Water damage is not something you ever want to deal with. However, homeowners may find themselves with such damage and should know what to do if it occurs. If you have a water damage insurance claim, there are several things you need to do to help with the situation. Here are the top four.
#1 – Eliminate the Water Source
Determine where the water is coming from and then eliminate its ability to continue damaging your home. For instance, if a pipe is broken, you should shut off the water supply and call a professional to fix the issue. If there is a hole in your roof, repair the roof or have it covered with a tarp until repairs can be made. Remember, your policy obligates you to prevent further damage. Not doing so can void your water damage insurance claim.
#2 – Make a Water Damage Insurance Claim Report
As soon as you have stopped further damage, you may need to make a water damage insurance claim to your insurance agency. You will need to know the following:
- When did the water damage occur?
- What have you done to mitigate further losses?
- What damages have occurred? Be sure to be thorough when answering this question.
- Have you hired a public adjuster? If you’ve hired Aftermath Adjusters & Consulting, LLC, be sure to let your insurance company know and provide them with our phone number.
You should meet with an insurance company adjuster as quickly as possible. This may be more difficult if the water damage is due to a widespread event such as a hurricane. In such cases, it is even more important to hire a public adjuster who can document the damage quickly and accurately.
#3 – Document Everything
Make sure that you document everything in both photos and writing. Also, do not throw away anything that is damaged until you’ve taken a thorough inventory and your adjuster has seen the damages.
#4 – Use a Remediation Company
Contact a reputable water remediation company in your area to help you clean up your property. A good company will:
- Use moisture meters rather than the naked eye to determine affected areas. If you feel that an area has been affected, be sure to point this out to anyone doing an inspection.
- Have multiple tools to dry out the area. This can include fans, dehumidifiers, and other devices.
- Remove any wet drywall, insulation, or other building components such as carpeting and padding
- Use antimicrobials to inhibit mold and mildew
- Move and store personal property
- Anything else needed to restore your property to pre-water-damaged levels
Since mold can occur within the first ten days, and most insurance companies cap mold removal costs, it is imperative that you contact a water remediation company right away. It is much cheaper to prevent mold from occurring than it is to remove mold once it has formed.
By following these four steps, you are more likely to receive the proper settlement for your water damage insurance claim. If your loss is significant, or if you are having trouble getting your insurance company to settle the claim, give Aftermath Adjusters & Consulting a call. We can help you prove the damages, submit the claim, and get the settlement you deserve.
