For most people, flood damage is a rare occurrence, but when it does happen, it causes significant damage to property and household belongings. Not only does this create a stressful event, but it also leaves homeowners with an expensive restoration.
Fortunately, many homeowners don’t have to pay for their floor cleanup services completely out of their own pockets. Instead, they can work with their insurance provider to get some or all of the cleanup covered. This guide details all of the steps a customer would have to take to work with their insurance for a flood cleanup.
Identify and Attempt to Stop Source of Flood Damage
For most insurance providers, it’s important that they see the policyholder try to mitigate the overall damage. Therefore, homeowners need to act quickly at the first sign of damage. To do so, they should attempt to identify the source of the water as long as it is safe.
If it is internal plumbing, they may be able to shut off the main supply line. For instances where the flooding may be beyond the homeowner’s control, they should take reasonable steps to try to stop it.
Check Insurance Policy to See if Damage is Covered
Before someone makes the call to their insurance provider, they should brush up on their policy to be sure that they are covered. The fact is that most standard homeowners’ insurance policies do not cover flood damage caused by natural disasters. For that reason, many people in high-risk flood zones often purchase an additional flood insurance policy to protect themselves.
That doesn’t mean that someone won’t get any insurance coverage, however. The best thing that someone can do is check their policy. If they have any questions or concerns about the coverage, customers should reach out to their insurance company to get clarification.
Contact Insurance Company to Start the Claims Process
Since time is the biggest enemy when dealing with water damage, it’s crucial that homeowners reach out to their insurance company right away. After all, it only takes 24 hours for mold to start growing.
Most insurance companies have a way to contact them, even outside of normal business hours. Therefore, you may be able to start the claims process online or by phone.
Document Damage Through Photos
While a homeowner is waiting for their adjuster to come to the property, they should take steps to document the entire affected area. It’s important that the photos show all of the damage caused, even to household belongings that will need to be restored with the flood cleanup services. It’s also recommended that homeowners take the time to document the source of the flooding as well. The more documentation of water damage and mold growth, the better.
Meet with Adjuster for Assessment of Damage
The insurance company usually sends an adjuster out to the property right away. This person will be responsible for thoroughly evaluating the flood damage that occurred. Not only will they take their own photos, but they will also take measurements, record different household materials, and examine the culprit.
They even will take the time to see who is at fault. If the damage is determined to be caused by someone else, like a contractor, the homeowner may not be responsible for the deductible.
Collect Estimates from Several Contractors
After the adjuster completes their assessment, they will provide the homeowner with a written estimate of how much they believe the flood cleanup services will cost. Depending on the insurance company, some homeowners may also receive a check at this time. This will allow them to get started on their restoration immediately.
Either way, the homeowner should start to collect estimates for how much restoration companies will charge for the cleanup. They may have to compare several to find one that fits the budget they were given.
Be Prepared to Negotiate the Settlement
If the estimate the adjuster gives is too low, the homeowner may have to negotiate with the contractor and insurance company to get fair coverage. Otherwise, homeowners could end up paying the difference.
Contact Summit Restoration for Insurance Claims Assistance for Flood Cleanup Services
Does the process of dealing with an insurance company sound overwhelming? Homeowners don’t have to play the middle man in settlement negotiations when they hire Summit Restoration. Their experienced professionals can handle the entire claims process to get customers the coverage they need.
To learn more about how they can help, homeowners should call to request flood cleanup services. The company is available 24/7 for emergency services. Customers can also request a free quote by submitting their project details through the online form.
