Water damage can strike at anytime.
Whether it’s from a backed up drain, burst pipe, flooding, or any other reason. Water damage can leave behind a huge mess and cause serious damage to your home and furniture.
Most homeowners are faced with a million questions immediately after water damage occurs.
- What’s going to happen?
- Where do I begin to assess the damage?
- If my furniture ruined?
- Is water damage covered by my homeowners insurance?
Much like any disaster or emergency, the process can seem daunting, and even stressful at times. Depending on the severity of the water damage, it could impact the market value of your home and even raise health and safety issues for your family if mold sets in.
Before starting your water damage insurance claim, keep these helpful tips in mind.
1. Flood Damage is Different Than Water Damage
It might seem natural that flood damage would fall into the same category as
water damage. Water damage from flooding or a busted pipe are two separate things. Flood damage is typically not covered under homeowners insurance.
If you happen to live in a high flood area, you probably already have flood insurance. If you don’t have flood insurance, it’s always a good idea to have regardless of where you live in case of emergencies like these. Make sure to file your claim with your insurance company make sure to specify whether it was water damage or flood damage so they can adjust accordingly.
2. Not All Water Damage is Covered by Homeowners Insurance
Not all water damage insurance policies are created equally. Look over your homeowners insurance policy for any exclusions that may apply. For example, most policies will cover sudden or emergency water damage from a bad storm or defective dishwasher. On the opposite side, any water damage that has occurred over time from gradual leaks or an improperly maintained home may not be covered in your policy.
3. Notify Your Insurance Company Right Away
After water damage occurs in your home, it’s very important to notify your homeowners insurance company right away so they can start the claims process immediately. At this time, your home is likely vulnerable and at risk of further damage and possible long term mold effects. The sooner you notify your insurance company, the quicker they can help guide you through the next steps to get repairs under way.
4. Recommended Water Repair Specialist
Your homeowners insurance is most likely going to give you a referral to a flooding and
water repair and restoration specialist that they have a relationship with. It’s important to note that you do not have to go through the company they recommend for repairs. You can choose any water damage removal and restoration company to repair the damages under your insurance claim.
It’s important to note that all insurance policies are unique to every homeowner,
this guide is meant to serve as an outline to get you started with your claim. Water damage can be dangerous, the best way to preventing it from happening to your home is proper home maintenance. If you’ve recently had water damage in your home, Zona Restoration will have the right tools, techniques, and solutions to properly repair and restore your home.
