How To Get Insurance to Pay for Water Damage from Winter Storm?
Did you know Georgia saw the coldest temperatures in 5 years over the Holiday 2022 weekend?
This is the time we should be cheerful with joy, instead, Georgia braced for the Artic Blast. This led to residents stocking up on fuel, finding alternative heat sources like firewood, and securing generators.
In Metro Atlanta the roads ice over, the tree limbs fall and power goes out. Someone is going to have to pay for the ensuing damage caused by the winter weather. Car accidents will tie up traffic and put a strain on insurance companies.
Yes! The roads will be terrible but here’s a little secret…
water damage is the 2nd largest cause of insurance claims in the present age. Because water moves fast and can get into every crevice, it is hard to control. Even a simple pipe leak at just 30 degrees can lead to some severe issues.
Well from December 21st – December 26th many homes and businesses walked into water everywhere. Just imagine… returning from vacation and you notice water running out the front door.
YIKES!
The different types of water damage that commonly happen include:
- Water backup or sewer backup
- Accidental or sudden discharge
- Flood
- Overflow
- Water damage related to a storm (i.e. leaks)
Don’t be shocked but not all damage is covered by your insurance company. Getting approved is not as simple as being a “good” customer. Loyalty doesn’t matter to the insurers. But you pay a premium right?
SHOULD YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY PAY FOR WATER DAMAGE
You’ll receive $8000 – $10000 for the average water claim if you file on your own.
If you file with a public adjuster the insurer will pay over $20000 on the average claim. You should file a homeowner’s claim if you experience damage to assure that they can get money to repair their house.
However, getting the approval for the insurance claim is not as simple as it looks… if you get denied definitely hire a public adjuster.
PRO ADVICE: Don’t Mention The F-word…
Here are some of the steps you need to follow in order to assure that you will get the approval.
1. Record the proof
First, you have to record the proof of the damage. You can record a video or capture several images. Make sure that the video and images are clear and they should show all the damage that has been done to your house.
Don’t just focus on the main damage… capture the entire room
All the products, furniture, and other parts of the house should be covered in the images properly. Take a printout of all the images and assure that you attach it with your claim application to make your case stronger. If you do not show any proof, chances are that you will not get the claim.
2. Avoid throwing or repairing damaged items
A common mistake most individuals make is they will throw away the things that have been damaged before the inspection team comes to visit their house. Remember that while claiming water damage you have to show the products that have been damaged.
It is better that you keep all damaged items as proof. They might reject your claim. It is important that you take every step carefully and do not make a mistake that can lead to rejection.
3. Check your policy
The biggest mistake most individuals make while filling out a claim is they do not check the terms and conditions of the policy. It is the biggest reason that their insurance claim is rejected. You should know that there are certain types of water damages that are not covered by the insurance policy and it is clearly mentioned in the contract.
Before filing for the claim, it is important that you check the policy at least once to assure that the damage done to your property will be covered by your insurance policy. Otherwise, filing the claim will be waste of time and money.
Public adjusters work to educate homeowners on their policies. While the insurance claim adjuster works for the insurance company and will only tell you the minimum so that do not have to pay out the full amount.
Get a free policy review by contacting a public adjuster.
