Water Damage Insurance Claim

Filing an insurance claim for water damage can be a detailed process, and understanding the steps involved is essential for homeowners. Here’s a guide to help you navigate through the process:

Before Filing a Claim

1. Review Your Insurance Policy: Understand what your insurance covers and excludes regarding water damage. Policies often differentiate between sudden incidents (like a burst pipe) and gradual damage (like a slow leak), and may not cover all types of water damage (e.g., flood damage usually requires separate flood insurance).
2. Document the Damage: Before any cleanup, document the damage thoroughly. Take photos or videos of the affected area, including damaged property and the source of water damage. This evidence is crucial for your insurance claim.

Filing the Claim

1. Contact Your Insurance Company: Report the water damage to your insurer as soon as possible. Insurance policies typically require prompt reporting of damage.
2. Provide Detailed Information: Give a detailed description of the damage, including when it occurred, the suspected cause, and the affected areas and items. Provide the documentation you have gathered.
3. Fill Out Claim Forms: Complete any required claim forms promptly. Delay in submission can delay the processing of your claim.

After Filing the Claim

1. Insurance Adjuster’s Inspection: Your insurance company will send an adjuster to inspect the damage. Be present during this inspection and share your documentation.
2. Obtain Repair Estimate: Contact 360 Water Damage to get an estimate for repairs.  This estimate will be important for the adjuster to determine the claim value.
3. Temporary Repairs and Living Arrangements: If the damage makes your home uninhabitable, keep receipts for any temporary living expenses, as these may be covered under your policy’s loss of use protection.

4. Keep Records of Correspondence: Maintain a record of all communications with your insurance company, including dates and summaries of conversations, emails, or other exchanges.

Claim Settlement

1. Review Settlement Offer: Your insurer will provide a settlement offer based on the adjuster’s report and your coverage. Review this offer carefully to ensure it covers all your losses.
2. Negotiate if Necessary: If you believe the settlement offer is insufficient, you can negotiate with your insurer. Provide additional documentation or repair estimates to support your case.
3. Finalize the Claim: Once an agreement is reached, you’ll receive the funds to begin repairs. Ensure you understand how the disbursement works – some insurers may pay contractors directly, while others may reimburse you.
4. Complete Repairs: After receiving the settlement, contact 360 Water Damage to proceed with the repairs.
5. Submit Additional Claims if Necessary: If you incur additional expenses during repairs that were unforeseen, you may be able to submit supplemental claims. Keep detailed records of these expenses.

• Understand Your Deductible: Be aware of your policy’s deductible as this is the amount you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket.

Navigating a water damage insurance claim requires thorough documentation, clear communication, and understanding your insurance policy’s coverage. Patience and attention to detail during the process can help ensure you receive a fair settlement to cover your losses. 360 Water Damage is experienced in working with insurance companies and happy to assist you through this process.