Steps for Filing a Water Claim

8/13/2019 (Permalink)

Bursting pipes in your home in Pompano Beach, FL, can cause a lot of damage. Fortunately, your homeowner's policy should help cover some if not all of the cost of mitigation in most circumstances. Here are the steps you can take to increase the chances that your claim will be accepted.

1. Determine Source of Damage
Before you make any calls, you need to know some answers to the questions your insurance company is likely to have. Find out where the water is coming from. Then turn off the water main and call a plumber to fix the broken pipe and water mitigation experts to start remediation so that you can avoid even more damage to your home.

2. Call Insurance Company
Quick notification of the issue to your insurance company accomplishes two things. First, it establishes a record of your vigilance in handling the situation. Second, it gives you the opportunity to ask important questions, such as:

Is the damage from the bursting pipes covered?
Does the claim exceed the deductible?
What is the deadline for submitting the claim?

3. Complete Forms on Time
Once you have your deadline for your claim, put it on your calendar. Even if your damage is covered under your policy, your claim can still be denied if you file too late.

4. Prepare for Adjuster's Visit
The insurance company will probably send out an adjuster to survey the damage to your home. Before he or she arrives, take pictures of the water damage and make an itemized list of everything that needs to be repaired or replaced. It may also be helpful to include the estimate from the remediation company.

If your home has damage as the result of burst pipes, your homeowner's policy will probably cover a lot of the cost of repairs. Make sure you don't forget any crucial steps so that your claim has a better chance of being accepted.