Essential Tips for Navigating Water Damage Insurance Claims

Living in Louisiana means dealing with the persistent threat of water damage from multiple sources, including hurricanes, thunderstorms, and simple routine plumbing issues. What makes water damage especially problematic is that it can quickly destroy the interior of your home, making the property unlivable for a substantial period of time, and navigating a water damage insurance claim often just adds to the difficulty of the recovery process. With that in mind, here are a few essential water damage insurance claim tips for dealing with an insurance company if your home has sustained water damage:

1. Know What Water Damage Your Policy Will (and Won’t) Cover

The typical homeowner’s insurance policy in Louisiana includes standard coverage for sudden and accidental water damage. For example, if a pipe bursts and floods your bathroom, that is a covered loss. You would also be covered if there is a leak in your roof and the room below sustains water damage or mold.

What your homeowner’s policy will almost never cover, however, is flood damage. In this context, flooding refers to any external water that enters your home. So, if your house floods during a hurricane, your homeowner’s policy will not help you; you would need to have separate, specific hurricane insurance. Unfortunately, such coverage is often hard to come by. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is often the only way to obtain coverage for water damage caused by flooding. The NFIP is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency through a network of private insurance companies.

2. Document All of Your Water Damage

This is where having a smartphone can assist you greatly. Take pictures and video of any area of your house that sustained water damage. This helps to prove not only that water damage occurred but it can help show the underlying cause and extent of the damage. Make sure you document all personal property damaged by the water, such as furniture, clothing, and electronics equipment.

3. Notify Your Insurer Promptly

Do not delay in notifying your homeowner’s or flood insurance carrier of water damage. You will likely forfeit coverage rights if you do not inform your carrier within a specified time period in the policy. Moreover, establishing immediate contact with the insurer will get the claims process started as soon as possible.

4. Take Immediate Mitigation Steps

After contacting your insurance company, you should take any practical and immediate steps to mitigate further water damage. This can include shutting off the water to the affected areas, assuming it is safe for you to do so. You can also contact a plumber to make emergency repairs. You should also prepare to leave your home if the water damage is extensive or there is a significant risk of fire from exposed electrical systems.

5. Speak with a Qualified Insurance Attorney

You may pay substantial premiums for your homeowner’s and flood insurance policies. That does not mean, however, that the insurance company will be on your side when it comes to filing a claim for water damage. You may require legal representation from an experienced New Orleans water damage lawyer who can serve as your advocate during the claims and settlement process. Contact Insurance Claim HQ today to schedule a consultation.