Water damage can be a huge headache for homeowners to deal with. It can be caused by a large disaster, or it could be a simple leak that went unnoticed. Regardless of the initial severity of the water damage, it can cause major structural issues that are expensive to repair.
In many cases, your insurance will cover the cost of water damage repairs. However, getting them to pay the full amount you deserve isn't always so easy, especially without a licensed public adjuster. In this post, we will outline the steps you need to take to make sure your insurance company pays for your water damage repairs. Let's get started!
First Steps after Damage
After you notice water damage, the first step should always be to mitigate the damage. For instance, if there is a burst pipe on your property, you should ensure the water gets turned off right away.
This is part of your "duty after loss", which is your set of obligations to perform after your home is damaged, as per your policy agreement.
Duty after loss commonly includes:
Preventing mold growth by drying the area completely
Calling a restoration company to ensure the area is dry
Securing the property to prevent further damage (i.e., Boarding up windows, tarping your roof, etc.)
Taking measures to protect your personal belongings from further damage or theft
If you fail to take these measures, your insurance company could deny your claim. So don’t ignore any of these issues!
Learn more about your duty after loss >
Call a Professional
After the cause of the damage is under control, you should call a public adjuster from Liberty Adjusters. By calling a public adjuster first, you'll be able to file your claim with the support of an experienced professional by your side.
Our team understands the ins and outs of insurance claims, and we will do everything in our power to have your back against the insurance company, getting you what you deserve for your claim.
Sadly, insurance companies are always looking for ways to pay less for your claim. Their adjuster works for them, not for you.
Documentation
You'll also want to have all the evidence on your side. This means taking pictures and videos of the damage, as well as holding onto any receipts for repairs that you have already made. This documentation will be crucial when it comes time to file a claim with your insurance company.
You will need to provide your insurer with all of the details about the incident, such as when it occurred, how much damage there is, etc. The more documentation you have, the better your claim’s outcome will be.
Here's a short checklist of what you should take pictures and video of after property damage:
The affected and surrounding areas
Damage to personal belongings
Any mold or mildew present
Peeling paint or wallpaper
The cause of the damage
Filing the Claim
Once we have all the documentation you need, that’s when we’ll file your claim with your insurance company. After filing, the insurance company will send out their own claims adjuster to inspect your home's damage.
This is where having a public adjuster by your side can be extremely beneficial. A loss specialist is able to negotiate on your behalf with the insurance company's adjuster and make sure you are getting a fair settlement for your claim. Insurance companies have their own bottom line in mind, but we have yours.
Read More > Why You May Regret NOT Hiring a Public Adjuster
Lean on Liberty Adjusters
We understand just how stressful dealing with water damage can be. The last thing you need is an additional headache from your insurance company. By mitigating the damage, properly documenting your claim, and calling Liberty Adjusters, you're sure to have a solid insurance claim.
If you've suffered water damage and are ready to submit a claim for your Tampa Bay or Orlando area property, don't wait! Contact us today!