Insurance
Claim
As we’ve alluded to above, water damage may lead to a need for an insurance claim. These are some of the most common property claims out there, and because they often cause major expenses for insurance companies, this can be a tough area to navigate for a homeowner. Here are some basics we at Elk Grove Water Damage want you to know about dealing with water damage repair and related insurance claims.
What's Cover?
Every insurance policy is different, but almost all home policies will cover water damage where the cause was “sudden and accidental” – this includes burst pipes, overflow, sewage backups and leaks from windows or roofing. Water damage may also appear gradually over time, however, and this is where things can get dicey.
Getting a Second Opinion
A public adjuster is an independent third party who can offer a second opinion on things like a water damage insurance claim. If you fear your claim has been wrongfully denied, you should diligently obtain a second opinion from an adjuster. Here are some of the explanations you might receive from your insurance company for denial that you should absolutely have investigated further:
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“Unrepaired leak” or “long ongoing leak”
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“Failure to mitigate damages”
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“Failure to maintain heat and electricity”
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“Failure to have NFIP coverage for flood insurance”
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“Preventable maintenance issue”
Other Insurance Tips
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Request a certified copy of your insurance contract, including mold provisions, limitations and your responsibilities.​
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Mitigate your water damage, but do not begin restoration until you and your insurance company have agreed on the scope of damage.
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Document all damage with photos and/or videos.
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Get a third-party estimate on the cost of restoration (our Elk Grove Water Damage experts can help here).
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Request a written explanation from your insurance company if your claim is not settled within 45 days of filing.