Water Damage Insurance Claim: 5 Things You Need to Know
Water damage can come from many sources, including a broken pipe, roof leaks, flood damage, a/c leaks and drain line damage. If you suspect water damage from any source, call Sentry. Our public adjusting team will do a free inspection and analysis for any potential water damage insurance claim.
Water Damage Insurance Claim Information
1. First, eliminate the source of the water. Before you worry about a water damage insurance claim, the most important thing to do is address the source of the issue. If it’s standing water from a hurricane or flood, the water removal may be more of an involved process than if a water heater or appliance broke. Do anything possible to stop the damage from getting worse. There are water damage remediation companies that can give you a quote on the cost of cleaning up water damage.
2. Document the basic information of the water damage. It’s important to note the following pieces of information, and they may become vital for submitting a water damage insurance claim.
- Timeline of the damage.
- Anything done to the home to address the damage.
- Description of the damages.
3. Document the loss with photos. Do not throw away any damaged goods until after an inventory is taken. Sentry can help document and photograph the damage for the purpose of filing a water damage insurance claim.
4. Call a water restoration company. Contact a company that can help with the cleanup if it’s too much to do on your own. Again, stopping further damage is critical before you can file a water damage insurance claim. Local ServPro or ServiceMaster franchises or other reputable local companies specialize in emergency water cleanup. Professional water remediation companies will be able to assist by:
- Using moisture meters (hand-held or infrared camera) to determine where the affected areas are.
- Finding the best course of treatment to deal with the water intrusion. The remediation company will use multiple tools to help with the dry out. They may bring in several industrial fans, dehumidifiers and other devices to help dry out.
- Removing interior and exterior wet drywall as necessary, but typically this is only done in extreme cases.
- Applying antimicrobial chemicals to prevent mold or mildew growth.
- Removing other building components (such as carpeting) as required.
- Removing furniture, clothing and personal items from the affected areas.
5. Call Sentry Public Adjusting. Before you call your insurance company, contact Sentry first. We can advise you on the best way to submit your water damage insurance claim to your insurance company! We can make sure your claim is prepared properly so that you get the most money for your water damage insurance claim. According to a state report, homeowners who used a public adjuster to prepare their property damage claims received an average 747% more than when filing solo!
Sentry Public Adjusting has years of experience helping property owners across South Florida get the most value out of their water damage claim. Whether you’ve just experienced water damage, are dealing with a denied water damage claim or are picking up the pieces after a hurricane, Sentry Public Adjusting is here to make sure you’re protected.
Sentry’s Water Damage Insurance Claim Process
Our water damage insurance claim adjusting services include:
- Reviewing the existing homeowners’ insurance policies to figure out exactly what your insurance covers for the damages that have occurred.
- Evaluating all losses, including building damages, the contents of the building and any additional expenses incurred.
- Inspecting your home to estimate and substantiate all the damages to your home. An estimator appointment is a vital part of the water damage insurance claim process.
- Reopening a previously closed water damage insurance claim if any issues are found after the water damage insurance claim has been settled.
- Determining all costs for repair of damages.
- Calculating losses from any business interruptions and additional expense claims for businesses.
- Presenting all documentation along with the water damage insurance claim to your insurance company.
- Negotiating with your insurance company on your behalf to get the maximum settlement for your water damage insurance claim.