A broken pipe, roof leak, or unforeseen storm can result in standing water up to your ankles-and panic. If it feels overwhelming, know that you’re not alone. While it can feel daunting, filing a water damage claim can be pretty straight-forward when you know the steps to take and are calm in your decision-making. This guide walks you through each stage of the process in a way that will protect your mental health, your home, and your finances.
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Documenting Damage Step-By-Step
The very first thing that you need to provide to the insurance company will be proof. So, grab your phone or camera and record each wet spot, each damaged wall, and every ruined rug with photos and videos. Get close-ups and wide shots so an adjuster can see both the detail and the scale. Don’t throw anything away yet- wet drywall or water-soaked furniture may look like trash, but they are still evidence.
You should also record dates and times. If you called for emergency water removal service at 2:00 a.m. on Saturday, make note of it. Keep receipts for pumps, fans, or hotel stays. Good documentation shows the insurer that you are organized and accurate, two traits that will get your claim approved more quickly.
What Will Insurance Cover?
Most standard home policies cover sudden and accidental water events, such as a broken supply line or leaking washing machine. Most policies do not cover gradual leaks you ignored or outside flooding, even if they are documented, which requires a specific policy.
Read the declaration page and the water damage section of your policy and watch for terms like “covered peril,” “sudden discharge,” or “resulting mold.” If things seem unclear, call your agent and ask them to give you examples using plain language.
In the indemnity phase, things you can count on your insurer paying for include:
- The dry-out and drying of the structure process
- Replacements for damaged flooring, drywall, and insulation
- Labor costs incurred by licensed contractors
- Costs incurred from temporary living arrangements if it is unsafe to remain in your home.
You will not be able to submit claims for cosmetic repairs or pre-existing conditions. Knowing limits early on can help you avoid regrettable surprises late!
How Soon Should I Call?
Prompt notice to your insurer is critical. Most policies require you to report a loss “promptly,” and may add a 14-day window. Call your insurer to report the loss as soon as it is safe for you to call from the area. To protect yourself while you wait for the insurance adjuster, you are also obligated to stop ongoing damage, e.g. turn off water, take away standing water, and start fans.
If you need a flood cleanup service as soon as possible, hire one and bill the job after the work is complete. Insurers expect that you will act as a responsible person, and delay creates a reason for them to reduce your settlement.
Feel free to send updates through email, so you have time with a date stamp on the communication. You will avoid a lot of headaches down the road with this very simple change.
Required Forms and Evidence
The company will send you a proof of loss form with instructions when you file a claim with the company. You will be required to complete the following on the proof of loss form:
- The date and cause of your loss
- The room and items effected
- Estimated cost of repair (you can estimate costs based on quotes from contractors)
- Temporary expenses, e.g., dry-out equipment rentals
You will also be attaching your photo log, receipts, and copy of any reports if you used a certified restoration technician. If you used a trusted local crew, like https://strictlywaterdamagerestoration.com/, attach their moisture readings and levels as well. Objective readings (humidity, moisture levels in walls, etc.) carry weight with adjusters and can reduce disagreements about the scope of work.
Tips for Faster Payout
- Stay available. Your adjuster will be using their ability to communicate with you and keep you informed of issues regarding your claim. Respond to calls or emails from your adjuster within a 24-hour time window if possible.
- Meet on-site. It is best if you meet with the adjuster on-site and start by walking them through every room. During the walk, also point out where you discovered hidden wet areas during the moisture inspection visit so that nothing will be missed when the adjuster is writing their inspection report.
- Get multiple bids. It is best to get two or three bids with insurance in order to avoid settling for a low-balled settlement amount.
- Request an Advance. You can request a partial payment to begin repairs if you can safely proceed with repairs. The adjuster may not be optimistic about submitting and getting you an advance, but it will not hurt to ask.
- Review the estimate. Look at the list of items from the adjuster as opposed to the quote from contractors. Ask if there are items that the adjuster did not have on the list, or if they were on the quote at a low square foot area as compared to the other estimates.
Acting in a calm, professional manner will go a long way in helping you through this process. Treat everyone you speak to as a partner working towards the same goal, getting you back to your house.
Final Thoughts
It is understandable to feel overwhelmed as you are filing a water damage insurance claim but if you take one step at a time your chaos will slowly organize itself. You document your insurance loss, notify your insurance company quickly, properly fill out forms, and do your part by maintaining an open line of communication with your adjuster and restoration team. If you stay organized and proactive throughout the process you will turn a stressful event into a manageable project and return to normalcy quickly!
