In The Meantime — Filing A Claim After Interior Water Damage Occurs
Interior water damage can be covered under your homeowners insurance policy. As long as the water that caused the damage wasn't the result of a flood or exterior water seepage, the claim should be approved. If you've experienced interior water damage due to something like a leaking pipe, it's time to get busy filing that claim. Here, you'll find a few tips on what to do in the meantime.
File a Homeowners Insurance Claim Immediately
Most insurance companies have streamlined the claim filing process greatly. In some cases, you can file the claim directly from your smartphone. Other policies require that you call and talk with an agent or use a touchtone menu to begin filing the claim.
If you're unsure of the proper step to take as per your policy, call and talk with your agent. He or she will talk you through the process and make it as quick and easy as possible.
Note: If you're told not to touch anything until an adjuster can get to you, listen. In some cases, disturbing the scene could cause the claim to be delayed or denied. They may want you to stay away for safety reasons or to prevent you from doing any further damage trying to undo what's been done.
Take Photos – Lots of Photos
Water damage continues to worsen as it sits. Take lots of pictures of things as they are before you begin moving things around. Include a few pictures of a clock in the room, or timestamp your photos. This will help show the progression of the damage, as well as the work that you've put into removing items to begin cleanup.
As you find damaged items, take pictures of each individual item — especially those that are of greater value. This will expedite the process and provide you with the proof of loss that you will need.
Gather Receipts and Appraisals
If you have receipts or appraisals for the valuable items that have been damaged, gather them up. You may not need them, especially if you've already documented these items with your insurance company, but it's good to have them in advance.
Your premiums are paid to ensure that you're protected from loss in this situation. Talk with a public adjuster and learn more about what you can do to prepare for what's to come. He or she will guide you through each step until you receive your check.
