Water damage to a home is much more than an inconvenience. It’s one of the most expensive and disruptive issues property owners face. From minor leaks to devastating floods, the aftermath can lead to extensive repairs and overwhelming costs.
While insurance is designed to protect against threats to your home, filing a water damage claim is notoriously complex and often fraught with challenges. Claims are frequently delayed and sometimes denied due to missteps or gaps in policy coverage. Fortunately, with the right approach and knowledge, you can significantly improve your chances of having your claim approved.
When it comes to water damage, insurance coverage isn’t one-size-fits-all. Understanding how your insurance policy treats different water damage scenarios is fundamental.
Most standard property insurance policies cover sudden, accidental damage from internal sources like burst pipes or a leaking roof after a storm.
In 2022, nearly 28% of homeowner’s insurance losses were caused by water damage or freezing temperatures (Triple-I, n.d.). However, these policies typically exclude flood damage caused by rising waters from overflowing rivers or storm surges.
Coverage for flooding events is instead available through the National Flood Insurance Program. While it can be mandatory for homes at high risk of flood damage, it is optional for most properties. Still, a recent survey found that 56% of Americans believed that a standard homeowners policy included flood damage coverage (Trusted Choice, 2024).
Additionally, specialized endorsements, such as sewage backup coverage, might be needed for specific scenarios, such as damage caused by clogged drains or overflowing sewers. Knowing these distinctions enables you to file your claim correctly and avoid unpleasant surprises.
The success of any water damage claim hinges on the steps taken immediately after the incident. Mitigating further damage should be your priority. Most policies require a good-faith effort to prevent additional harm. For instance, shutting off water sources, drying affected areas, and using tarps or plywood to protect against further water intrusion may be necessary.
Equally important is thorough documentation. High-resolution photos and video walkthroughs capturing the damage in detail build a compelling case for your insurer. Don’t forget to include damaged personal property and structural issues in your documentation. Acting quickly and reporting the claim within the required timeframe is another critical factor. Review a certified copy of your policy to determine the deadline and plan to communicate with your insurer promptly.
Once reported, your claim will undergo an assessment process. Every detail matters and will determine the amount of your settlement.
An insurance adjuster, whose allegiance is with the insurance carrier, will evaluate the source of the damage, the extent of repairs needed, and whether proper mitigation steps were taken. Issues such as negligence—perhaps a roof left unrepaired or aging pipes not maintained—can lead to a denial. Likewise, claims involving multiple causes of damage, also known as concurrent causation, might complicate your case further if not addressed.
For example, this can occur when a storm causes flooding to enter your home and damages your roof, allowing rain to enter. Your insurer’s responsibility in these situations can be difficult to assess and will vary by state and policy (Kagan, J., 2023).
Claims involving significant damage or multiple causes can benefit greatly from the involvement of a Public Adjuster. These professionals are licensed by state to advocate on your behalf to ensure a fair assessment. Public Adjusters are experienced in delineating the source of damage to ensure your appropriate claims are made under your flood and property insurance coverage.
Ultimately, the goal of any property insurance claim is to secure the compensation you’re entitled to under the terms of the policy. Attaining a fair settlement begins by fully understanding your policy, including coverage limits, exclusions, and deductibles. It’s not unusual for policies to contain gray areas or for insurance companies to try to minimize payouts by default.
For example, If an entire house floods and it has tile floors throughout, flood policies will automatically deny covering tile flooring unless the homeowner can demonstrate that water has degraded or deteriorated the floors. Doing so may require special equipment or an evaluation by a flooring contractor.
Also, maintaining clear communication records with your insurer and tracking receipts for repairs can bolster your claim. Again, a Public Adjuster can give you an edge in the back and forth regarding a water damage claim. They have the tools and expertise to unearth the full extent of any damage and will present the case more effectively, especially when disputes arise.
Filing a water damage insurance claim can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. You can confidently pursue fair compensation by understanding your policy, acting quickly, and considering professional assistance from Tiger Adjusters.
Don’t leave your claim to chance. Contact Tiger Adjusters today to review your current policy or request assistance with your water damage claim.
Triple-I. (n.d.). Facts + Statistics: Homeowners and renters insurance. Insurance Information Institute. Retrieved from https://www.iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-homeowners-and-renters-insurance.
Trusted Choice. (2024). Survey: Most Americans Do Not Fully Understand Insurance Coverage...Yet 86% Say They Do. Business Wire. Retrieved January 2, 2025 from https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240618486693/en/Survey-Most-Americans-Do-Not-Fully-Understand-Insurance-Coverage...Yet-86-Say-They-Do.
Kagan, J. (2023, August 18). Concurrent Causation: What it is, How it Works, Example. Investopedia. Retrieved January 2, 2025 from https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/concurrent-causation.asp.
