Navigating The Water Damage Insurance Claim...

Many people have a grossly mistaken idea of what their homeowners insurance policy covers, specifically water damage.  They find a problem, submit it to their insurance, and are aghast when their request for aid is turned down.  For some reason, the subject of water damage within the insurance community is nebulous at best, and property owners need to take the time to find out what is covered, what isn’t, and how to best go about submitting a water damage claim that actually has a snowball’s chance of succeeding.

Firstly, water damage is simultaneously the most common claim and the most rejected claim in the insurance biz.  This is because homeowners don’t know what to look for or what constitutes “covered by insurance”.  

Simply put, water damage that is the result of a sudden catastrophic event may be covered, while damage that is the result of negligence on the part of the homeowner will not be.  The burden of proof falls on the homeowner to prove that the problem was NOT the result of negligence on their part, which can more often than not be very difficult to do.

With that tidbit safely in mind, it becomes important for homeowners to be proactive in the inspection of their homes for possible problems, little things that could grow into big ones over time.  If you discover a leak, even a small one, either repair it yourself or have it repaired.  Remember that even the smallest leak can become a lake if given enough time.

Turn off the main water supply to your home if you are going to be away for an extended period.  Leaks that occur during this time will run on unchecked and can cause serious damage to your home and possessions.

Make sure your roof isn’t leaking anywhere, and keep your gutters and downspouts clean and free of obstructions.  This is probably the number one water related insurance claim that is routinely rejected by insurance companies. 

When you find dampness in your home, locate the source and fix the problem without delay.  Make sure you know where all the stop cocks are for your various toilets, sinks, etc.  That way, if something occurs unexpectedly, you can rapidly shut off the water to keep damage to a minimum.

If you’re looking for a home, always check to see if you’re located in a flood plain or other flood prone area.  

Buy above the flood line if at all possible.  Of course this is no guarantee against a flood damage problem, however, history has a habit of establishing patterns, particularly with weather, so studying the flood history of the area you may be considering will tell you how much water you may conceivably have to deal with.

When your best efforts fail, however, that’s where Water Damage Local.com comes in.  Available 24/7/365, Water Damage Local.com is the largest water damage restoration provider in the country, with fully trained technicians proficient on the latest in equipment and procedures.  We can have someone to your home to assess the problem and begin the cleanup operations within an hour of your call.  If insurance is involved, we work with them, taking care of the billing and other details so you don’t have to. 

Water Damage Local.com, your first, best choice for all things water damage.  Call our professionals today.