Water Damage Insurance Claim Guide for Property Owners

Property owners can experience water damage from burst pipes, a leaking water heater, major rainstorms, faulty appliances, and much more. Depending on their insurance policies, they may receive financial assistance to clean up the aftermath. While some situations require more out-of-pocket expenses, knowing what to do before filing a water damage insurance claim can prepare property owners for the best results.

Documenting damage, reviewing policy information, and researching potential cleanup businesses make business owners and homeowners more prepared to file an insurance claim. A.W. Puma Remodeling + Restoration provides water damage restoration services for Boston, Massachusetts residents, and anyone interested in their services can contact them after reading.

Separate Damaged and Undamaged Items

Removing undamaged belongings prevents them from joining the damaged pile. It also helps clearly differentiate what items will factor into the insurance claim and what water damage didn’t affect. Items that were near the main damaged area might require cleaning or a full replacement.

Review Insurance Policy Specifics

Before beginning the claim filing process, property owners must know the specific details of their policies. They could have more out-of-pocket expenses than they expected without the proper understanding of their coverage. Most home insurance policies cover water damage from:

Burst or frozen pipes
Roof leaks
Vandalism
Plumbing problems
Appliance issues

What Damage Does Insurance Typically Not Cover?

Despite the many water damage scenarios that homeowners insurance covers, numerous exclusions exist. Property owners might need to purchase additional protection in these cases. Some causes of water damage that insurance policies don’t usually cover include the following:

Damage over time: This includes hidden water damage leaks and issues from typical wear that the property owner doesn’t address immediately.
Lack of maintenance: Insurance companies will not provide assistance if a business or homeowner neglects routine maintenance.
Natural disaster flooding: Hurricanes and melting snow are part of a flood insurance policy, not the normal water damage one.
Septic or sewage system backup: This major health concern often requires another policy or an add-on to help pay for cleanup.

Massachusetts residents can file a water damage insurance claim to get help for cleanup and restoration. Since New England experiences extreme weather, property owners might need extra flood insurance on top of their existing coverage.

Research Water Damage Restoration Businesses

Some water damage restoration companies work directly with their customers’ insurance companies. Before filing a claim, it’s a good idea to explore options for which businesses to work with. Checking past reviews, details about services, and location is ideal for finding the best fit.

Decide To Stay or Leave the Property

Some homes are unlivable if water damage is severe enough. It can create mold and mildew growth and impact allergy levels, sickness, and indoor air quality. Business owners may have to shut down operations for employees and customers until the property is designated safe.

Since water damage may cause structural damage and pools of chemicals and wastewater, knowing whether to leave or not is essential. Property owners should review their policies and see if they have coverage for their living situation. Reimbursement might become available later, so homeowners should keep all the receipts for their dining and lodging expenses for insurance purposes.

Consider Negotiating

Larger damage might mean negotiating on the settlement. Some people work with their insurance agent and opt to pay the difference for replacing and upgrading any affected areas. It’s up to the individual whether they want to restore the damaged parts of their home or business or make them better.

Document All Evidence of Water and Flood Damage

Property owners need to acquire clear photos and video evidence of all damaged areas and belongings on the property. This can quicken the insurance claim process. Making an itemized list with the paid amount and current value of each possession can make a tremendous difference.

Some belongings that might require repairing or replacing include the following:

Furniture
Electronics
Flooring
Appliances
Clothes
And more

Contact A.W. Puma Remodeling + Restoration Services in Boston, Massachusetts

Anyone who owns a home or business in Massachusetts and has experienced water damage requires immediate assistance. After preparing and filing a water damage insurance claim, the experts at A.W. Puma Remodeling + Restoration Services are here to help. They provide repair, restoration, mold remediation, water extraction, item drying, and much more to residents of Boston and the surrounding communities.

When scheduling water damage restoration services, speed is vital. Homeowners and businesses who are dealing with the aftermath of water damage should contact A.W. Puma Remodeling + Restoration Services‘ five-star team by calling (508) 300-9747.