Water damage can be a nightmare for property owners. It not only causes extensive damage to structures and belongings but can also lead to expensive repairs and lengthy restoration processes. When disasters and accidents occur, having the right insurance coverage can provide you with significant financial protection.
Understanding the common causes behind water damage insurance claims is important for homeowners so that they are able to go about the insurance process in the appropriate way. From flooding to foundation cracks, this comprehensive guide outlines the most common causes behind water damage insurance claims and explains more about the claims process.
Common causes behind water damage insurance claims
There are several issues you may encounter that could cause you to seek a water damage insurance claim. These are among the most common causes you will come across:
Flooding
Flooding can occur due to heavy rain, storms, hurricanes, or natural disasters. When water levels rise, it can enter a property through doors, windows, or even foundations. This can cause extensive damage to belongings, flooring, walls, electrical systems, and more. Flood insurance is often separate from standard homeowner’s insurance and can provide coverage for such instances.
Sewer backup
This form of water damage is a particularly unpleasant problem. When the sewer system becomes overwhelmed or blocked, sewage can back up into homes or buildings. This can lead to unsanitary conditions, health hazards, and significant water damage. Sewer backup coverage is often an additional endorsement that can be added to a homeowner’s insurance policy.
Clogged toilets
A clogged toilet can quickly lead to overflow, especially if not addressed promptly. This can result in water damage to the bathroom floor, surrounding areas, and even the floors below in multi-storey buildings. Clogged toilets can cause more issues than you think, so it’s important to ensure you don’t fall behind on bathroom maintenance.
Heavy rain
Excessive rainfall can overwhelm drainage systems and cause water to enter a property through roofs, windows, or foundation cracks. Water damage from heavy rain can affect various areas of a property, including ceilings, walls, floors, and basements. This is especially common following storms.
Melting snow
As snow melts, it can seep into buildings through cracks or inadequate insulation. This can result in water damage to walls, ceilings, floors, and even the foundation. Proper insulation and maintenance of a property can help prevent snow melt-related water damage.
Leaking roof
A damaged or poorly maintained roof can allow water to enter the building. Over time, this can cause significant water damage to ceilings, walls, insulation, and electrical systems. Regular roof inspections and maintenance are crucial to prevent roof leaks.
Foundation cracks
Cracks in the foundation can allow water to seep into basements or crawl spaces, leading to water damage. This can weaken the structure of the building and cause mould growth if left unaddressed.
Plumbing leaks
Leaking pipes, fittings, or appliances such as dishwashers or washing machines can cause water damage if not repaired promptly. Water leaks can occur behind walls, under floors, or in hidden areas, leading to mould growth and structural damage.
Bursting pipes
Extreme cold temperatures or frozen pipes that thaw can cause pipes to burst, resulting in significant water damage. Burst pipes can release a large amount of water, quickly damaging walls, floors, and belongings.
Broken appliances
Malfunctioning or faulty appliances, such as water heaters or refrigerators, can leak and cause water damage if not addressed. Water damage from broken appliances can affect not only the immediate area but also adjacent rooms or floors. To reduce this risk, it’s important to ensure that faulty appliances are repaired and replaced if necessary.
The water damage claims process
Water damage can be an expensive and stressful experience for homeowners. When faced with water damage, it is essential to get the insurance claims process underway as soon as possible. These are the main steps involved in working with All Property Claims to help you make a property insurance claim.
Recording the damage
The initial crucial step in the claims process involves thoroughly documenting the water damage. It is imperative to take photographs or videos of all affected areas, both indoors and outdoors. These visual records serve as accurate evidence for All Property Claims.
Contacting All Property Claims
Once the damage has been documented, you should then get in touch with us here at All Property Claims. You should provide us with all necessary information, including the documented evidence. Prepare to share your policy number, the date of the damage (if you know exactly when it occurred), and a brief description of the damage. Upon contact, our team will assign a surveyor to assess the damage and determine the eligible coverage. We have the expertise required to review policy wording and evaluate it from a legal point of view.
Assessment of the damage
Upon your instruction to handle the claim, our surveyor will visit your property to assess the incurred damage. Detailed photos and measurements of each affected area will be taken, accompanied by a statement from you regarding the cause of the damage. We will then prepare a detailed scope of repairs and present your claim to your insurer.
Meeting with the insurer’s loss adjuster
Your insurer is likely to appoint a loss adjuster to represent them. We will arrange a meeting with the insurance company’s loss adjuster at your property to review the claim, inspect the damage and agree on the ‘true cause’ of the damage.
Once this is agreed upon and the insurer agrees they will pay for the necessary repairs, we will present to them the scope of repairs needed to restore your property to its pre-loss condition.
Emergency repairs
While awaiting claim processing, immediate steps must be taken to prevent further damage and make temporary repairs. Detailed records and receipts of all temporary repairs should be kept for potential reimbursement as part of the claim.
Settlement of the claim and repairs
Following the meeting with the insurer’s loss adjuster, negotiations for the claim settlement will ensue. Once the claim is agreed upon by insurers, our restoration contractors will proceed with the approved work. Invoices will be sent directly to your insurer, alleviating you from additional financial burden aside from the excess stated in your policy document.
Flood damage claims assistance from All Property Claims
All Property Claims is an established specialist providing an end-to-end service for homeowners looking to make an insurance claim. Whether it’s a leak, flood, fire or another form of property claims, we will:
- Survey and assess your damage.
- Study your insurance policy and tell you what you are entitled to.
- Meet your insurer or their loss adjuster and negotiate a settlement of your claim.
- Undertake all your restoration and repair works.
Here at All Property Claims, we’re on hand to reliably assist you with your water damage claims. From flood damage to leaking pipes, our team has extensive experience in helping clients settle claims of various natures. To find out more about our services, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today.