Is Water Damage Covered by Your Homeowners Insurance Policy? A Comprehensive Guide

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Water damage can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare, causing significant harm to your property and belongings. About 14,000 people in the United States experience water damage daily. Of all home insurance claims, water damage comprises 29.4%, coming second only to wind and hail damage. Every year, water damage racks up a total cost of $20 billion nationwide.

Your home or business will experience water damage at some point. Does your insurance policy cover the costs of water damage restoration? In this article, we’ll explore what types of water damage are typically covered by standard homeowners insurance policies, how to file a claim, and the importance of contacting a professional water damage restoration company, like ServiceMaster by Wright, to help you through the process.

Types of Water Damage Covered by Standard Homeowners Insurance Policies

While insurance policies can vary, most standard homeowners insurance policies cover certain types of water damage. These include:

On the other hand, these types of water damage are generally not covered by standard homeowners insurance:

However, it’s essential to note that most standard policies do not cover flood damage or damage resulting from a lack of maintenance or neglect. Flood insurance is typically offered as a separate policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

Filing a Water Damage Insurance Claim

If you’ve experienced water damage in Southwest Florida, it’s crucial to take the following steps to file a claim with your insurance company:

  1. Document the Damage: Take photos and videos of the affected areas and create a detailed inventory of damaged items, including their age, value, and condition.
  2. Contact Your Insurance Company: Notify your insurance company about the water damage as soon as possible. They will guide you through the claims process and may send an adjuster to assess the damage.
  3. Prevent Further Damage: Take necessary steps to prevent additional damage to your property, such as removing excess water, boarding up broken windows, or covering a leaking roof with a tarp.
  4. Keep Receipts: Save receipts for any expenses related to the water damage, such as temporary accommodations, repair costs, or replacement items.
  5. Review Your Policy: Familiarize yourself with your insurance policy’s coverage limits, deductibles, and exclusions to better understand what compensation you may be entitled to.

Dealing with an Insurance Adjuster After Water Damage: A Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Filing the claim. Expect to be contacted within a few days of filing your water damage claim. Understand the process, your responsibilities, and the required documentation.
  2. Investigation and approval. The insurance company will investigate your claim. If approved, you’ll receive reimbursement for damaged property and payment for restoration services.
  3. Denied claims. Understand why your claim was denied, and whether it’s due to a lack of coverage. Consider if you declined additional coverage or if your current insurer doesn’t offer the needed coverage.
  4. Seeking clarification. Consult with your insurance agent or a licensed professional if you’re unsure why your claim was denied. Gain insights to become a better-informed insurance shopper for the future.
  5. Challenging denied claims. If you believe your claim was unfairly denied, ask for a review or second opinion. Provide evidence, such as receipts and communications, to back up your claims.
  6. Understanding the decision-makers. Know the roles of insurance agents, adjusters, and contractors in the claim process. Ask for clarification to better understand who made the decision and why it was denied.
  7. Request a formal decision. Ask for the denial in writing to keep for your records.
  8. Be proactive for future claims. Take steps to improve the likelihood of your claim being approved in the future, such as regular maintenance and mitigation of damages.

Understanding the types of water damage covered by your insurance policy and the process of filing a claim is essential for homeowners. When dealing with water damage, it’s crucial to act quickly and enlist the help of a professional water damage restoration company in Fort Myers, Florida, like ServiceMaster by Wright.

Our certified technicians will assess the damage, develop a comprehensive restoration plan, and work efficiently to restore your property to its pre-damage condition. By partnering with ServiceMaster by Wright, you can ensure that your home is in the best possible hands during the restoration process.

Make an Appointment for Water Damage Restoration in Fort Myers, Florida, and Nearby Areas

Don’t let water damage ruin your home. Contact ServiceMaster by Wright today for professional water damage restoration services you can trust. Call us today at (239) 431-9947 or visit our website to schedule an appointment.

Why hire ServiceMaster by Wright? We:

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Not convinced? Here’s a testimonial:

ServiceMaster by Wright did an excellent job with the clean up from the leak of a faulty refrigerator water line. They were easy to work with, and our condo was fully restored. We would highly recommend this company to our neighbors.

ServiceMaster by Wright is your partner in recovery from losses caused by water damage. Get in touch with our friendly staff today. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.