There’s water everywhere, and the damage? You don’t even want to think about it.
Whether you have experienced a flood because of a burst pipe in your home, or a catastrophic storm, the damage has been done, and now it’s time to place a homeowner’s insurance claim. Not sure what your options are or how to place a claim?
Our public insurance adjusters share how to place a water damage claim to get your home or business back to pre-loss condition. Scroll on to see how to get the most for your property damage:
Water Damage? Do These First!
Before you submit your claim, you want to mitigate any further flooding or water damage if it is safe to do so.
Follow these tips:
Stop the flow of water and turn off the water valve to your home if the flooding is coming from a burst pipe. If water is coming from the roof, try to cover the roof, but always keep safety a top priority.
Turn off the power. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination and can cause further damage to your home, or injury.
Rescue valuable possessions. Photos and other heirlooms can be priceless. Get any of these items out of harm’s way first.
Get rid of standing water since it really never is just “standing.” It’s seeping into your furniture, flooring, walls, etc., and causing more damage.
Allow appliances to air dry before turning them on again.
Assess the damage and take photos. While minor spills and leaks can often be cleaned up without the need to place a claim, it is best to inspect the area affected by water to be sure there is no damage. Plus, keep in mind that any amount of water can cause mold growth, so you’ll want to be diligent to inspect every area that may have come in contact with water.
Don’t settle for less than you deserve from the insurance company! Call Liberty Adjusters to submit your water damage claim today. We will help you get the best outcome possible. Lean on our loss adjusters!
The Insurance Claims Process
Your insurance provider will send a claims adjuster to your house to evaluate the damage and create an estimate when you file a claim for water damage. The purpose of this inspection, known as "field scoping," is to assess the level of damage and what needs to be replaced or fixed. The adjuster for the insurance company can also suggest remedial measures like fans to dry the building out or tarps for temporary protection.
There are three types of insurance adjusters that you may come in contact with during the claims process, with the differences among them being whose interest they represent—yours or the insurance company's.
Due to this difference in representation, you may find that there are significant variances in repair estimates and outcomes of your claim, depending on the type of insurance adjuster involved.
Here are the three types of insurance adjusters:
Insurance Company Adjuster
The insurance company adjuster works directly for and is paid a salary by the insurer. They represent the insurance company, not you, the homeowner. While this does not imply that you will receive unfair treatment during the course of your claim, it is a good idea to be aware that the adjuster does not have your best interests in mind.
Independent Insurance Adjuster
An independent adjuster is one that is hired by the insurance company but isn’t an employee on their payroll. In general, an independent adjuster is a temporary representative of the insurer, and may even work for multiple insurers at a time. You might come in contact with an independent adjuster if the claim volume is high or if there isn’t a company adjuster in your area.
Public Insurance Adjuster
A public adjuster, like those at Liberty Adjusters, represents you, the property owner. Our Florida insurance claims adjusters are trained to review and understand your specific insurance policy, and can even find additional coverage that you are entitled to, and may not be aware of!
A public adjuster will read your insurance policy and interpret coverage, evaluate the water damage in your home, prepare an estimate, gather proper claim documentation, and negotiate on your behalf with the insurance company’s adjuster.
A qualified public adjuster at Liberty Adjusters can help to categorize your water damage and help you file for it in areas that your insurance policy might not cover. Contact our expert public insurance adjusters to submit a claim today!
My Water Claim was Denied. Can I Reopen It?
If you’ve placed a water damage claim, and you’ve found that the damage is more extensive than the settlement offered by your insurance company, the claim can be reopened.
This is where hiring a public adjuster can be beneficial, as you need documentation to make your case, and public adjusters can help prove to the insurance company that the water damage to your home is more extensive than first determined.
Get Help With Your Water Damage Claims
If you’re filing a water damage insurance claim for a home or business in Florida, call a public claims adjuster from Liberty Adjusters immediately. We will help get the settlement you deserve!
As Tampa Bay’s leading public insurance claim adjusting firm, we will represent your best interests with property damage insurance claims. We always advocate having the claim handled in a complete manner, help you interpret your policy coverages, and help you navigate throughout the entire claims process.
Get justice for your property and submit your claim today, or call us at 813-922-5129!