4 Tips on Water Damage Restoration and Insurance Claims

2/23/2021 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: Learn more about the water damage restoration and insurance claims process, from assessment to avoiding denials, with these simple tips from the restoration pros at SERVPRO of Hurst - Euless - Bedford, TX.

Water damage is one of the most common insurance claim types—even more so in recent years, with claims becoming more severe and frequent. 

Currently, approximately one in 50 property owners file a water damage claim each year. The average claim comes in at around $10,000, leading insurance companies to pay about $13 billion annually in claims.

Since 2015, the number of water-related claims exceeding $500,000 has doubled annually, and those exceeding $1 million have nearly tripled. This escalation is mainly due to an increase in intense storms, aging homes, and insufficient plumbing maintenance.

When a water disaster strikes, it's essential to have a professional water damage restoration company on your side.  It also helps to understand the restoration and insurance claim process. The experts at SERVPRO of Hurst - Euless - Bedford, Texas, are here to share some tips on dealing with water damage restoration and insurance claims.

#1: Assess Water Damage

Regardless of whether the loss experienced was a significant flood or slow leak, any type of water damage must be taken seriously. Water can quickly destroy property and create health hazards like mold. It's essential to move fast on water removal and repair. Make sure to take photos of the water damage to submit to the insurance company.

#2: Call a Water Damage Restoration Pro

Although a homeowner’s first instinct might be to call the insurance company, it’s best to contact a water damage restoration company like SERVPRO of Hurst - Euless - Bedford, first. The experts at SERVPRO are available 24/7 to respond to any crisis. They will quickly assess the water damage and give advice on how to deal with an insurance claim.

Once SERVPRO is hired to perform water damage restoration services, they’ll take over the project. Water damage restoration and mold remediation companies like SERVPRO perform the following services:

• Gather evidence of damage and estimates for repair
• Secure the property to prevent additional damage
• Deal directly with the insurance adjuster
• Negotiate with the insurance company for a payout
• Handle water removal, mold removal, and flood cleanup
• Provide fire damage restoration services
• Offer air duct cleaning services
• Sanitize and thoroughly dry property
• Restore and rebuild damaged property

#3: Contact the Insurance Company

Insurance policies are complex and confusing. It can be hard to determine what is covered under the policy. Although property insurance policies vary greatly, most cover sudden and accidental water damage. Here are some types of water damage not typically covered by standard insurance:

• Water damage resulting from poor maintenance of pipes or appliances
• Water or sewage backup from an outside sewer
• Flooding from storms or overflowing bodies of water

#4: Avoid Insurance Claims Denials

The insurance company may deny a claim for many reasons. The best way to avoid a deny is to prepare before a disaster strikes:

• Collect records of home repairs and appliance maintenance
• Carefully review your insurance policy and make sure it covers common causes of water damage
• Keep up on routine maintenance for the home and appliances   

Need Help with Water Damage Restoration?

SERVPRO can help navigate the insurance claims process. They offer residential and commercial water damage restoration throughout the Bedford area. SERVPRO is also one of Texas’ leading fire restoration companies with dozens of 5-star reviews from satisfied customers. If you need water cleanup or mold removal, contact SERVPRO today.

Contact Information:

SERVPRO of Hurst-Euless-Bedford

P: (817) 595-0004

3717 Commerce Place Suite E
Bedford, TX 76021
https://www.SERVPROhurst-euless-bedford.com/