14 Feb Is It Ok For An Insurance Company To Deny A Water Damage Claim?
Water damage is one of the most costly repairs that you can make when you file an insurance claim. You could end up spending thousands fixing water damage to your property, whether it leaks through your ceiling or causes your floors to buckle from floods. Since many homeowners purchase policies in the hope of never using them, it is natural to file an insurance claim. To help cover the huge expenses of a catastrophe, you buy insurance. There is always a chance your insurance company will deny your claim. You can reduce the chance of your insurer denying your claim by taking photos of the damage and filing the claim as soon you can.
Only a few property owners wait until the water is dried out or removed before they notify their broker or insurance agent. For the right documentation, you should contact your broker or insurance agent immediately after an event.
Gradual damage vs sudden damage
Your insurance can approve or deny your water damage claim depending on the extent of the damage. The rule of thumb is that claims that were filed slowly are more likely to be denied. The chances of the claim being approved are higher if the damage was internal and sudden. Damages that are gradual over time, such as a slow pipe burst, can often be denied.
Accidental or sudden damage, such as a tree falling onto your roof and breaking the water pipes, have a greater chance of approval. However, sudden bursts of water can’t be prevented. But gradual leaks can be stopped if they are caught early.
Water damage vs flood damage
Toilet or appliance overflows are two common causes of water damage. Water damage caused by a fire, including water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines that are defective, as well as water heaters and dishwashers that are damaged, can be considered accidental or sudden. These types of water damage should be covered by your homeowner’s insurance.
Flood insurance is a different type of insurance. It is often separate from your home insurance policies. Insurance companies recommend flood insurance if you live in areas with hurricane seasons, flood warnings or near the coast.
Flood damage is caused by water rushing from outside and running into the property. This claim will not be covered by your regular homeowners insurance. Flood damage can be caused by heavy rains or flash floods that flood your property.
Water damage can be caused by several factors:
One in fifty homes suffers from water damage every year. This results in an average cost of $8,000 per insurance claim. It is easy to see how expensive the damage can be for both insurance companies and self-paying property owners.
It is important to be prepared for and proactive in dealing with water damage. Here are some common causes and what you can do to prevent it.
Water damage is caused by excess water accumulating and forming pools of water around property that isn’t resistant to water. Wood floors, drywalls, ceilings are just a few examples of areas that can be easily damaged by water. The following are the most common sources of water damage:
- Leaking or damaged pipes
- Preventative measures: Install and use smart home devices to detect moisture or water near water sources. This will immediately notify you if damage has occurred.
- Poor maintenance can lead to plumbing problems
- Preventive Measures: Drains should be cleaned with non-intrusive chemicals and snake drain cleaners.
- Problems with crawl spaces, basements and attics
- Preventive Measures: Regular cleaning and maintenance of spaces that are rarely used.
- Defective household appliances
- HVAC issues
- Preventative measures: Scheduled maintenance with an HVAC professional every quarter to change filters and clean up after any damages.
- Weather and natural catastrophes such as earthquakes, wind, rain, and floods
You can also sign up for an Emergency Response Program, which is a preventative measure. If you experience water damage, such as flooding, leakage or other forms of damage, it is important to immediately contact a trusted vendor.
Here are a few tips for filing a water damage claim
- Call your agent right away and file homeowner’s claim so that the date of loss can properly be documented via voice and text records.
- You can take steps to minimize the damage. Call a local Long Beach Plumber to stop the water from leaking and a restoration company for help drying out the water. The total cost of repairs to the loss will be significantly lower if the situation is prevented from getting worse.
- Keep detailed records of all repairs made, including the expenses. The insurance company can cover Long Beach plumbing and restoration costs.
- If possible, take photos and send written notes to third parties. Photograph the areas affected and the source of water damage. You may be able to support your claim by providing photos of the area before the incident.
- A picture of the water heater in its original condition, along with the receipt and dates. Document the water heater in its original condition.