At Lyon Restoration, we understand how devastating water damage can be for homeowners. It can lead to significant expenses and repairs, as well as health concerns due to mold and mildew. Therefore, it is crucial to know how to file a water damage claim with your homeowner’s insurance provider so that you can receive the funds necessary to repair your property.

Contact Your Insurance Company

The first step in filing an insurance claim for water damage is to notify your provider as quickly as possible, so they can expedite its processing. Photos or evidence should also be readily available so they can accurately assess any damage sustained to ensure proper assessment. At Lyon Restoration, we recommend that you keep a detailed record of your interactions with adjusters to have an accurate representation of what happened and was said. This can aid when filing claims later as additional documentation or agreeing on different adjusters may be requested from you.

Before having an insurance inspection completed, it would also be wise to relocate any belongings in the affected area until then. This will protect against further damage while decreasing how much money needs to be spent on repairs. If you hire a contractor for temporary repairs, save all receipts as this will form part of your total settlement agreement.

Document the Damage

When faced with water damage from leakage or flooding, it’s essential that all damages be documented immediately in order to expedite the claims process and provide evidence in support of your claim. Photographing or videotaping any water damage and damaged items will assist your insurance provider when filing a claim. In addition, providing them with an updated home inventory should help them accurately value all your belongings prior to flooding.

When dealing with leaky appliances such as water heaters or washing machines, it is wise to keep records detailing when and how long the device has been leaking for. This will give your insurance provider an accurate picture of whether or not your problem constitutes a covered loss. Once you have documented the damage, it’s time to file your insurance claim. This can be done online, over the phone or through paper forms.

Schedule an Inspection

Water damage claims are one of the most prevalent among all home insurance policies, accounting for roughly one-fourth of total claims filed. Cleaning services insurance claims can be among the costliest types, as major repairs and restoration work often follow an incident. Therefore, it is important to reach out to your homeowner’s insurance provider and have an adjuster come and inspect your property. They may request photos and measurements to assess how extensive the damage may be.

Inspectors often rely on infrared cameras to spot hidden water damage. The camera enables them to spot leaks not visible to the naked eye, potentially saving thousands in repairs if caught early enough. As another way of avoiding hidden water damage, buying a house with a strong foundation and drainage system is also beneficial in protecting against future issues following repair of damage. These features may prevent further issues from emerging after any repair work has been completed.

Make a Claim

Water damage claims are among the most frequently filed with homeowner insurance policies. According to the Insurance Information Institute, 20% of homeowner claims involve water damage. Therefore, it is crucial that you file your water damage claim with your homeowner’s insurance as quickly as possible; otherwise, they could find other grounds to deny your claim.

If the water damage resulted from you not taking action to address issues with your plumbing, for instance, your insurance company might deny your claim. As mentioned previously, water issues in your house should never be neglected because they could lead to mold growth, which is both costly and detrimental to health. Immediate remediation must occur so as to stop further structural damage as well as respiratory conditions such as asthma or bronchitis developing due to mold spores spread by these organisms.

Mold can increase your insurance rates. Many insurance companies utilize a database called Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (CLUE) to calculate how much they should charge you for their policies. This is why it’s essential to file a water damage claim as soon as possible.

If you find it necessary to file a claim, take notes detailing everything that needs repairing so as to demonstrate the extent and cause of damage. This will enable you to successfully establish what occurred during a claim investigation. Once you have an exhaustive list of items needing repairs, be sure to gather any receipts possible as evidence of damages. A public adjuster could also assess and negotiate with insurers on your behalf.

In general, the claims process will go smoothly, and you should be reimbursed for any costs of damage sustained to your property. However, you should continue checking with your insurer regularly throughout this process to ensure everything is handled in an expedient manner.

At Lyon Restoration, we know that filing a water damage claim can seem intimidating, but following these simple steps will make the process simpler for both you and your insurer. We specialize in water damage restoration services in the San Francisco Bay Area, and we have years of experience dealing with insurance companies. Our team can help you navigate the claims process, and we can also provide you with the necessary repairs to restore your property to its pre-damage condition.

We recommend that you have our number saved in your contacts in case of any water damage emergencies. We offer 24/7 emergency services, and our team can be on-site within an hour to assess the damage and start the restoration process.

Additionally, you can also seek assistance from relevant agencies such as the  National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to learn more about water damage restoration and insurance claims.

In conclusion, water damage is a common issue that homeowners face, and it’s crucial to know how to file a water damage claim with your homeowner’s insurance provider. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that your claim is filed correctly and efficiently, and you can receive the funds necessary to restore your property. At Lyon Restoration, we are here to help you every step of the way. Contact us today for all your water damage restoration needs in the San Francisco Bay Area.