Experience Water Loss Damage?
Your Property Damage Claims
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.
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Signs of Water Damage?
01. Musty Smell
Water leaks can also lead to a musty smell. If you notice a musty smell, there is likely water present and you should take action immediately as it can oftentimes lead to mold growth. If water seepage is not treated properly it leads to more serious problems down the road. If it’s an ongoing leak, it could be causing mold issues. Insurance companies typically exclude small or ongoing leaks, so act promptly.
02. High 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 circulate air and start the drying process. If water damage is not addressed quickly, it can lead to even more serious problems.
03. 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.
04. Ceiling or Wall 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.
05. 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.
06. 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 to make sure the settlement is worthwhile.
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:
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
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
This will determine 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.
Damages You Can Receive Compensation For
Kitchen Cabinets
Floors & Baseboards
Upholstered Furniture
Walls
Mold Remediation
Bathrooms
Different Types of Water Damage
Water intrusion can manifest in multiple ways, from sudden pipe bursts to gradual roof leaks, each requiring specific documentation and claim strategies to ensure your insurance policy provides proper coverage for both visible damage and potential long-term issues like mold or structural weakening.
Drain Lines
Backup from drain lines with standing water are very common causes of significant water damage. They can result in overflowing and backup of water.
Broken Pipes in the Walls
Water damage can occur from water supply lines that run through the walls. Especially pipes such as polybutylene are susceptible to sudden leaking.
Drain Lines
Backup from drain lines with standing water are very common causes of significant water damage. They can result in overflowing and backup of water.
Slab Leaks
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.
Appliance Supply Lines
Water supply lines such as to a refrigerator, washing machine, dishwasher, or ice makers can see water seeping over time, damaging surrounding property.
Rainwater Damage
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.
Appliance Malfunction
Appliances can malfunction and leak. A common example of this is when the float switch on an air conditioner malfunctions causing the water drip pan to overflow.
Are you getting the most out of your Claim?
A Public Adjuster can help organize a strong case for maximum payment of your extensive water damage claim. They can organize the right team to support the claim and the property’s immediate needs. If you have a slab leak, for example, you’ll need to have a plumber come out and identify and repair the leak. You’ll also potentially need an Emergency Mitigation Services company to come and set up equipment to dry out the water-damaged area. Any contractors brought in need to know how to support your claim with the proper documentation and reports.
It’s important to be able to read and interpret the insurance policy to ensure a successful water damage claim. Insurance companies have put a variety of restrictions on water damage claims into policies over the years all designed to deny or underpay your water damage claims. Make sure to consult a Public Insurance Adjuster before filing a water damage claim.
Commonly asked questions
A. 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 to immediately make an effort to mitigate the damages.
A. 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.
A. 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.
A. 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.
A. 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.