Water damage is a major problem for homeowners in Denver, Colorado, and the surrounding areas. It can be caused by a variety of factors such as burst pipes, leaky appliances, flooding, and heavy rainfall. The aftermath of water damage can be devastating and it’s important that homeowners are aware of the steps they need to take to file a successful water damage claim with their homeowners’ insurance.

As a water damage restoration company located in Denver, Colorado, Water Damage Inc. has seen the damage caused by water firsthand. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to file a water damage claim with your homeowners’ insurance.

Contact Your Insurance Company

The first step in filing a water damage claim is to contact your homeowners’ insurance company as soon as possible. Prompt notification is critical in order to ensure your claim is processed efficiently. You will also need to provide photographic evidence of the damage to assist with the assessment process. In addition to this, you should keep a detailed record of all interactions with adjusters to ensure you have an accurate representation of what happened and was said. This information will be useful when filing claims later as additional documentation or agreeing on different adjusters may be requested from you.

Before having an insurance inspection completed, it’s wise to relocate any belongings in the affected area. This will protect against further damage while decreasing how much money needs to be spent on repairs. If you hire a contractor for temporary repairs, save all receipts as this will form part of your total settlement agreement.

Document the Damage

Documentation is crucial when filing a water damage claim. Photographing or videotaping any water damage and damaged items will assist your insurance provider when filing a claim. In addition, providing them with an updated home inventory should help them accurately value all your belongings prior to flooding. When dealing with leaky appliances such as water heaters or washing machines, it’s wise to keep records detailing when and how long the device has been leaking for.

As soon as damage occurs, it’s advisable to have a plumber inspect the area and take photos or video footage of its severity. Furthermore, drying-up areas where there may be water or mold accumulation could help avoid further destruction to floors, walls, and baseboards. Once you have documented the damage, it’s time to file your insurance claim. This can be done online, over the phone, or through paper forms.

Schedule an Inspection

When filing a water damage claim, it’s important to schedule an inspection with your insurance provider. An adjuster will come and inspect your property, requesting photos and measurements to assess how extensive the damage may be. Once they’ve assessed the damage, an adjuster will provide you with a written estimate of how much money it will cost to repair the property. They may ask questions regarding its cause and timing so as to accurately calculate repair costs.

Inspectors often rely on infrared cameras to spot hidden water damage. The camera enables them to spot leaks not visible to the naked eye, potentially saving thousands in repairs if caught early enough. As another way of avoiding hidden water damage, buying a house with a strong foundation and drainage system is also beneficial in protecting against future issues following repair of damage. These features may prevent further issues from emerging after any repair work has been completed.

Make a Claim

Once you have all the necessary documentation and have scheduled an inspection, it’s time to make your claim. Homeowners insurance is an excellent way to safeguard against perils like fire, storms, and theft. Filing a water damage claim quickly and efficiently is crucial. Water damage claims are among the most frequently filed with homeowner insurance policies; according to the Insurance Information Institute, 20% of homeowner claims involve water damage.

Therefore, it is crucial that you file your water damage claim with your homeowner’s insurance as quickly as

possible to avoid any other grounds for denial. If the water damage resulted from you not taking action to address issues with your plumbing, for instance, your insurance company might deny your claim.

It’s important to note that water issues in your house should never be neglected because they could lead to mold growth, which is both costly and detrimental to health. Immediate remediation must occur so as to stop further structural damage as well as respiratory conditions such as asthma or bronchitis developing due to mold spores spread by these organisms. Mold can also increase your insurance rates. Many insurance companies utilize a database called Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (CLUE) to calculate how much they should charge you for their policies.

If you find it necessary to file a claim, take notes detailing everything that needs repairing so as to demonstrate the extent and cause of damage. This will enable you to successfully establish what occurred during a claim investigation. Once you have an exhaustive list of items needing repairs, be sure to gather any receipts possible as evidence of damages. A public adjuster could also assess and negotiate with insurers on your behalf.

In general, the claims process will go smoothly, and you should be reimbursed for any costs of damage sustained to your property. However, you should continue checking with your insurer regularly throughout this process to ensure everything is handled in an expedient manner.

Water damage can have far-reaching repercussions for your quality of life in more ways than one, from significant expenses and repairs to mold, mildew, and other health concerns that can be challenging to resolve. It’s important to take swift action in the event of water damage and to follow these steps to ensure that your claim is handled efficiently and effectively.

In addition to filing a water damage claim with your homeowners’ insurance, it’s important to take steps to prevent water damage from occurring in the first place. This can include regular maintenance of your appliances, such as checking for leaks and repairing them promptly. Installing a sump pump or investing in a battery backup for your existing sump pump can also prevent water damage from flooding.

It’s also important to be aware of any potential hazards around your property, such as trees or debris that could fall and damage your roof or other parts of your property. Keeping your gutters clean and clear of debris can prevent water from backing up and causing damage to your home.

In conclusion, water damage can be a devastating experience for homeowners. However, by following the steps outlined in this guide, you can file a successful water damage claim with your homeowners’ insurance and get the funds necessary to repair your property. Remember to take swift action in the event of water damage and to take steps to prevent it from occurring in the future.