Posted on May 26, 2021
ICHQ | Site Author
A water leak can cause many problems, sometimes before you know it’s happened. A broken appliance, burst pipe, or clogged drain can cause water to spill onto your floor, furniture, or cabinets. A water leak can cause wood rot, mold, or corroded home systems. Because these issues can occur without warning, it’s good to know how to make a successful water leak insurance claim even before a leak happens.
If you need to recover from your insurance policy for leaking pipes, call a water damage attorney serving New Orleans at Insurance Claim HQ to help you through the process.
Learning How To Make a Successful Water Leak Insurance Claim
Your insurance company will ask for details such as how the leak started when you discovered it, and what damage it caused in your home. Any evidence you can provide will show how much compensation you need to make repairs.
You’ll need to review your homeowner’s insurance policy to see what water damage it covers. Once you contact your insurance company, you will work with an adjuster and a restoration company to assess the repair costs and complete the work.
Documenting water leak damage
Begin by making a list of all your damaged items. Purchase receipts are ideal if you have them. Otherwise, provide as much information as possible, including original purchase dates and estimated values.
Take photos and videos of the affected areas. Visual documentation helps you capture the water leak damage in detail and supports any verbal descriptions you provide.
Documenting the water damage is essential to making a successful water leak insurance claim, so be sure to make time for it.
Stopping the water leak
One of the most critical steps to avoid worsening the situation is to stop the leak. Once you have documentation of the leak and affected property, stop or slow it as best as possible. If you cannot find or stop the leak, call a plumber.
Be sure to save the receipts for their work.
Making temporary repairs demonstrates to the insurance company that you tried to mitigate the damage and minimize the restoration cost.
When To Get Quotes From Restoration Companies
Once you’ve stopped the active leak, it’s time to call a professional restoration company. You may have damage lurking in places you cannot see, such as underneath carpeting and behind your walls. Leaving these areas wet for too long can lead to mold damage.
Get quotes from at least two or three restoration companies to compare prices, experience, and reviews. It helps to work with a company with insurance claims experience; it will expedite the claims process and help you avoid unnecessary denials.
Make sure that the restoration company you hire is licensed and insured. Otherwise, your insurance company might not reimburse you for their work.
Before restoration work begins
Talk to a restoration professional about what you can do before they arrive. Their advice can help you make a successful water leak insurance claim. You may need to mop up water (unless it is contaminated), use fans, or move furniture and belongings.
Keeping damaged items as evidence
Avoid discarding anything until your insurance adjuster has assessed the items. Damaged belongings, burst pipes, or broken appliances may serve as evidence for your water leak insurance claim.
Whether To Hire a Water Damage Attorney
Talking to an Insurance Claim HQ attorney before filing an insurance claim for a water leak can be to your benefit.
Our knowledgeable staff can walk you through how to make a successful water leak insurance claim. We can explain your responsibilities and rights under your homeowner’s policy. We can also advise you on the best course of action for your situation.
Once the insurance company reviews your claim, they will offer a settlement. You’ll need to thoroughly review it and determine whether they offered you enough money to pay for mitigation, repairs, and restoration.
Negotiating an insurance claim for a water leak
If the insurance company does not offer you enough compensation, you’ll need to request changes to your settlement offer. Talk to our attorneys if you’d like help with this step.
Insurance companies often protect their bottom line and present you with an inadequate amount. They may also offer a quick, lowball settlement, knowing you want to return to normal as soon as possible. We can improve the chances of you getting the full value of your water leak claim.
Talk to Insurance Claim HQ About Water Leak Damage
The experienced attorneys at Insurance Claim HQ know how to prepare water leak insurance claims successfully.
We can walk you through the process, advise you along the way, and work to get you the compensation you need to make your repairs. Contact us online to talk to our water damage lawyers, or call 844-964-0778 to learn how we can help you get back to normal after a water leak.
FAQs About Water Leak Insurance Claims
Will homeowner’s insurance cover slow leaks?
Your homeowner’s policy might not cover a slow leak. If the damage results from a lack of maintenance, such as a poorly maintained roof or rusted pipe, you may have to pay out of pocket rather than depend on a water leak insurance claim.
What are the signs of a broken pipe in the home?
You may have a broken pipe if your water bill increases without explanation. You may also have damp carpets and walls, notice unpleasant smells, hear water moving, or have soft spots in your yard.
Can homeowner’s insurance cover leaky appliance replacement?
Your homeowner’s insurance policy will probably cover water damage from an appliance that suddenly fails, but it won’t pay to repair or replace the broken appliance itself. It also won’t cover damage caused by a lack of maintenance or normal wear and tear.
