a Tree
- Water Damage and Shattered Pipes
Conclusion:
When your home or business is undergoing water damage, don’t let your insurance provider give you the runaround. They may attempt to make your insurance claim more complicated than it needs to be to ignore, delay or avoid paying your claim.
If your request is denied and you genuinely believe they mishandled your case, you should file a complaint with your state’s insurance company and hire public adjusters to guide you on the process.
Insurance is so sophisticated and complex, hire public adjusters to assist you. Visit our website now!
