Things to Know Regarding Water Damage Claims
Loss claims for water damage are time-consuming and expensive. Your insurance carrier intends to resolve your claim by offering you the smallest amount of funds they can. Insurance claims are complex when dealing with water damage in your dwelling. Our public insurance claims adjuster in Polk County offers these things you ought to know about water damage claims.
Know when to hire a public adjuster
A public adjuster helps maximize your property loss claim and negotiates with your insurer in your best interest. If the debated stake in your claim is over $10,000, it is probably in your best interest to employ a public claims adjuster. An experienced public adjuster shows you how to maximize your water damage claim. Most public claims adjusters worked for insurance firms before changing to the other side of the spectrum to represent the masses. They have handled water damage claims on both sides of negotiations and are a huge asset to have on your side, guaranteeing that you obtain a maximum claim payment. In addition, the best public claims adjuster works hard on your claim settlement so you can earn a full recovery after your water damage loss. Contact us today for a complimentary consult with a public insurance claims adjuster in Polk County.
Understand the distinctions between flood damage and water damage
Flood and water damage are two remarkably different things. This distinction has a substantial impact on your loss claim. Water damage is the most common damage type documented in the home insurance industry. It may be induced by wind-driven rain, leaking roofs, sewage blockages, poorly maintained appliances, busted pipes, frozen pipes, and numerous other problems. Homeowners' insurance policies usually cover it. On the other hand, flood damage is not usually covered. Thus, when you make a water damage claim and wish to make the most of it, it is crucial to know what is and isn't protected under your policy.
Homeowners' insurance does not cover damage due to flooding. Flood insurance was unavailable in the US until after 1968, when the government launched the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Many property owners have flood insurance through the NFIP. Nevertheless, traditional property insurance plans won't ever cover flood damage. You must purchase a separate policy from your insurer or the NFIP.
Before you buy separate flood insurance, know insurance company flooding definitions. The NFIP defines it as "a general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of two or more areas of dry land (at least one of which is your property, from an overflow of inland or tidal waters; unusual and rapid accumulation or run-off of surface waters from any source; mud flow." So, this means rising mud or water that emerges on normally dry land in common vernacular. Flood damage is typically caused by flash flooding, hurricane surges, melting snow, overflowing rivers, or heavy rains. If you reside in a flood plain, are close to the water table, or in a region predisposed to these issues, buying flood insurance is a wise idea.
