A Guide to Filing a Water Damage Claim With Your Homeowners Insurance for Wichita, KS Residents
Water Damage Insurance Claim Process – Wichita, KS
At Stover’s Restoration, a water damage restoration company in Wichita, Kansas, I understand the importance of properly filing a water damage claim with your homeowner’s insurance. Water damage claims are among the most common, but can often be challenging to file. To help you navigate the process, I have compiled a guide specifically for Wichita residents and those in the surrounding areas.
-
Contact Your Insurance Company:
Water damage can be devastating for homeowners, so it is crucial to know how to file a water damage claim with your homeowner’s insurance to receive the funds necessary for repairing your property. Notify your insurance provider as quickly as possible to expedite the processing of your claim. Make sure to have photos or evidence readily available for an accurate assessment of the damage.
After contacting your insurance provider, a meeting should take place with an adjuster to assess whether any damages are covered under your policy. They will inspect the damaged area, taking photos and measurements before estimating the cost of the damage and issuing you a check for that amount. Keep a detailed record of your interactions with adjusters for accurate documentation, and save all receipts from contractors for temporary repairs.
-
Document the Damage:
To expedite the claims process and provide evidence supporting your claim, document all damages immediately. This includes photographing or videotaping the water damage and damaged items, as well as providing your insurance provider with an updated home inventory.
For leaky appliances like water heaters or washing machines, keep records detailing when and how long the device has been leaking. This will help your insurance provider determine if your problem constitutes a covered loss. Have a plumber inspect the area and take photos or video footage of the severity of the damage. Drying up areas with water or mold accumulation can help prevent further destruction.
-
Schedule an Inspection:
Water damage claims are prevalent among home insurance policies, accounting for roughly one-fourth of total claims filed. Reach out to your homeowner’s insurance provider to have an adjuster inspect your property. They may request photos and measurements to assess the extent of the damage.
Professional inspectors can perform inspections to detect leaks or other problems not immediately visible to the naked eye. They often rely on infrared cameras to spot hidden water damage, potentially saving thousands in repairs if caught early enough. Buying a house with a strong foundation and drainage system can also protect against future issues following the repair of damage.
-
Make a Claim:
Homeowners’ insurance is essential to safeguard against perils like fire, storms, and theft. When water damage occurs, file your claim with your homeowner’s insurance as quickly as possible to avoid denial on other grounds.
Neglecting water issues in your house can lead to mold growth, which can be costly and detrimental to health. Immediate remediation must occur to stop further structural damage and prevent respiratory conditions from developing due to mold spores.
Mold can also increase your insurance rates, as many insurance companies utilize a database called Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (CLUE) to calculate policy charges. When filing a claim, take detailed notes of everything needing repair to demonstrate the extent and cause of the damage. Gather any receipts as evidence, and consider hiring a public adjuster to assess and negotiate with insurers on your behalf.
The claims process should generally go smoothly, and you should be reimbursed for any costs of damage sustained. However, continue checking with your insurer regularly throughout the process to ensure everything is handled efficiently.
Contact Stover’s Restoration If You Have Water Damage You Need to be Fixed
Don’t let water damage disrupt your life in Wichita, KS, and the surrounding areas. Take action now to protect your home and belongings by following the steps outlined in this guide. If you need professional assistance with water damage restoration or have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to Stover’s Restoration. Our team of experts is here to help you get your home back to its original condition as quickly as possible.
For more information on water damage prevention and restoration, check out these valuable resources:
Insurance Information Institute – Water Damage
Act now and secure the safety of your home and family. Contact Stover’s Restoration today for all your water damage restoration needs in Wichita, KS, and the surrounding areas. Call us at 1-800-834-0296 or online here.