Water damage in your home requires immediate action and potentially assistance from your insurance company. Here at Restoration 1 of North Georgia, we wanted to share our most important tips on how to properly
file an insurance claim
for water damage. Remember, our technicians are always happy to talk to your adjuster to adequately convey the extent of the damage.
First Things First: Talk to Your Insurance Agent About the Water Damage
The first thing you need to do is make contact with your insurance company. It’s best to speak with your regular agent. Not only is there a familiarity with them, but they know your property history and your exact policies. An insurance professional will advise you on whether or not you even need to file a claim and if your policy can come into play based on the cause of the damage; they will walk you through the process from there. They also can dispatch an adjuster for you. It’s important to know right off the bat that three things will
almost never allow you to use your homeowners insurance policy:
flood damage, a sewer malfunction, and damage from an unresolved issue you knew existed.
Document Everything, and Show Your Adjuster All the Water Damage
From the start of the process to the finished product, you have the responsibility of documenting everything. Before you begin any repairs, take detailed photos, videos, notes, and any other means to prove the extent of the damage should you run into problems. In addition, document all communication between yourself and insurance personnel, including emails, text messages, voicemails, etc. Hold onto this communication throughout the claims approval process and as repairs get underway. When the adjuster arrives at your home, show them all of the damage the water has caused, not just portions of it. You want to receive all of the aid possible.
The Types of Coverage You'll Receive for Water Damage
In a successful claim, you will receive two types of coverage for your water damage: dwelling coverage and personal property coverage.
Dwelling coverage encompasses the cost to repair or replace structural damage to your home and attached structures (likely detached, too, but it depends on the policy). If your home is unlivable throughout the course of restoration, dwelling coverage will also cover hotel costs, restaurant and grocery bills, etc. Personal property coverage is the total cost to repair or replace ruined items from water damage. Keep in mind, however, that high-value items may need additional coverage. The final thing to note about filing an insurance claim for water damage is imperative: do not start any cleanup or restoration until you’ve received confirmed approval of your claim. This could cause it to be immediately thrown out.
Contact Restoration 1 of North Georgia Water Damage Restoration
Once you’ve received approval for your claim, call our team at Restoration 1 of North Georgia.
We’re available 24/7 for comprehensive water damage restoration services. Contact us today!