As easy as this question is to ask it’s not so easy to answer.  Water damage restoration and coverage by your insurance company is tough to pin down.  The reason is insurance companies have loopholes.  As the homeowner you won’t generally know these rules or loopholes until you’re faced with submitting a water damage claim.

When you do have a claim, get your homeowner’s insurance policy out.  Review it to have a better understanding of your coverage.  This way you can prepare your questions for your insurance agent policy clarifications.  Policies cover things like a broken pipe, frozen plumbing and the overflow of an appliance. This could come from a washing machine or toilet.  There are little things about the policy that make a big difference.  For example, leakage from a roof is covered but not the damaged roof itself. 

But, flooding is not covered.  If you live in an area prone to flooding, you’ll need flood insurance.  This additional kind of insurance is the only way to know coverage exist for this particular situation.  And, lenders will need this extra insurance anyway.  If you don’t provide confirmation you may find the insurance company buys private mortgage insurance for you.  This is expensive and should be avoided.

Generally, too, insurers deny claims for damage caused by rainfall. For example, you get a lot of overnight rainfall ruining your basement.  Insurance won’t cover this problem. They also won’t cover water sewer line backups.  Even though you had nothing to do with the problem the insurance provider will deny this claim citing their policy rules. 

If you’re negligent and leave town without turning off the water and your home is damaged, insurance won’t pay it.  Insurance doesn’t cover your negligence. You’ll have to pay this damage yourself.  The average cost for water damage runs about $2,700 and can depend on the severity of the damage.

Get pictures of the water damage restoration.

If you do face water damage restoration issues, take pictures of the damage.  Photograph where the damage came from such as from a pipe or an appliance for example. 

Then call your insurer with a notepad and pen handy.  They’ll have lots of questions for you and you’ll want to take notes to refer back.  This initial call will also help you understand if damage exceeds your deductible.  You can also ask questions about your policy.  If all goes well an adjuster will come to your home to check the damage.  In the meantime, keep track of receipts.  In case you have to do temporary repairs before the adjuster comes to see how bad things are.

Once the water damage restoration is approved you won’t get the entire sum for the cost of repair work. Usually you’ll receive half to get started on the work and the balance upon completion.  The balance will subtract the deductible you have to pay.

If you need water damage restoration call us at (781) 941-2422 or visit us on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/abhservices/ .