Dealing with a Water Damage Insurance Adjuster

Suffering a flood of any magnitude in your house can be upsetting; however, adopting the appropriate measures following a flood loss can help ease stress and hasten the clean-up and claims processes.

A water damage claim adjuster is an insurance industry professional that conduct investigations into damages to ascertain the proper claim amount to pay to the insured. In some instances, the claims adjuster may determine that the insurance policy does not cover the damage or that restoration work would exceed the insured’s deductible, resulting in the claim being denied.

A water damage claim adjuster’s investigation often entails the following:

• Inspecting the damage physically or assessing pictures of the damage
• Conducting a review of any accompanying paperwork, which includes repair estimates provided by contractors.
• Arranging a meeting with the owner of the property or any witnesses to discuss the water damage
• Establishing liability

Dealing with a Water Damage Insurance Adjuster

Engaging the services of a disaster restoration business alleviates some of the stress associated with dealing with the water damage insurance adjuster. Companies specializing in disaster restoration will take their own pictures, compile their own documentation, and work collaboratively with the insurance claim adjuster to guarantee that they have all they need.

Dealing with a water damage claim adjuster is a much simpler process rather than dealing with a fire adjuster. The key to a successful claim is documenting the damages and losses and conducting expedient work to prevent additional loss or mildew formation. The adjuster will require information regarding the cause of the loss, the degree of the home’s damage, and any damage to the contents. The adjuster’s task is to evaluate the damages and determine if repairing or replacing damaged products and components is more cost-efficient. Drying and sealing drywall may prove to be more economically efficient than replacing the entire drywall. Please speak with your water damage claim adjuster about any issues you may have and inquire as to any decisions they make that make you uneasy.

It is advisable to compile a list of your questions and concerns and review them with your adjuster. If you disagree with the adjuster’s judgment, the next step is to communicate your concerns to your agent or broker. Employing a third-party water damage claim adjuster to examine the loss is also a possibility; however, keep in mind that the third-party adjuster’s fee will be your responsibility. Although flood losses are devastating to homeowners, they are more prevalent than other catastrophic events; as a result, the claims process is relatively straightforward, and dealing with adjusters can be a breeze if you take measures to record the loss and are not afraid to voice your concerns or questions.

When dealing with a loss caused by water damage or flood, it is critical to equip yourself with accurate and vital information.

What Should Property Owners Do Regarding Insurance Following a Flood Loss or Water Damage?

The first step following a flood loss or water damage is to sift through the damages. While the term flood can be frightening, a claim may be unwarranted depending on the degree of the destruction and the volume of water involved. Suppose you have a few inches of water in your basement as a result of a pump breakdown, dependent on your insurance policy deductible and prior claims history. In that case, it is recommended that you will not file a claim anymore.

Identifying the source of the loss.

Assessing what occurred and the source of the water is an excellent place to start. A variety of different sources causes the water in your home. Evaluating the source of the water will assist you in determining whether your insurance includes the necessary coverages to recover a loss if a claim is warranted. It is critical to speak with your agent or broker about the many types of water damage coverage and which one is appropriate for your property.

Take photographs and document any damage.

After assessing what occurred, it is wise to photograph the water and any damage. Emergency works to remove water and attempt to dry the space must be undertaken promptly to minimize mold and additional loss; however, you must thoroughly document the water and any damage to send to the water damage claim adjuster ore agent or broker in the event that you will be filing a claim.

Determine whether or not to consult a disaster restoration service provider.

After thoroughly photographing and documenting everything, you will need to decide whether to employ a disaster restoration business or if the emergency clean-up process can be finished on your own. If your basement has a few inches of water and the water levels have not affected the electrical sockets or the drywall, nor has it affected the flooring and any personal belongings, having to clean up all the water by yourself may save you the difficulties of filing a claim only to find the completed work is less than your deductible amount.

Cleaning Up After a Floor or Water Damage

If clean-up is a simple operation and you opt to handle water removal by yourself, it is recommended that you keep track of the hours spent on clean-up. Certain companies will credit the hours that were spent on clean-up towards the deductible or will consider the hours spent when settling out the claim.

If emergency work necessitates the employment of a disaster restoration service provider, make arrangements for one to visit your home as soon as possible. If you are unsure who to contact to conduct the emergency repairs, your insurance company can provide you with a list of recommended companies. It is important to note that the companies your insurance provider works with are favored vendors who have extensive experience working with insurance companies and thus fully comprehend the insurance claims process, documentation requirements, and other specifications; however, you are not required to use the disaster restoration company recommended by your insurance provider. You have the right to work with whichever company that you are comfortable with.

After selecting a disaster restoration agency, they will execute the clean-up and submit an estimate to fix or replace any damage. The quote will assist you in determining whether or not to pursue a claim. Call your insurance provider to report the damages and/or loss, provide the necessary documentation, and inform them when a disaster restoration company has already been dispatched or if one will be required.