How To Make a Water Damage Claim

12/11/2019 (Permalink)

Fill out your claim form

How To Make a Water Damage Claim

If you have discovered water damage in your home, one of the first things you may need to do is file an insurance claim. Fortunately, this is a straightforward step-by-step process.

1. Read your policy. Failure to fulfill your obligations could result in your claim being denied, so it can be important that you understand your policy.

2. Call your insurance professional. Your insurance professional in Lumberville,PA, can help you with any questions you have about your policy or the claims filing process.

3. Fill out claim forms. You may be required to fill out one more claims forms, or your insurance professional may obtain the information over the phone and complete this step for you. Some companies will allow you to complete or print off the forms online.

4. Get an estimate of your damages. If your damage is minor, your adjuster may ask you to get an estimate and mail or fax it to his or her office. For a larger insurance claim, the insurance company will usually have an adjuster come out and assess your damage.

5. Make temporary repairs. Most policies will require you to make a reasonable effort to prevent further damage to your property while you are waiting for your claim to be processed. For instance, if you have a pipe burst, your company could reasonably expect you to shut the water off to prevent further flood damage. If you have a substantial amount of water damage, you may want to contact a professional water damage cleanup team to assist you.

6. Make permanent repairs. Once you get the go-ahead from your adjuster, you can begin repairing and replacing your damaged property. Once you begin this process, you may find additional damage or that the cost of repairs will exceed initial estimates. In these cases, you will want to contact your adjuster and provide him or her with updated information before proceeding.
Many people hope they never have to file an insurance claim. However, following these six steps can help make the process as painless as possible.