Experience Water Loss Damage?
Water damage can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare. Damage from water leaks from plumbing or other sources and the needed restoration and repairs can be costly and time-consuming. Water damage can cause structural damage and can lead to mold growth.
If your home has suffered water damage, it is important to take action as soon as possible. If your home or business has been damaged by water, you may wonder what to do next. In Florida, water damage insurance claims are not always cut and dry, and it’s essential to take the right steps to mitigate your damages and successfully deal with the insurance company.
What are Signs of Water Damage?
Black mold
If you notice any water damage, it’s important to inspect for mold as well. Mold can grow within 48 hours of water contact and can cause a number of health problems and costly repairs. If you suspect mold, be sure to call in a professional to inspect and test for it.
ceiling or wall water stains
If you notice water stains on the ceilings or walls that are coming from a plumbing system, it’s important to determine the source of the leaking pipes and take action to fix it. Leaks can occur from various sources such as the roof, windows, bathrooms, burst pipes, plumbing, or appliances.Often water damage is not immediately noticeable but can worsen over time. If water damage is left untreated, it can lead to mold growth which can be dangerous for your health. Not to mention a costly restoration process. If you’re unsure of what to do, it’s best to contact a Public Insurance Adjuster who can help you file an insurance claim and get the damages repaired.
warped wood flooring
If you have water damage affecting areas with wood floors, there’s a good chance that the wood flooring has been warped or stained.Warped floors are often a result of broken pipes. Oftentimes, water damage is not treated correctly and leads to more serious problems down the road, worth tens of thousands of dollars worth of repairs. If you’re unsure of what to do, it’s best to contact a public insurance adjuster who can help you file a water damage insurance claim and get the damages repaired.
Bubbling paint
If you see bubbling paint, water is likely getting in behind the paint and causing it to bubble. This is a sign of water damage and leads to more serious problems.It’s important to identify the source of the water damage and also assess whether the insurance claim is lucrative enough to place. If you are going to place an insurance claim for damages you want tomake sure the settlement is worthwhile.
Musty smell
Water leaks can also lead to a musty smell. If you notice a musty smell, there is likely a water, and you should take action immediately as it can oftentimeslead to mold growth. If water seepage is not treated properly itleads to more serious problems down the road. If it’s an ongoing leak, it could be causing mold issues. Generally speaking, insurance companies exclude small leaks and ongoing leaks, so it’s best to take action quickly.
Higher water bills
If you’re unsure if you have a water leak, it’s important to check your water meter. If the water meter is constantly running, you likely have a water leak, possibly in your washing machines or water heaters. Leaks can often be hidden and go undetected for a long time, causing significant damage. If you think you may have a water leak, it’s important to take immediate action.You’ll want to have water restoration services done by a professional company who will circulateair and start the drying process. If water damage is not addressed quickly, it can lead to even more serious problems.
Different Types of Water Damage
Water damage can occur from water supply lines that run through the walls. Especially pipes such as polybutylene are susceptible to sudden leaking.
Backup from drain lines with standing water are very common causes of significant water damage.They can result in overflowing and backup of water.
Leaking of drain lines in the slab are especially common with cast iron lines that were very commonly used in Florida homes.Water damage can easily damage floors and walls
Water supply lines such as to a refrigerator, washing machine, dishwasher, or ice makers can see water seeping over time, damaging surrounding property.
Rain can enter the home, often driven by wind through open windows, porous building materials, or cracks in the exterior of the siding or room.
Appliances can malfunction and leak.A common example of this float switch on an air conditioner malfunctioning and causing the water drip pan to overflow.
Heavy rains can result in flooding in Florida homes and causesevere damage. Flood damages can lead to mold growth, damages to the structure, and electrical to name a few.
Heavy rainstorms can result in water damage damaging everything from the attic and insulation to the floors.
Is My Water Damage Covered By My Insurance Company?
Most of the time, damaged materials are often covered under home insurance policies but often with restrictions. There are a few things to keep in mind:
Nature of damage
The water source causing the damage determines if it’s covered. If thewater damage is from a natural cause, such as a hurricane, most policies will cover the damages. If the damage is from a plumbing leak, most policies will cover the affected area if it’s determined that the leak was not caused by neglect on the part of the property owner.
Type of policy
The type of policy you have determines if water damage is covered.There are policies that specifically exclude water damage and many that limit whether it’s covered or put restrictions or caps on the amount it will cover.
Public Adjuster
A public adjuster with the help of water damage professionals,can help you file an insurance claim and get the most compensation for your damages
Damages You Can Receive Compensated For:
Kitchen Cabinets
floors
baseboard
upholstered furniture
Walls
mold remediation
Bathrooms
Are You Getting the Most Out of Your Sewer Leak Insurance?
Before you contact your insurance agent, it’s important to know if you have a strong claim and what it is that you are asking your insurance provider to pay for. In plumbing claims, having experts such as a public insurance adjuster to coordinate your claim is important.
They can read and interpret the policy is important to ensure a maximum settlement for your plumbing claim. A public insurance adjuster can bring in experts, document the damages, prepare a strong and defensible claim file, and negotiate with the insurance agency.
Commonly Asked Questions About Claims
If you see water damage, the first thing you need to do is know whether your insurance policy covers the loss. If it does, it’s important to make sure you document with photographs and invoices an immediate effort to mitigate the damages and report to the insurance company. The insurance policy requests property owners to mitigate their damage
Yes. Many owners can do simple plumbing jobs, and often the source of the water damage is easy to fix. For water damage claims, though, it’s important to document the damage. Take a video and pictures of the water, show the leaking, and yourself fixing it. Anything to make a strong case for the insurance company to pay the claim.
If you have water damage, it’s important to take action as soon as possible. You should dry out the property and remove any water or moisture. Oftentimes, water damage is not treated correctly and leads to more severe problems down the road like mold growth. If you’re unsure of what to do and how to protect your property, it’s best to contact a public insurance adjuster who can help you file a water damage insurance claim and guide you through proper mitigation steps.
Never accept a denial from the insurance company. If you haven’t been represented by a Public Insurance Adjuster, make sure to send the claim file to one to review. A consultation is always free, and they can generally provide good feedback.
Most claims not represented by a Public Insurance Adjuster are underpaid. Whether you have done the repairs or not, share the claim file with a Public Insurance Adjuster to review.
