Water Damage Claim: How and When to File

Millions of Americans will have to file a water damage claim every year, over 14,000 are forced to every day. Though it is a common occurrence in America, some homeowners may be new to this experience. Filing a water damage claim be a hard task to accomplish, especially if it’s your first time. 

United Water Restoration Group, a company that deals in water, fire, mold, flood, and storm damage restoration, would like to discuss how and when to file a water damage claim. Water events can cause heavy damage and knowing how and when to place your claim can save you a lot of time, effort, and money. 

Recognizing Water Damage

Before filing any water damage claim you must first recognize the signs of water damage. The signs of water damage can vary from event to event. Sometimes water damage looks like minor discoloration, other times it looks like mass warping of wooden fixtures. If you don’t see water damage, but smell an old, musty scent, then that is a sign of hidden water damage. 

What Type of Water Damage is Covered by Insurance?

Though you may think all water damage is similar, filing the incorrect claim may prevent you from getting the help you deserve. Like most insurances, there are certain aspects to a claim that may not be accepted by your insurance. These types of water damage are claimable: 

• Accidental sewer backup or overflow
• Flood damage (if your home is covered)
• Sudden or accidental excess water discharge
• Storm-related water damage

Homeowner insurance typically varies for coverage. While some homes are eligible for flood insurance, others are not. With homeowner’s insurance varying from home to home and person to person, we recommend reading your insurance policy and coverage.

What Type of Water Damage is Not Covered?

A water damage claim may be rejected by an insurance company. Typically a rejected water damage claim involves damage driven by a user or homeowner’s error. If you have a leaky faucet and fail to conduct maintenance on it, your claim will likely be rejected. Though it may sound odd, a broken pipe is typically rejected as well. Foundation seepage and mold repair are also usually rejected in a claim.

When Should A Homeowner File a Claim

Some homeowner insurances only allow a claim to be filed immediately after the event. The best time to file your claim is once you recognize the signs of damage. Once you recognize the signs, contact your insurance company and start a water damage claim. They will likely send an agent to assess your home and its damages. Regardless of severe water damage or not, having your insurance send an agent out will help determine your situation. This can be a preemptive move to a claim that helps prevent further damage to your home.

If you are seeking water damage restoration services, United Water Restoration Group technicians are here to help. Our company is able to work with your insurance and send fully detailed assessments to assist with your claim. To learn more about United Water Restoration Group’s water damage restoration services, contact us at (800) 430-5838 and we encourage you to check out our blog detailing these services! 

We provide services in Ormond Beach, Florida, Jacksonville, Florida, Daytona Beach, Florida, Orlando, Florida, Tampa, Florida, Melbourne, Florida, and many other locations around Florida!