How to Report a Water Damage Claim

Water damage occurs when water winds up somewhere in your home where it doesn’t belong and causes damage to some portion of your house. Whether the water hose connecting the washing machine suddenly disconnects causing an indoor pool or your child stuffs his favorite toy down the toilet and flushes repeatedly to get it out, reporting water damage claims on a homeowner’s insurance policy is a fact of life. It’s best to use the right language when reporting the claim to your insurance carrier to avoid immediate denial of your claim.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Take measures to mitigate the loss. If the tub is overflowing, shutting off the water and unplugging the tub is an example of mitigating the loss. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to protect her property.

2. Ensure your policy covers water damage. Some homeowner’s policies such as the basic HO1 policy do not cover water damage. The comprehensive forms, such as the HO3 does. Do a quick check of your policy to make sure you have coverage.

3. Refrain from prejudging the claim. Many homeowners don’t report a water damage claim because they feel they’re ‘at fault.’ After all, they absent mindedly forgot to shut the faucet off after the phone rang and created a huge watery mess. Even if you feel at fault, make sure to call your insurance company and report the claim.

4. Use the phrase “water damage” instead of “flood damage.” To an insurance company water damage is very different from flood damage. Flood coverage is not provided under the homeowner’s policy. In order to obtain flood coverage the homeowner must purchase a policy through the National Flood Insurance Program. If you call your insurance company and tell them you have a flood loss, they will deny your claim.

5. Take pictures and document the damage. With digital cameras it’s much easier for homeowners to document and take pictures of the water damage. Although the claims adjustor will evaluate the loss and take pictures, sometimes they are unable to adjust the claim immediately. Taking pictures and keeping accurate detailed documentation is helpful in the event you disagree with the insurance company’s financial adjustment of the loss.

Resources

• Water Damage and Faulty Workmanship
• Purchasing Flood Insurance

[sweetspirit]

on 8/8/2009 Very good article. A lot of people could use your article. Thanks

[goodselfme]

on 7/11/2009 good points especially the correct language to use when reporting water damage and submitting a claim.TX