Water Damage Claims; what you need to know!

Water damage insurance claims are the most frequently reported kind of property claim. Immediately after you notice water damage it’s important to stop any type of water flow or leak as soon as possible. Then call Water Damage Minneapolis™ because first of all it is critical that all the water damage is discovered and methodically documented, then mitigation is started so the damage from the water does not continue.

At this point, this is not restoration of your damaged property; it is just eliminating the source of the problem and preventing further property damage. The rebuild and restoration work will only commence once you and your insurance company have agreed to the amount of damage or scope of work.

documentation

Proper documentation is the key to filing a water damage claim

Water Damage Minneapolis™ uses the latest technology to diagnose and document the extent of water damage. This is important because not all insurance companies utilize infrared imaging or moisture mapping technology to sense and locate trapped water that is hidden within the structure. If not discovered, hidden water damage doesn’t technically exist.

We document all damage with photos, this is especially important if any tear out of dry wall or flooring is needed before your insurance adjuster has seen the damage. Also, don’t throw away anything you removed from the house until after your insurance adjuster has seen it, save samples of the materials.

We recommend that you obtain your own estimates to gauge the true cost to repair your water damaged property, ask us about obtaining a detailed claim estimate for your insurance company. Due to the illusive nature of water damage, the claim adjuster sent out by your insurance company may underestimate or completely deny your water damage claim.

The process of filing a claim with your insurance company

Notify your insurance company as soon as possible if you have a claim. There should be a toll-free claims number on your policy. Most companies require you to tell them in writing, so follow up with a written notice with information about what happened.

Have your policy number ready when you call your company. Be prepared to answer questions about the damage. While each policy may have varying degrees of coverage for water damage, most insurance policies cover water damage that was “sudden and accidental.” This includes water damage from burst pipes, sink or tub overflow, sewage or toilet backups and water intrusion from a roof or window.

Homeowner’s insurance policies don’t cover floods and might not cover other types of water damage. If you want flood coverage, you’ll have to buy a separate flood policy from the National Flood Insurance Program.

buckled wood floor

You need to make sure your insurance company follows through

After you file the claim, you should hear from the insurance company within a day or two. The insurance company will tell you about its claims process and any responsibilities you have. The company should give you the name of the person who will be working on your claim.

The company must start investigating your claim within 15 days after receiving written notice and may ask you for more information. As part of the process they will send an adjuster to your house to look at the damage and provide an estimate. Try to be home when the adjuster comes so you can discuss the extent of the damage and answer all of your questions in person.

The company will tell you in writing if your policy covers the damage and will give you an initial damage estimate. Keep in mind that the estimate may change. Demand a written explanation and reasons why if your claim has not fully settled within 45 days.

If the company rejects your claim, it must explain its reasons in writing. We have a Public Adjuster that can intermediate between you and your insurance company to help you receive a just and fair settlement for your water damage loss. That’s another very important reason to work with Water Damage Minneapolis™, because right from the start, we’ve got your back.

Your insurance company might also provide you with a list of contractors, but you don’t have to use their contractors, you are free to use who YOU want!

Water Damage Minneapolis™ is ready to come to your rescue!
Call 763-242-2103 now.