If you have water damage in your home, you don't have to drain your savings to repair it. Water damage should be covered by your home or flood insurance. If the insurance company gives you trouble, a public insurance claims adjuster can help you.

Can You Claim Water Damage on Insurance?

Water damage is one of the most common types of property damage. It happens when moisture gets into a building through a leaky pipe, broken window, or damaged roof. If you find water damage, it may be covered by your home insurance or flood insurance, depending on what type of water intrusion caused the damage.

If you don't know whether your home has suffered water damage, you should call your insurance company right away. You only have a limited amount of time to report your claim, and they may want to send out an inspector to prevent further damage they'd need to pay for.

What Should You Say to Your Insurance Company?

The first step is to call your insurer and ask them what they recommend. If they say they will handle it, then you should ask for more information about what they plan to do. For example, you don't want to just paint over water damage in case there is moisture that can cause mold still inside of the walls.

Insurance companies often try to minimize the amount they pay out by denying legitimate claims. If you suspect your home has suffered water damage, it's important to document everything you see and hear. This includes any smells, sounds, or sights that might indicate water was present. Submit this information with your claim and keep copies for yourself.

What Can You Do if Your Insurance Company Tries to Reduce Your Claim?

If your insurance company tries to reduce or deny your claim, you don't have to take their word for it. The first step is seeing if they'd accept any additional information and what information they want.

The next step is working with a public insurance claim adjuster. A public adjuster is someone who takes the same steps as an insurance company adjuster, but works independently. They are also familiar with insurance rules and can determine what your claim is truly worth. If your insurance company is trying to lowball your claim, they will negotiate with your insurance company to increase it.

To get help with your water damage claim, contact a local public insurance claim adjuster today.