Dealing with the aftermath of a home devastated by a flood is a difficult and stressful process. Add to that the details of dealing with your insurance company and a water damage incident can turn into a flat out nightmare. From our water damage restoration experts at GW Savage in Rutland, here are four helpful tips for filing a water damage insurance claim.
Filing a water damage insurance claim can be a confusing, frustrating process. However, most of the bad experiences people have with their insurance companies could have been prevented if there had been better communication to begin with. So if you have questions throughout the process, go ahead and give your insurer a call so you can clear things up before any misunderstanding develops.
One thing you will need to do when filing your claim is submit a thorough list of all of your possessions that were damaged in the event. The insurance company will use this to help them determine your claim amount. If you can, it’s best to provide before and after pictures of your possessions of the damage. This will paint a more comprehensive picture for your insurance company and help your claim go through more quickly. Moreover, it may be the last thing you want to worry about after a flood, but it is still important that you do this and do it soon.
If unable to reach an acceptable settlement after hiring an independent estimator or contractor, consider hiring a public adjuster who will work with the insurance company on your behalf. Some people hesitate going this route because of the extra cost, which is generally between nine and fifteen percent of what the insurance company pays you. However, paying this extra cost may work better for you in the long run. Especially if the adjuster ends up getting you significantly more than what you would’ve gotten otherwise. Find a public adjuster who’s a good fit for you on the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters’ website.
Don’t waste any time before filing your claim. It may be tempting to procrastinate since a flood can throw your life into so much turmoil. However, procrastinating this process will only make things more difficult for you in the long run. Additionally, you should also hold the insurance company accountable. If they are dragging their feet on processing your claim, give them a call so you can speed things along.
Even with all these tips in mind, you don’t have to handle the insurance claim process on your own. We at GW Savage in Rutland are here to help! During the restoration job our restoration experts are available to answer any questions you have about making your claim and even speak to your insurance company if necessary to help resolve any complications.