How To Deal With the Aftermath of a Flood

5/27/2020 (Permalink)

To ensure a quick response time, file everything correctly the first time

How To Deal With the Aftermath of a Flood

Filing an insurance claim for a flood seems straightforward, but every insurer is different. Local water mitigation companies in Chester, NC, can help guide you through the process, but it is best to know several things before a disaster strikes.

1. Know your responsibilities
   
2. Fill out correct forms
   
3. Prepare for adjuster visit
   
4. Perform minor repairs
   
5. Ask questions
   
   

Know Your Responsibilities
Every insurance company has rules in place for homeowners. You need to understand the expectations of your insurer to ensure the timely resolution of your insurance claim. Do you need to call the police? How long do you have before filing deadlines? What's your deductible? Know the answer to these questions before filing a claim for a water disaster, like a pipe burst.

Fill Out Correct Forms
As most homeowners know, the claims process is long and tedious. To ensure a quick response time, file everything correctly the first time. Forgetting a signature or submitting an incomplete form will only delay the process.

Prepare for Adjuster Visit
An insurance adjuster investigates every policy claim. The adjuster's job is to determine the value of the claim, and how much the insurer is liable for. Especially with water damage claims, the circumstances around the disaster are crucial for determining liability.

Perform Minor Repairs
While the insurance company may approve your claim, any damage following the initial incident may not be covered. It is necessary to mitigate further loss by performing minor repairs. For example, shut off water supply lines if a pipe burst or cover a hole in your roof to prevent more water damage.

Ask Questions
If you do not understand your responsibilities as the homeowner, or you are confused about policy coverage, ask questions. Being informed is a crucial part of ensuring you receive appropriate coverage.
An insurance claim is a necessary part of disaster recovery. While some may find the process intimidating, it really comes down to understanding your policy, mitigating further loss, and asking questions.