How to Successfully File an Insurance Claim for Water Damage Restoration

12/7/2021 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: SERVPRO shows Northeast Fort Worth residents how to increase their chances of getting insurance coverage for water damage restoration. 

According to FEMA, just one inch of water can cost a homeowner up to $25,000 of damage. Unfortunately, insurance companies can be picky about approving claims for water damage restoration and providing coverage for repairs.

SERVPRO professionals are experienced in working with insurance companies for water cleanup and restoration. As such, the team has learned a thing or two about how insurance companies decide whether to approve insurance claims or not. Read on for SERVPRO’s tips and tricks on how to file an insurance claim for water damage successfully.

Tips for Filing a Water Damage Restoration Insurance Claim

Know What Is Typically Covered and Not Covered

To most insurance companies, water damage falls under two categories: sudden and gradual.

Sudden or Accidental Water Damage

Most insurance companies cover water damage that’s difficult or impossible to predict or prevent. Examples of sudden or emergency water restoration include:

• Frozen pipes that have burst
• Water damage from extinguishing a fire
• Severe rain or snowstorms that cause roof leakage

Gradual Water Damage

Insurance companies tend not to cover water damage that happened over time, was preventable or occurred due to the homeowner’s negligence. Examples of gradual water damage include:

• Mold build-up
• Leaking from improperly maintained plumbing, such as a leaking sink
• Cracks in walls that lead to water leaks

Whatever the specific coverage, SERVPRO advises their clients to contact their insurance company immediately to report the damage.

Collect Evidence of the Water Damage

Insurance companies need proof of the damage when evaluating a claim. This proof consists of photos and videos of the water damage site.

It’s also important to hold onto the objects and possessions affected by the water damage. SERVPRO advises their clients to store those items in a safe place as they could prove crucial later.

Get an Estimate of the Water Damage

Schedule an appointment with a water damage restoration company to get an estimate of the cost of the repair. Depending on the type of damage, mold remediation companies and fire restoration companies may also need to look at the damage. SERVPRO provides their clients with a complete repair estimate and informs clients if they need to vacate the property for their safety.

Hold onto the Receipts

Be sure to keep all the documents and receipts from water restoration companies that inspected the damage. The insurance company needs to see these receipts at some point. SERVPRO provides their clients with itemized receipts they can easily enclose with their insurance claims.

Do Meticulous Record-Keeping

Immediately record all information related to the water damage, including the date, time, and exact location of the damage. SERVPRO professionals record the dates and times they speak with an insurance company, along with the highlights of each conversation and the representative’s name.

Schedule a Visit with an Adjuster

Insurance companies send claims adjusters to damaged properties to assess how much they’ll pay for a claim. Be ready to show the adjuster all the possessions damaged by the water and any receipts.

If Approved for a Claim, Proceed with Caution

A claim approval doesn’t mean the insurance company will pay for all repairs. Often, a settlement barely puts a dent in the cost of the repairs. In that case, it’s worth negotiating with the insurance company for a higher amount. The SERVPRO team is experienced at speaking with insurance companies and advocating for their clients’ fair reimbursement.

About the Company

SERVPRO is an industry-leading residential and commercial cleaning service for property damage. Serving the Northeast Fort Worth and Keller, TX communities, SERVPRO specializes in water damage restoration, fire and smoke cleanup, and mold removal. The company office is located at 4200 Glenview Drive Fort Worth, TX, 76117. Call SERVPRO of Northeast Ft. Worth today at 817-741-5737 to get a free estimate.