Ever since time immemorial, water damage has been the cause of panic for innumerable homeowners. The harm caused by bursting pipes and water insurance tanks, roof leakage, toilet clogs, and natural calamities like storms and floods can be frightening.
For this reason, more and more people are now making it a point to ensure their homes and properties for water damage. However, getting insurance is just the tip of the iceberg. For most people, the real struggle starts afterwards. Here are all the imperative details about the water damage insurance claim process to make it easier for those in need.
Get to safety
The first and foremost step during such calamities is finding a safe spot. This particular step applies to family members and all the undamaged items in the house. Once you are sure your family is safe, you can then try to move expensive items to safe locations to prevent water damage.
Additionally, it also gives you another opportunity to safeguard things of sentimental value from repairable damage.
Catalogue the damaged items
The next step of the procedure is clicking an ample number of pictures and videos of the spoiled items. Also, take snaps of the standing and clogged water. This step is crucial and needs immediate attention as insurance companies always ask for valid proof to support the requests.
File a claim
Next comes the stage of contacting the agency or insurance provider. It is necessary to remember that the insurance company is likely to be dealing with several similar cases during calamities. Therefore, naturally, they will respond to each customer on a first-come, first-serve basis. This is why it is important to put in your claim as soon as possible in order to get a timely response.
Describe the loss
In truth, this might seem like a continuation of the previous step but requires special mention. For example, while filing for an insurance claim caused by water damage, it is necessary to describe the type and extent of loss in detail. Moreover, if a field inspector or representative is assigned to handle the claim, cooperate and clarify all doubts with them.
Gather supporting documents
Once the process starts, the agency will ask for all supporting documents. These may include policy numbers and papers, photo ID proof, address proof, photos showing the extent of damages caused, etc.
Make sure to keep these important papers handy before you file your claim.. This can reduce the risk of unnecessary delays.
Hire a cleaner or plumber
The claiming process might take a few days. In the meantime, hire a plumber or specialized cleaner to take care of the situation. This will help avoid further desecration of properties and the house. In addition, keep track of the product and service receipts used to manage the initial loss. Sometimes, the insurance provider agrees to reimbursement of these declarations as well.
Store all items
While it may seem like a good idea to get rid of spoiled items, it is best to wait a little while. In case of extensive water damage insurance claims, the company must send a field worker to inspect the situation. Their primary task is to examine the items and assess the amount of money that must be paid for the replacements or repairs.
Going through a water damage insurance claim process can be very tricky and difficult. Therefore, it is essential to pay equal attention to all the earlier steps for speedy approval. Moreover, it is also very important to keep track of all the correspondence like letters, emails, fax, etc. This way, anyone can get the largest payout without unnecessary hassle.