When to Make a Water Damage Claim

The Insurance Information Institute reports that one in every 50 American homes experience water damage. Water damage can be caused from a plumbing leak, storms, air conditioning leaks and even when the fire department uses water to extinguish a fire. The effect of water damage on your property can be catastrophic and not to mention expensive. Repairs can range between hundreds and thousands of dollars, depending on the extent of the damage. If your property has sustained water damage, let our public adjusters in Palm Beach County know about it as soon as possible so they can help you get the claim you deserve. 

When Should You Make a Water Damage Claim? 
What Type of Water Damage is Covered by Your Insurance Policy? 
  
Insurance companies are fully aware that water damage is not uncommon, so the policies they offer are very detailed but can also be restricted. If you read your policy, you will find that it only covers specific water damage. As you know, water damage can have numerous sources such as the following:   
·      Accidental water discharge 
·      Water damage due to a storm 
·      Accidental sewer overflow or backup 
·      Flood damage 
  
Insurance policies only cover sudden and accidental causes of loss that cause damage to your property. For example, if a pipe suddenly bursts, the claim should be covered as long as you stop the leak.    
Insurance policies are confusing for various reasons. It will read and include coverage in one section, then exclude the coverage in another section, then the insurance company will include an endorsement that changes the policy altogether. The best way to know what your coverage is to review your policy. An experienced public insurance adjuster can review and interpret your insurance policy. 
  
What Types of Water Damage Are Not Included?  
  
Water damage that is continuous and has been ongoing for a period of time is excluded in most policies and therefore, the resulting damage will not be covered. Sometimes the policy will have verbiage that allows coverage for damage that is not visible and is hidden or unknown to the policyholder.  
Water damage due to wear, tear and deterioration is not covered. Some examples of gradual water damage that is not covered under insurance policies are as follows:  

• Lack of maintenance.  For example, if your faucet leaks and you do not repair the leak, and the leak causes extensive water damage. 

• Deteriorated pipes or plumbing fixtures that leak gradually. Your insurance policy will not cover damage caused by continuous, repeated seepage and leakage. 
• A crack in your property’s foundation that allows water to seep into the interior of your property. 

  
Why Did My Claim Get Denied? 
  
There are many reasons why an insurance claim for property damage can be denied. If the damage to your property falls under the deductible, or has been going on for a period of time or comes from a source that is not covered in the policy, your claim can be denied.  It is important to understand your coverage and the cause of loss before filing an insurance claim. 
If you are unsure if your property damage is covered, or you feel you were underpaid on your insurance claim, the best person to assist is a public insurance adjuster. 
  
Are You Looking for Reliable Public Adjusters in Palm Beach County? 
  
If you are looking for a public adjuster you can trust, we are here to help. At Reliant Insurance Adjusters, we have your best interest at heart and treat every property damage claim as if it were our own. 
  
We understand the stress that comes with handling insurance claims and will alleviate you of that stress.  Our team has the knowledge and experience to get you the highest possible settlement for your claim. Give us a call to learn more about what we do.