Filing A Successful Water Damage Claim

Confirm That Your Policy Has Water Damage Coverage

By Meha Ahmad, InsuranceAgents.com Staff Writer

If you’re a seasoned homeowner, property water damage has probably happened to you in one shape or form. Whether the water damage is due to overflowing pipes or a leaky roof, the end result is still the same: property is damaged and now you have to wrestle with the insurance company to file a water damage claim. Find a policy right now through our online quote service that includes water damage coverage for an affordable price, compare home owners insurance quotes online.

Filing a claim can be a daunting task, but here are a few tips on how to file a successful water damage claim with ease:

1. Prevent more damage from happening. If you want your water damage claim to be denied, by all means, allow the water to continue to ravage your property. But if you want your water damage claim to be successful, show your insurance provider that you made efforts to prevent further water damage. For example, if you have a leaky roof, fix it. Don’t wait until a little hole in the roof becomes a huge tear, thus increasing your water damage claim. Your insurer will say the damage is due to your negligence, and won’t be their responsibility to cover.

2. Check your policy’s coverage. Don’t just assume that your policy covers water damage claims. The basic HO1 homeowner insurance policy does not cover water damage claims, though the more comprehensive policies do. Check your policy and make sure you have that coverage, especially if you want your water damage claim(s) to be successful.

3. Get proof. Take pictures on your camera or phone, and/or take video of the damage. When you file a water damage claim, it has a better chance of being successful if you have proof to show your provider. Documentation will help prevent a claim dispute.  

4. Avoid the word F-word: Flood. Yes, they are two different things. Water damage claims have a good chance of being successful. Flood damage claims do not. Standard home insurance policies do not include flood coverage, and homeowners have to purchase this coverage separately. So remember, if a pipe burst and damaged your property, it’s a water damage claim, not a flood.

So if you’re looking to file a successful water damage claim, you have to be sure your policy has the coverage, you have to prevent further damage from taking place, take pictures of the damaged property, and know how to deal with your insurance provider and be cooperative. To find out your insurance providers water damage claim process or to find affordable insurance coverage, talk to your home owners insurance agent.

Published: Wednesday 7th October 2009