How to Avoid Disputes on Water Damage Claims

Water damage claims are something that no homeowner enjoys dealing with. However, when you have a flood in your home, it is nice to know that the insurance company will pay for everything. In order to avoid any disputes with your insurance company, there are several things that you need to do. Here are the basics of how to avoid disputes on water damage claims.

Step 1--Shut off the Water Quickly

If you notice water on the floor of your home, you need to act quickly and shut off the main water supply. If you do not act quickly and allow the water to go into additional areas of the house, the insurance company will not look favorably upon this claim. You need to do everything within your power to limit the damage in the house.

Step 2--Take Pictures

With a digital camera, you need to take as many pictures as you can of the damage. Your digital camera will allow you to document proof of all of the damage to your house. If there is ever a question as to what will be covered, you can simply pull out the camera and look at the evidence. Pictures have helped many homeowners avoid getting their claims denied.

Step 3--Document Damage

In addition to taking pictures of the damage, you need to document any notes that you might have in a notebook. Any thoughts that are occurring to you about the damage, you need to write them down before they are forgotten. Many homeowners forget to talk to the insurance adjuster about certain aspects of the claim. Then later on, the adjuster thinks that the insured is trying to add things on to the total bill. It is better to go over everything on the front end and that way, no one will feel like you are trying to take advantage of them.

Step 4--Call Water Mitigation Company

When working with an insurance company, you should consider calling a professional water mitigation team out to your house. Many people try to take on the task of drying out the house themselves. While you have every right to do this, in most cases it will be in your best interest to let the professionals handle this aspect of it. If you want to do some of the remodel work yourself, there is nothing wrong with this. However, if you take on the job of drying out the house, it could cause you problems in the future. Many homeowners do not know how to thoroughly dry out a house and check for moisture. If you do not get the house completely dry, mold will inevitably start to form. Many insurance companies will not cover mold damage if you do not properly dry out the site to begin with.

Water mitigation teams have sophisticated equipment that they use in order to check for moisture and eliminate it. Most individuals do not have access to this type of equipment or the knowledge that is required to use it. If you want to increase the odds of getting your claim approved, leave this part of the pros.