Water damage can be one of the most destructive issues in a home or business. Even without visible or structural impacts, you may encounter serious health hazards like mold. If your property has been affected by water damage, you must take immediate steps to rectify the issue before the problem becomes more serious.
Beyond the potential for things like black mold or structural degradation, your insurance company may point to the lag between the initial water damage and when you filed the claim as further reasoning to reduce the amount they pay you.
When dealing with the insurance company, you’ll need to understand the process for filing a claim and how to maximize your compensation. If you’d like to skip all of the following, here’s our biggest piece of advice: hiring a hurricane insurance claim attorney is one of the best ways to ensure that you are taking the right steps toward getting the money you rightfully deserve. 1-800-Injured can connect you with a lawyer in your area with ease.
Read more below about water damage claims, and contact us as soon as possible to get started today.
Document Everything!
Before beginning the claims process, make sure to document all water-damaged areas of your home or business using photos and detailed notes. Be sure to document any damaged items that you have removed from the premises as well. This will help ensure that your claims are accurate and comprehensive, and provide visual evidence of the damage if it is questioned by your insurance company.
Collect and organize any quotes, estimates, and bills you have received from contractors. These documents, along with the photos and notes, can help support your claim for a specific amount of compensation.
Make note of the date and time whenever you speak with an agent from the insurance company, including their name and department. Do the same for any contractors or water damage specialists you speak with, as any additional information you have will help you make sense of the claims process and provide evidence if necessary.
Know Your Policy
Become familiar with the details of your policy and make sure that you understand what is covered and what is not. It’s important to know ahead of time if there are any exclusions to your policy and what deductible you are responsible for. This will help you gauge the amount of money you can expect from the insurance company and provide a basis for negotiating if needed.
Remember that the insurance company’s goal is to minimize their loss, so you will need to be prepared with evidence including photos, notes, and quotes to get the compensation that you are entitled to. By taking the necessary steps before filing a claim, you can maximize your potential for success and receive the maximum amount of compensation.
If at any time during the claims process you have difficulty understanding what is being said or feel that your rights are not being respected, contact a lawyer or insurance specialist who can help you navigate the process. A legal professional may be able to ensure that your rights are respected and that you receive a fair settlement for your claim.
By understanding the process and knowing how to maximize your water damage claim, you can minimize the impact of this disaster on you and your property
Hire Water Damage Specialists
When it comes to repairing water damage, it’s important to use professionals who are certified and experienced in this type of work. Hiring reputable, proven contractors will help you get the most out of your insurance claim and ensure that any repair work is done correctly.
This doesn’t mean working with the highest bidder, but it does necessitate taking multiple bids from multiple parties and assessing the variations in estimates. If one estimate is 50% lower than your next lowest bid, keep in mind the old adage that “you get what you pay for.” Working with licensed and insured professionals isn’t cheap, but it reduces the chances of re-doing the work — especially since the insurance company won’t pay for a re-do.
Negotiate
If you feel that your claim is inadequate, don’t hesitate to negotiate with the insurance company. For instance, if you have evidence of similar claims in your area and their associated payouts, this can be used as leverage to increase your compensation.
It’s also important to remember that if you are unsatisfied with the initial claim settlement, there are often options for appeal. Filing a complaint or appealing an insurance decision can be a long and difficult process, but it may be worthwhile in some cases.
Keep in mind that if you work with a lawyer, they will handle the negotiation process on your behalf. They will also be able to review your policy and advise you on the best path forward when dealing with the insurance company.
Work With an Attorney
When filing a water damage claim, it’s important to know your rights and how to negotiate effectively — or partner with someone who handles these processes professionally. The insurance company will most likely try to minimize the amount they pay out on your claim, so make sure you are prepared to defend your position. Having a professional on your side can be invaluable in this situation. A hurricane damage claim attorney can help you assess the damage and will have experience dealing with insurance companies.
When you hire a lawyer, they can take on all the responsibility of dealing with the insurance company, ensuring that your claim is handled fairly and promptly. They can also help you understand the full scope of your rights and responsibilities under your policy to get the most out of your claim.
Be Prepared
The best way to maximize the amount that you get from an insurance claim is to be well-prepared and knowledgeable. Make sure you understand your policy and get multiple quotes from reputable contractors before the work begins. This will help ensure that you have all the evidence you need to demonstrate the true repair cost and make a successful insurance claim.
Contact 1-800-Injured To Find a Water Damage Claims Attorney In Your Area
1-800-Injured is a lawyer and medical referral service that connects you with experienced attorneys specializing in water damage claims. These attorneys have the experience needed to fight for your claim and maximize compensation, so you can rest assured knowing you are in good hands.