Got Water Damage? Act Immediately! Here’s How to Mitigate Your Risks When Filing Water Damage Claims

Water can wreak havoc on any property when the unexpected strikes: pipes can burst during frigid winter weather; a windy rainstorm can loosen roof tiles and siding, causing water to enter the attic or basement; a refrigerator’s icemaker can misfunction; ice dams can damage roofing and gutters, causing roof leakage and water pools at foundation walls. And then there are the bigger events, the natural disasters wrought by climate change.

Whatever the cause, damage from water intrusion can cause structural issues; ruin walls, flooring, ceilings, furniture, and appliances; and, besides physical damage, can lead to health issues if not quickly mitigated.

Water Damage: Ten Steps to Take Immediately

Filing an insurance claim can seem overwhelming. However, there are ways to maximize your water damage claim so you can get your home or business back into working order more quickly. When water damage occurs, there are several things you must do immediately to smooth the claims and mitigation processes:

1. Contact your insurance agent immediately as they are the first line of defense when trying to get coverage. Both insurance agents and insurance companies have 24/7 hot lines if you can’t reach them after business hours. If you don’t get a response within a few hours, keep calling, texting, and emailing.
2. Try to pinpoint what’s caused the damage and, if possible, act quickly to contain it.
3. Immediately take videos, photos, and document your outreach to your insurance agent and/or insurance company. Often, insurance policies state a time limit for claims, so do not delay.
4. Watch what you say! You may not be covered for “floods,” but may be covered for “water damage.” And that brings us to the next point:
5. Review your insurance policy carefully. Each policy has different stipulations, limitations, and exclusions, so you must be well-versed on all these details. Chances are water damage that occurs suddenly or accidentally is more likely to be covered versus water damage that occurs more gradually, which is why reporting the problem immediately, and not waiting a few days, can make all the difference in your recouping your costs.
6. Keep records of all your conversations with your insurance agent and/or the insurance company. Be present at your property when the insurance adjuster visits.
7. Keep records of appraisals and save all receipts for professional services, mitigation and supplies.
8. Get an unbiased, certified environmental inspection before you renovate. Mold, which grows wherever there is moisture, can be destructive to the surfaces it infests, and it grows within hours. Mold, as well as poor indoor air quality, can become health hazards. To ensure that mitigation was done properly, get an environmental test afterwards as well.
9. Hire environmental testing professionals like RTK Environmental that can uncover and identify both overt and hidden dangers and provide you with a complete picture of the effects of the damage. Since testing-only firms focus solely on assessments and not remediation, insurers can trust that the results are impartial and accurate. Identifying damage early can prevent secondary issues like mold growth and damaged infrastructure, which are more costly to remediate.

Because you will need a fast turnaround, RTK can offer next-day scheduling, with lab-verified results that can deliver hard evidence to support or dispute insurance claims. RTK also provides clear, easy-to-read reports and detailed documentation that will help simplify the claims process. Contact RTK today!