How to Avoid Disputes on Water Damage Claims

Water damage claims are something that no homeowner enjoys; however, when you have a flood in your home, it is nice to know that the insurance company will pay for everything. In order to avoid any disputes with your insurance company, there are several things that you need to do. Here are the basics of how to avoid disputes on water damage claims.

Step 1 - Shut-Off the Water Quickly

If you notice water on the floor of your home, you need to act quickly and shut-off the main water supply. If you do not act quickly and allow the water to enter additional areas of the house, the insurance company will not look favorably upon your claim. You need to do everything within your power to limit the damage in the house.

Step 2 - Take Pictures

Use a digital camera to take as many pictures as you can of the damage. Your digital camera will allow you to document all of the damage to your house. If there is ever a question as to what will be covered, you can simply pull out the camera and look at the evidence. Pictures have helped many homeowners avoid having their claims denied.

Step 3 - Document Damage

In addition to taking pictures of the damage, you need to document any details in a notebook. Write down any thought you have about the damage before you forget them. Many homeowners forget to talk to the insurance adjuster about certain aspects of the claim. Later, the adjuster thinks that the insured is trying to add things to the total bill. It is better to go over everything at the beginning. That way, no one will feel like you are trying to take advantage of them.

Step 4 - Call Water Mitigation Company

When working with an insurance company, you should consider calling a professional water mitigation team to your house. Many people try to take on the task of drying out the house themselves. While you have every right to do so, in most cases it will be in your best interest to let the professionals handle this aspect.

If you want to do some of the remodel work yourself, there is nothing wrong with that idea. Taking on the job of drying out the house could cause future problems. Many homeowners do not know how to thoroughly dry out a house and check for moisture. If you do not get the house completely dry, then mold will inevitably grow. Many insurance companies will not cover mold damage when you have not properly dried the site.

Water mitigation teams have sophisticated equipment that they use in order to check for moisture and eliminate it. Most individuals do not have access to this type of equipment or the knowledge that is required to use it. If you want to increase the odds of getting your claim approved, leave this part of the pros.