Does Your Insurance Covers Water Damage?
State Farm
Rains, hurricanes, and bursting pipes can result in expensive damages. If you figure in such an incident, it’s helpful to know some water damage insurance claim tips. It will help you get the claim payout that you deserve while making the process easier. However, take note that insurance policies have a lot of exclusions when it comes to water damage.
As a start, it’s best to read the fine print of your policy. Usually, all-peril policies may or may not have the following exclusions:
-Surface water movement
-Flood due to tidal waters, mudflow, and unusual water accumulation
-Earth movement
-Drain or sewer backup
-Water below the surface of the ground
-Etc.
Knowing the coverage
It’s important to know that each policy will have varying terms. Still, the end goal here is to know how to get insurance to pay for water damage. Most insurance policies will cover water damage caused by pipe issues. The common determiner of coverage is the cause of the damage and how the water got into the place.
Some insurance experts say that if the water fell from the sky and directly to the damaged area, it should be covered duly. Take note that most insurance companies will deny house water damage claims if the water traveled on the ground into the damaged spot.
The exclusions also include sewer backups, sump pump failure, and drain overflow. However, those who paid extra for the endorsement of such cases will be covered. But even with this addition, the payout doesn’t always cover the total repair cost. The help of a public adjuster might be needed here.
I got denied, what should I do?
For those who aren’t lucky enough to have water damage in house insurance, there are some measures they can take to fix the problem. You can request another review from a different adjuster. But first, make sure to do the following:
- Know why you got denied
A mail from your insurance company will arrive containing the explanation why they have to deny the claim. Compare the explanation to the terms included on your homeowner’s policy print. If there are inconsistencies, bring it up to the insurer and hire a public adjuster this time.
- Contact the adjuster’s supervisor
If you think the damages are judged unfairly, you have the option to contact the adjuster’s supervisor to explain your side. Make sure that you have the exact proof on your policy that says the damages should have been covered. Again, a public adjuster will largely help here.
- Hire a public adjuster
Usually, jargons and lack of knowledge on the policy is the reason why water damage is not covered by insurance. Public adjusters can review your policy and the damages on your property. They will advise you if the circumstance is covered or not by your insurance.
These water damage insurance claim tips are just the basics you should know. These situations can get very complicated due to the exhausting exclusions from insurers. But before you resort to out-of-pocket repairs, it pays to give your claims a fighting chance.