Filing a Water Damage Clean-up Insurance Claim
A flood, causing extensive water damage in a home or business, can be particularly nerve-wracking. Time is of the essence to remove all of the standing water, as well as any underlying moisture. The longer the water stays in the building, the more extensive the damage with a much higher risk of mold growth throughout the area. While it is important to begin the process of filing an insurance claim for the water clean-up, it is also critical to expedite everything as quickly as possible.
Contact Your Insurance Company Immediately After Water Damage
After any danger has passed, this includes addressing any burst or leaking pipes or fortifying the home against water from a storm, you should contact your insurance company to report the water damage. They may have additional questions for you and will begin the insurance claim. In the meantime, you should document the water damage with photos and video. Any belongings that can be rescued from the water and preserved, should be removed immediately. Compile a list of damaged property that was affected by the water in your home or business.
Your insurance coverage may vary, depending on your policy. If you are able to speak to a representative, inquire about what your policy covers in the event of a flood. This may include water extraction, mold remediation, restoration or replacement of your belongings and personal items and living expenses during the clean-up process.
Beginning the Cleanup Process
After documenting the damage and contacting your insurance company, you will want to expedite the water removal process. A restoration company is the most effective way to address a flood in your home or business. With industrial dryers and moisture-reading devices, you can be sure that not only will standing water be removed, but humidity levels will be reduced to a safe level. If there does seem to be a mold problem present, the restoration company can identify this as well as plan a course of action to address the situation.
The restoration company will provide all of the necessary paperwork from the water damage clean-up process that you will need to pass along to your insurance company to file a claim.
Choosing a Contractor is Your Decision
As a final note in this process, it is important to education consumers about their choices when it comes to flood damage restoration contractors. Many insurance companies will provide “options” to you upon filing a claim. These “options” are usually derived from large national contracts with major franchise brands, which offer negotiated discounts with the insurance companies. You may choose to go this direction or find your own local, independent contractor to help cleanup your property. You pay the premium, it is your policy and therefore you can make the final decision who to hire based on who you feel best about.
Soil-Away’s flood clean-up team is experienced at removing water expeditiously from a home or business to reduce the risk of further problems down the road. The Soil-Away team is also experienced dealing with insurance companies and can help you through this process.
