How to get insurance to pay for your water damage?

Insurance will most likely only work when you have done your due diligence. This includes taking care of any sources of water leakage or seepage, if possible, manually. Stop water from flowing and ascertain the damage. If the damage is evaluated to be high, then you can claim insurance for the same.

Of course, water damage has to be covered by your home insurance policy for you to be eligible to raise a request.

When all prerequisites are met, call your insurance agent to report your water damage claim. Now, schedule a meeting with the adjuster to determine the costs involved. Here, the costs mean deciding which one will be more economically feasible: going for a replacement or ACV.

You might need to hire a professional water damage cleanup company. They will be able to better determine the costs involved.

Damaged possessions, if any, should be pictured. Also click photos of the affected region. Negotiations with your insurance provider will now begin.

Be prepared for your claim to be rejected.

Sudden or accidental water damage is more likely to be accepted as a valid claim. This includes things like:

1. Accidental plumbing problems or appliance mishaps.
2. Burst or frozen pipes.
3. Ice dams gone wrong.
4. A leaking roof causing damage to the house.
5. Any type of vandalism damage occurring from water.

Note that you are more likely to get rejected if the problem can be attributed to the negligence or carelessness of the homeowner. This includes things such as:

1. Mold, fungi, or some other type of rot.
2. Leaks and seepage from unmaintained roofs.
3. Long-term leaky faucets or toilets that are neglected.
4. Corroded or old pipes causing a leak.
5. Groundwater or floodwater getting into your basement (which is usually covered by flood insurance).
6. Water pipe breakdown or sewer pipe breakdown.

Always make sure that you only talk with your insurance agent and not the insurance company in general. Though there’s no difference in their knowledge of the problem, an agent is more often conducive to getting a claim approved or to negotiate better. Wait for them to be available if they are not readily available.

Also, make sure that you take your own photos and not rely on the pictures taken by a home restoration team or any professional you call to determine the damage.