Is Lack Of Knowledge A Covered Cause Of Loss?

We received a call regarding a plumbing leak under the kitchen sink that caused water damage to the cabinets.
 
The homeowner asked if she should stop using the sink. I explained that she has a duty under her insurance policy to prevent further damage to her property and confirmed she should stop using the sink.
 
She said that because the damage was already there, she didn’t see the harm if she continued to use her sink. Her reply shocked me for a moment.
 
Avoiding A Claim Denial
An insurance policy is a contract with your insurance company. There are specific conditions that must be complied with, or you risk the possibility of having your claim denied.
 
Examples Of Policy Conditions:

• Take reasonable emergency steps that are necessary to protect the property from further damage.
• To the degree reasonably possible, retain the damaged property and allow us to inspect the property damage.
• As often as it is reasonably necessary, provide us access to the property and allow us to inspect the property.

 
Mitigate Your Damage
It is important to stop the leak as quickly as possible to prevent further property damage.  Contact a reputable plumber to make sure the leak is stopped and repaired.
 
Make sure to keep any broken plumbing parts that are replaced. This is evidence and proof of repair that your insurance company may request.
 
Understand Your Policy & Know What’s Covered
Lack of knowledge is no excuse for not understanding and knowing your responsibilities under your insurance policy or what is covered and excluded.
 
We Are Here To Help
At Reliant Insurance Adjusters, we have all the skills necessary to understand an insurance policy and to make sure you are properly paid for your property damage insurance claim. We are also proud longtime members of the Florida Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (FAPIA).
 
Whether you have a new, underpaid, or denied insurance claim, we can help. We treat every client’s claim as if it were our own. Call us today.