Tips for Homeowners

Water damage losses are one of the most common types of claims homeowners file with their insurance companies. For those who have never experienced a water damage loss or who have never filed a claim with their insurance provider, the entire process can seem downright daunting. To ensure your insurance claim is handled promptly, here are a few tips to follow after your home experiences water damage.

1. Shut Off the Water

Make sure to shut off the water or the source of the water loss. Be sure to remove or turn off any electrical components. Be very careful not to slip on any hard surfaces; we recommend putting down some towels on the hard surfaces to add some traction if you need to walk in those areas.

2. Call a Water Damage Professional

Don’t Delay! Call a water damage restoration company as soon as possible after you discover the water damage. You do not need to wait for your insurance. A water damage restoration company should be available 24/7, and by calling right away you’ll be taking the proper steps to limit the spread of the water, protecting your property from further damage.

3. Call Your Insurance Company

Your next call should be to file a claim with your insurance company. A claims adjuster will be assigned to your claim, they normally take 2-3 days to visit your property to assess the damage. Homeowners DON’T have to wait for the adjuster to arrive to start the dry out process, the faster the dry-out process starts the fewer chances of microbial growth and secondary damage. START DRYING ASAP.

4. Review Your Insurance Policy

It’s always a good idea to have an understanding of what’s covered by your policy. Not all water damage losses are covered by insurance, so you’ll want to make sure you understand your policy’s coverage, deductibles, limitations, and exclusions. Also, note any deadlines for filing a claim. If you don’t have a copy of your policy or it was damaged, request one from your insurance agent.

5. Take Photos

Take photos of affected areas. Concentrate on personal items and furniture that might have got damaged to present to your insurance company.

6. Document All Communications

Whenever you speak to your insurance company, keep a detailed log of when the call took place, who you spoke to, and what was included in the conversation. Keep all written and digital communications as well.