Essential Steps to File a Water Damage Claim for Home Insurance

Having water damage is one of the worst nightmares for any homeowner. But, do you know what’s even worse? It’s to wander through the complex maze of the claims process in filing a water damage insurance claim for home insurance. 

So, you shouldn’t let the paperwork and phone calls make you more anxious and add to your stress. In this insightful guide, you’ll learn about how you can file a water damage claim for home insurance. So, let’s begin in a step-by-step manner!

Step 1: Find out the source of the water

You need to take immediate action to stop the water from flowing by shutting off your home’s main valve or the individual water supply valve. Alongside this, the valves leading to the toilet, washing machine, or dishwasher must also be turned off to cease the flow of water. 

Step 2: Ensure that the water damage is covered by your home insurance policy. 

Did you know that water damage is a common scenario nowadays? But, each variety of water damage isn’t covered by a general homeowner’s policy. 

As a rule of thumb, an insurance claim for water damage will be covered by home insurance if it is an out-of-the-blue event. In simple words, it must be almost next to impossible to anticipate. 

However, water damage is usually not covered when it is caused by negligence with respect to home maintenance. To simplify it for you, the water damage covered and not covered by home insurance is as follows:-

Water damage covered by home insurance:-

• Accidental appliance issues
• Frozen pipes 
• Leaking roof
• Ice dams

Water damage, which is not covered by home insurance:-

• Sewage backup
• Flood damage 
• Continuous damage
• Negligence

Step 3: Contact your insurance agent and report the claim

Are you aware of the fact that mould and mildew can begin to grow within a day or two after exposure to water? So, let’s say your home’s pipe bursts, then you shouldn’t waste any moment before letting your agent or insurance company know what is happening. 

Most of the service providers are available around the clock to help you navigate the claims process and will even suggest a service provider for cleaning up. 

If you don’t want to clean up the whole area on your own, the best approach will be to contact a restoration company. You need to understand that an insurance company might not recommend a particular water damage company, but they will guide you through the whole process. 

Step 4: Get the water cleaned

The water damage company will pump out the standing water and even dry the whole surface so that the possibility of moisture and mildew is negated. In case the mould is already present, the cleaning professionals will apply specific cleaning solutions once the wet area is sealed and ventilated. 

You have to know that there might be some water damage companies which might try to take advantage of an emergency situation. So, before signing any contracts, you should get a proper estimate and proof of license from the company you’ve zeroed in on. You can even go through the online reviews of the company and ask for references from your close ones. 

Once you have chosen the water damage company, get the water cleaned completely. 

Step 5: Take pics of the affected area along with the damaged belongings. 

The home restoration team will take pics of the damaged area, but you should also take pictures of that particular area. Alongside this, you must take photos of the objects which have to be cleaned or even replaced. 

Step 6: Consult with your water damage insurance adjuster

The insurance company will send an adjuster who will evaluate the damage and even take photos. They will also ask questions regarding the damage. It will help in finding out the total cost to repair the damage and to determine whether someone was at fault. 

Step 7: Negotiation regarding the settlement for repairs

Negotiation is not an issue when it comes to small claims. But the larger ones can be challenging with respect to bringing the adjuster and contractor together on the same page. 

The insurance agent can help you out in this situation as they can play the role of the middleman. They have years of experience in this domain, and they can frame the case as per your requirements.