Water damage covered by insurance policies is caused by a sudden and accidental leak on your property.
Water damage insurance claims are the most frequently reported kind of property claim. Typical water damage is caused by visible or hidden pipe breaks, pipe breaks below your slab (slab leaks), pipe bursts, shower pan leaks, broken pipes, backed up a/c line, hot water heater line break, ice maker supply line break, overflowing shower, overflowing toilet or overflowing sink.
Water damage is less likely to be caused by flooding after heavy rains than by a burst or broken plumbing pipe, a break in a dishwasher hose, or a blockage in your plumbing system. These issues can lead to very costly damage to your property.
When we inspect your property, we will look for all of the damage caused by your plumbing or pipe burst claim that your insurance company may have overlooked. Remember, we work on your behalf – not the insurance company – to make sure that you receive the maximum possible settlement.
If your insurance company has denied or undervalued your water damage claim, obtain a second opinion from a Public Adjuster that works for you and not the insurance company.
After water damage
Repairing water damage can be a monumental job. General Public Adjusters can make the repair process easier by assisting with every step of the recovery process.
When you discover water damage, be sure to take photos and videos and make notes of the time, date and visible damage to the structure and any of your belongings.
As the insured, it is your obligation to mitigate (prevent) further damage by shutting off the water and removing any carpeting and padding that has the potential for mold growth.
Save samples of the materials that you remove such as carpeting, padding, dry wall, etc.
Save any broken pipes or sprinkler heads in case the insurance company wants to look at them to determine the cause of the damage.
Remember that water will spread from floor to floor, always seeking the lowest point, so there may be additional water damage that may not be immediately apparent.
A professional remediation company should be engaged as soon as possible to dry out the walls and the internal cavities of the walls to avoid mold growth. General Public Adjusters can help recommend and coordinate with reputable vendors to assist in the mitigation of damages in the event of water damage.
Request that your insurance company adjuster use thermal or infrared imaging or moisture mapping technology to diagnose and document the extent of water damage.
Obtain three estimates from reputable licensed contractors for the repair of your water damaged property.
Obtain estimates to replaced water damaged personal property.
You should not start restoration repairs until you and your insurance company have agreed on the amount of damage.
If your claim has not been settled within 45 days request a written explanation including reasons for delays.
General Public Adjusters will represent your interest, making sure that your claim is properly documented and filed. You should be sure to keep originals (or copies) of all documents and receipts regarding your burst pipe, pipe break under your slab (sometimes called a “slab leak”), burst sprinkler head or any other plumbing issue.
