A Guide to Filing a Water Damage Claim
Claims for water damage are some of the most common filings by property owners in the Lexington, KY area with home insurance policies. Though they are common, they can be challenging enough to file that homeowners can end up feeling overwhelmed. As the area’s trusted water damage restoration professionals, our team at ServiceMaster Fire & Water Restoration Services understands the challenges that you face when your home sustains water damage. We know that your number one goal is to get your property back to its pre-damage state. Our experts are here to help you navigate filing a water damage claim so you can receive the compensation that you are due. There are 4 key steps involved in the process that we have detailed for you below.
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Step 1: Contact Your Homeowner’s Insurance Company
The initial step in filing your water damage claim is to contact your homeowner’s insurance policy provider as quickly as possible. You need to be ready to provide photos and other evidence so the damage can be accurately assessed. In the Lexington area, it is important to be aware of the unique types of weather conditions that can end up leading to property water damage. This includes flooding from natural water sources and water damage that was caused by heavy rain and storms.
As soon as you have reached out to your insurance company, they will set up a meeting with an adjuster who will assess the extent of the damage. It is crucial to keep a detailed record of all the interactions that you have with insurance adjusters. You also want to gather all the required documentation. This includes any receipts that you have for temporary repairs.
Step 2: Carefully Document All Water Damage
The second step involved with filing a water damage claim here in the Lexington area is to immediately document all of the damage across your property. You will want to collect photographic and video evidence. You also want to keep a detailed and fully updated home inventory. This will assist your homeowner’s insurance provider in processing your claim.
In the Lexington region, burst pipes and leaking appliances are also common causes of water damage. Anytime something like this happens, it is important for you to address the water damage and the root cause of it immediately. You want to make sure to keep records of when and how long the appliance has been leaking. This will help the insurance company to determine whether or not the damage is covered under the scope of your homeowner’s policy.
Step 3: Schedule a Water Damage Inspection
A significant number of water damage claims are filed in the Lexington area each year due to its common weather conditions. Heavy rains, storms and flooded rivers and streams are common culprits in these cases. Given the presence of these weather conditions, it is beneficial to have your home professionally inspected. This will detect any hidden water damage that is present. It will also provide you with an accurate estimate of your repair costs.
Professional inspectors in Lexington can utilize infrared cameras to spot any instances of hidden home water damage that may not be visible to the naked eye. Catching these issues early can potentially save you thousands of dollars in repair costs to your property. It is important to remember that water damage issues only get worse the longer they go unaddressed. These inspections help you to address problems you may have otherwise been unaware of.
Step 4: File a Water Damage Claim
It is crucial for you to quickly file your water damage claim so you can avoid any issues with a delay in receiving your repair funds. If the water damage to your property was a result of negligence, your claim may be denied. An example of negligence would include failing to address a plumbing issue or a faulty appliance when you were aware of the problem.
Another reason why swift action is essential is that mold growth is a common issue faced by homeowners in the Lexington area who have suffered water damage. The humid climate that is created can end up adding to the costs required to get your property back to normal. Mold also represents a serious health issue and can cause a variety of symptoms.
To ensure that your water damage claim is successful, you want to carefully gather all of the required documentation. You may also want to consider hiring a public adjuster who can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. Throughout the process, you want to stay in contact with your insurance provider so you can ensure that everything is handled in an efficient manner.
As a trusted water damage restoration company operating out of the Lexington, KY area, ServiceMaster Fire & Water Restoration Services is committed to helping area property owners to recover and get things back to normal after water damage occurs. Follow the steps we have outlined here to file your water damage claim. You can reach out to us anytime to learn more about the help that is available for your situation. Simply contact us online or give us a call today!
Call ServiceMaster Fire & Water Restoration Services for Water Damage Help in or Around Lexington
Help is available if your day-to-day life has been interrupted by water damage. Take action now by following the steps we have provided for filing a water damage claim. You can count on our team at ServiceMaster Fire & Water Restoration Services to be there to help you restore your home to its pre-damage state. Contact us today for expert water damage restoration services in the Lexington, KY area. Let our team of experienced professionals guide you through the recovery process while proving you with the assistance needed to put this unpleasant experience behind you. Call ServiceMaster Fire & Water Restoration Services today at (859) 309-9964 or reach out to us through our website to schedule your informational consultation. We are dedicated to helping you get your home back on track!
