Who needs a little more stress in their life? ServiceMaster of Prescott brings you these tips when dealing with water damage clean up and claim.We have discussed in previous articles about insurance after water damage… and as mentioned before, if you have not done so, take time now to create a home inventory!
Additionally, taking a moment now to select a water damage restoration company, or knowing who is covered by your insurance company will save you even more headache later.
Taking a few moments before disaster strikes - knowing what your policy covers and taking protective action to make sure your home doesn’t suffer significant damage will your claim more successful and problem free.
Water damage and flooding are different things, so understand the terminology and the correct terms beforehand.
Insurance companies will only cover certain things. A pipe bursting in your basement is not the same as the Mississippi overflowing its banks and submerging your whole house. Most standard homeowner insurance policies do not cover floods. So knowing the difference will protect you from challenging your insurance company which might take months, leaving you to take care of bills you should have already been reimbursed for!
Be careful what you clean up: If there’s clear evidence that your damage was caused by an accident, storm damage, etc., leave it in place if possible, don’t create a situation where what caused the damage is your word against the adjuster’s.
Take lots of photos: In the smart phone age, this one is easier than ever. Document the damage carefully, as well as your efforts to reduce the loss. If in doubt, shoot a picture.
Fully document any involvement by others: If your water damage was caused by the actions or negligence of another person (ie Repairman) document what happened and their vital information. You’ll want their name, contact information, insurance company name and policy number, contractor license number, etc.
Know what your “loss of use” compensation is: If you know what sort of temporary living expenses your insurance company covers, this will help in the event you have to evacuate during the repair and restoration process.
Following these tips might make that claim check from the friendly folks at your insurance company bigger, and it will certainly make getting it anxiety-free.
Do you have questions or comments? Please contact ServiceMaster of Prescott for more information on water damage restoration. Call 928-445-9205 or visit http://www.servicemasterofprescott.com/
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