The first question that will usually emerge from the mouths of experienced and qualified water damage restoration companies (discover I didnt say carpet cleaners who also do water damage clean up) do you have insurance. Most homeowners can say yes, but I am not sure if the organization will cover the hurt.
Here are generally some steps and tips about how to proceed in finding out first in the event the insurance company will cover your damage.
Look for your insurance papers (documents) that you really received from your insurance agent to check out the phone number that will contacts the claims office to your insurance company. Sometimes even the agents themselves have trouble digging through the paper work to choose the claims phone number. The best suggestion is to look online for your insurance companies claim number. Its usually easy to find on the first page with the site.
Just before calling understand the insurance coverage language. The insurance company people on the phone that you will discuss your possible water damage claim is called an adjuster. Your damage is referred to as a claim, peril or a loss. I know loss sounds strange but thats the language that is used. There maybe someone who will come to your dwelling from the insurance company and that person is also called an adjuster. The documents or paper work that was given to you originally by your agent is called a policy. The policy is your contract and in most cases clearly spells out precisely what is covered and what is not. That leads us on the word covered that I recently mentioned. The word covered is used when the insurance company accepts responsibility to pay the costs of the damage in the items that were damages by way of the water damage and the clean up costs and repair costs of home items like drywall, carpet.
When speaking with the adjuster on the iphone dont talk to much. Just keep it simple with just the facts. As honest as you are, insurance company adjusters may not be out to deny each and every claim as everyone thinks. There are state and federal laws that insurance companies must stick to, so the insurance companies use proof. To keep it easy get proof of why the water damage happened like a bill or written statement with a plumber or the city or county of how come something happened. Pictures are great and your dishwasher or washer machine appliance repairman are going to be your best friend to prove to the insurance company your damage can be a "covered loss. "
Lately insurance companies will suggest a water damage and mold restoration company to end up and mitigate the harm. Mitigate is the term that is used to clean up and stop further damage from taking effect. Most insureds (thats people the homeowner) believe the water damage clean up work will be guaranteed since company mentioned their name. Actually the company only suggests but will not back up any companies work. Remember that you the homeowner contains the legal right to use anyone you intend to.
Contacting the insurance company to make a claim can be nerve racking to some homeowners. water damage mi
