Water damage claims can be a headache to handle. It’s time-consuming work that many people dread having to deal with on their own. If your property has been damaged by water, then you’ll need to act fast. These claims can become complicated if they’re mishandled from the beginning.
When you file a water damage claim, you’ll need to know what’s at stake so that you can limit any mistakes. A homeowner’s insurance lawyer can help you file a successful claim with your insurance company. Please follow along to receive some important steps for filing a water damage claim.
Does Homeowner Insurance Cover Water Damage?
Most homeowner’s insurance policies cover water damage, but it is important to read your policy beforehand to make sure you are indeed covered. This is because there may be an applicable deductible that can alter your coverage amount
Homeowner insurance usually covers water damages such as:
- Unexpected plumbing issues,
- Frozen or burst pipes,
- Leaky roof,
Homeowner insurance does not usually cover water damage from:
- Water leakage to the basement.
- Flooding from flash floods.).
- Backup malfunction of a sewer or water line (unless the homeowner’s policy includes a sewer backup endorsement).
- Leaks from deteriorated pipes.
- Roof leaks caused by an old and neglected roof.
- Fungus, rot, or mold.
What Are The Steps For Filing A Water Damage Claim?
There are a number of steps that you can take to make sure your homeowners claim for water damage is filed properly and in a timely manner.
- Determine the source of the water leakage: This is one of the most important steps when filing a water damage claim because doing so will prevent increased damage.
- Evaluate your policy: The next step is to review your homeowner’s insurance policy with the help of your residential property damage lawyer. You’ll need to verify which coverage you have and the amount you’ll have to pay according to your deductible.
- Document the damage: This is essential for the success of your insurance claim. Take pictures or videos of all the damage caused by the water. This can be a very time-consuming process, so you should set aside enough time to get it done properly without any rush.
- Contact your insurance company: Once you have documented all of your damage, go ahead and contact your insurance company as quickly as possible. However, if you choose, a lawyer for homeowners can do this on your behalf.
For a water damage claim denied, you can appeal the decision. You will need to provide proof that your property was damaged by an event beyond your control. This proof is valid through receipts for repairs, photos/ videos of the damage, and any other documentation you have proving negligence from another party or a natural disaster.
Talk To A Home Property Damage Lawyer Today!
Homeowners insurance policies can be difficult to understand, and when you are dealing with a water damage insurance claim, it is important to receive the assistance of a legal expert who understands the process.
Expert homeowner insurance disputes lawyers have years of experience helping homeowners through the claim process. They will work with you every step of the way to make sure you get the compensation you deserve.
