How Can I Ensure The Best Settlement For Water Damage Cleanup?
If you have had water damage in your home, you are in good company. About one in 50 American homeowners will file a water damage claim annually. The problem is staggering; the insurance industry paid out $13 billion last year.
Hopefully you have a valid homeowner’s owners insurance policy to call on for help when it happens to you. According to Forbes.com, the average cost of a water damage claim is about $10,900. Insurance executives cite several reasons for higher prices: aging residential inventory, increasing home (and contents) values, and more laundry rooms upstairs. So when you’ve had water damage, make sure you manage the situation to satisfy the rules of your agreement with the insurance company. Here are some tips from our cleanup experts to help:
Improve Your Chances For A Better Claim Result
When you encounter water pouring from a broken pipe, immediate action is crucial. First, identify the source of the leak and, if possible, stop the flow of water. Even if the water damage seems manageable, having a plan in place is essential.
Make two important phone calls right away: one to 1) to Crossroads Property Rescue and 2) to your agent. We will promptly dispatch a water damage cleanup technician or team to your location. They will halt the water flow and take steps to protect your property from additional damage. Remember, your insurance company may deny some or all of your claim if you fail to act swiftly to mitigate further damage. For instance, we may need to cover a damaged roof with a tarp to prevent leaks.
If your dedicated insurance agent was not available to take your call right now, call the 1-800 number next. Then follow up during business hours with the local team; you’ll want their support. In the event of a claim, it’s your agent’s job to act as your advocate. Agents can also expedite paperwork and offer great advice in a crisis.
Document The Damage
Take photos and video of damage to the building and to your possessions. Don’t immediately throw away any of the damaged items; keep ruined items and debris in plastic bags or containers to show the adjuster.
Our team is here to assist you with detailed reports outlining the cause of the damage and providing quotes for repair costs. If you make any quick repairs and pay upfront, be sure to keep your receipts for reimbursement.
Circle Back To the Insurance Company
Keep them in the loop. If you don’t contact the insurance company promptly, you risk that the insurance company might deny your claim. If you’re unsure whether your water damage claim will be covered by your policy, you should still make a claim. There’s no penalty for asking.
Negotiate the Settlement
Your independent insurance agent can also be a resource to negotiate what you really want you home to look like, after the project is complete. If you want to upgrade your dated decor during these repairs, be honest with your adjuster about your goals. Work together with your contractor to calculate the difference between repairing as it was, versus creating the home you want to live in for the next decade.
Hire A Lawyer In Complicated Cases
Dealing with the insurance process for a complex water damage claim can be both frustrating and time-consuming. If the situation involves significant losses and complicating factors, you may want to consider hiring an attorney as a public adjuster to manage the claim. As independent third parties, they are not affiliated with the insurance company, allowing them to remain impartial and focused on securing a fair settlement, rather than reducing the insurance company's payout.
Choose Your Own Remediation Team
After evaluating your water damage claim, insurance companies often encourage you to use their preferred vendors for repairs rather than providing a payout. They may suggest using their recommended roofers, plumbers, or sheetrock installers to complete the work. Keep in mind that since the insurance company is footing the bill, their loyalty lies with their interests, not yours as the homeowner.
You have choices. When repairing your Morgantown home, choose a repair company that you can trust to be on your side, like Crossroads Property Rescue.
Be Prepared to Get Canceled
After a claim, usually homeowners continue the relationship with their current carrier. However, your insurance company may choose not to renew your policy. It’s not personal– insurance companies use complex formulas to determine risks. Perhaps they will score you “too risky” to continue as a client. If your home insurance is cancelled, contact an independent agent to find you some alternatives.
Water Damage Cleanup in Morgantown
When you suspect water damage, get our professional cleanup team on sight ASAP. Every day that you delay increases the amount of damage to building materials (and the potential for mold.) Crossroads Property Rescue provides both scheduled maintenance and emergency cleanup and restoration services.
