We have the opportunity to see insurance claims every day. Each claim is unique due to every policyholder and circumstance being individual. There is not a simple solution to any situation that involves potentially or definitely making a claim with your insurance. We prioritize educating and explaining to every homeowner the state of their situation and all their potential steps forward. The questions and answers below were designed to hopefully give you direction on how to begin your road to recovery. At a minimum, you should know that your insurance company is a for-profit business that you are able to NEGOTIATE with. They have their own self-interest in mind, and understand how to move forward through every situation. It is up to you to stand your ground and dictate what your premium pays for.
I have a broken water line. What do I do now?
Broken, leaky or burst water lines are a very common occurrence in any property. This kind of damage generally is covered under most insurance policies, but you should not assume. Before you make a claim you should read your policy and have it reviewed by an insurance expert. Insurance is a for-profit industry, trusting your insurance company’s opinion is not recommended. You are expected as a property owner and insurer to have these issues addressed to not be viewed as negligent. You should reach out to any local water restoration technician as soon as possible. Contact us to get in touch with an insurance expert that can walk you through this journey.
My appliance flooded my house. What do I do now?
Any water that escapes your appliance, so your dishwasher, ice maker, refrigerator, washing machine, or air conditioner will be covered by your insurance with the proper coverage otherwise known as an endorsement. This can be found in your insurance policy. This damage can be classified under an inappropriate endorsement which could potentially lead to a denial or an endorsement with a higher deductible or even an endorsement with a lower limit. It is important to have an insurance expert to examine and guide your situation to ensure you get what you deserve with the benefits of your monthly premium. Contact us to get in touch with an insurance expert that can walk you through this journey.
Why should you limit the water loss to your property?
Remember, it's your duty to limit any damage to your property. Turn off the water as soon as you can, even before a plumber shows up. Move personal property out of harm's way if possible. Clean the water up and get rid of any wet material. Mold will grow with darkness, stagnant air and moisture. In some cases, cutting out the drywall and removing baseboards might need to be done to get air into the wall cavities. Any damage that is caused in the attempt to limit damage is covered by your insurance. Contact us to get in touch with an insurance expert that can walk you through this journey.
Will my insurance cover mold damage?
Most insurance policies limit or exclude mold damage. It’s important that you protect your property from further harm. Getting rid of the wet building materials and running fans will slow if not stop the growth of mold. In the event your water loss took place slowly over time and you did not know about mold growing, you are covered. This situation would be the result of a water claim and not a mold claim. This is a fine detail that can make or break how effective your insurance aids your recovery. Many times policyholders freak out when they see mold and want to focus on the mold. Your insurance company will not correct you or look out for you; they are concerned about their own self-interest. It's not your insurance company's job to educate or even help you get a better settlement. That’s what a public adjuster does. A good public adjuster will separate the cost for just mold treatment while labeling all the building materials as water damaged. Contact us to get in touch with an insurance expert that can walk you through this journey.
These last bits of information are something every property owner should be aware of, no matter the type of claim. The adjuster your insurance will send you has no training in construction or estimating. Relying on their opinion is the same as relying on your auto mechanic or barber on what it would cost to fix your damaged property. It’s also never the obligation of an insurance company to make sure that any repair restores the resale values of your property. Your insurance company's only obligation is to pay the claim. You should seek expert advice on how to have a successful insurance claim outcome.