Hurricanes, storms, and flash flooding can cause significant water damage to your home or business. Tropical storms are cyclones with a wind speed surpassing 39 miles per hour but below the hurricane threshold of 74 miles per hour.
Water damage can be a massive headache and cause property damage. It can also lead to costly repairs and replacements. If you visualize water damage in your home, it is essential to take the necessary steps to file a water damage insurance claim.
This article will provide tips for filing a successful water damage insurance claim.
1. Contact Your Insurance Company As Soon As Possible
It is essential to contact your insurance company as soon as possible after water damage occurs. It will help ensure that your claim is filed promptly.
Timely filing of a claim can also help prevent further damage to your home or business. For example, if you have water damage that needs to be repaired, the sooner you file a claim, the sooner repairs can begin.
Your insurance company will likely have a 24-hour hotline that you can call to start the claims process. When you call, ensure to have the following information ready:
-Your policy number
-A brief description of the water damage
-The date and time the damage occurred
-Your contact information
Ask if you have any questions about your policy or the claims process. It is vital that you understand your coverage and what to expect.
2. Gather Evidence Of The Damage
It may include photographs or videos of the damage and receipts for any repairs or replacements you’ve had to make.
Please take more photos or videos of the damage as soon as it occurs. It will help support your claim that the damage was caused by the water event and not by something else. Be sure to save any receipts for repairs or replacements you make. These will also help support your claim.
If a home has sustained water damage, it is essential to take quick and appropriate action to ensure that you can file an insurance claim.
3. Keep Track Of All Repairs And Replacements
Storms and hurricanes can cause damage, and it can be hard to keep track of everything that needs to be repaired or replaced. Keep a list of all the damages and receipts for any repairs or replacements you make.
Some of the significant expenses include:
-Hiring a water damage restoration company
-Replacing flooring
-Repairing or replacing drywall
-Purchasing new furniture
Some companies will even send an adjuster to your home to help you document the damages. Once you have a complete list of damages and repairs, you will be ready to start the claims process.
5. Get A Written Estimate For The Repairs
When you have a water damage insurance claim, one of the first things your insurance company will do is send out an adjuster. This person will assess the damage and give you a written estimate for the repairs that need to be made.
Ensure you get a copy of this estimate because you will need it when filing your claim.
The document will include details like:
-The cause of the water damage
-A list of damaged items and materials
-The estimated cost of repairs
6. Hire a Claims Specialist
You might think that you can handle your insurance claim, but hiring a specialist is always good. They will know the entire process and will be able to get you the most money possible.
They will be able to help you document everything and will work with the insurance adjuster to make sure that your claim is paid in full.
Conclusion
Water damages are one of the most common and costly disasters in your home. A claims specialist can help you determine the cause of the water damage and whether it’s covered.
