Hurricane Dorian Water Damage Insurance Claim Tips
In the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian, many of our clients have questions about how to deal with water damage insurance claims. Hurricanes like these can destroy everything in their path and leave dangerous mold in their wake.
Weather-related water damage in Wilmington is one of the most common types of insurance claims, and the average claim for homeowners runs almost $7,000. With insurance companies paying out more than $13 billion nationally to cover water removal and damage each year, they’re scrutinizing homeowners’ claims closer than ever to protect their own profits.
Helping You Get the Most for Your Water Damage Restoration Claim
When the unexpected happens, it’s critical to adhere to the following guidelines to ensure your claim is covered, and if it’s not, how you can go back to your insurance company and fight for what you’re owed.
- Stop the damage from getting worse. Then hit pause. If you can reduce additional water damage by removing standing water, putting a tarp over a leaking roof, or moving property that can be salvaged, then do so right away. However, if you perform permanent repairs yourself, your insurance company will likely deny your claim. Take photos and video of the hurricane water damage, including where it occurred, the rooms it affected, and any household items that need to be replaced. Don’t throw anything away until it’s been documented, and if possible, record the make and model of any high-priced electronics or appliances.
- Contact a Wilmington water damage restoration company for a quote. A reputable company should be able to be on-site within 24 hours to provide an estimate. They can get started on water and sewage extraction immediately, but in many instances, you may want to wait until your claim has been approved before hiring them to work on repairs and restoration. To help maximize your payout, it’s best to obtain quotes from a minimum of three water removal companies you trust.
- Be conscious when describing the damage. Make sure you clarify that your home is “flooded”. Flood insurance requires its own policy, and if an insurance company believes your damage falls under a different category, they will decline your claim.
- Submit a claim quickly and get back-up if needed. Since insurance companies have 15 days to send an adjuster to your home, contact them as soon as possible and have your policy information at hand during every call. Because the adjuster is working for the company’s best interests, in the event of serious damage or a lower-than-expected payout, it’s worth the extra money to hire a public adjuster who can survey the damage, determine its extent with a moisture mapping software, and prepare an unbiased report. They may also help review the “proof of loss” form from your insurance company to ensure all of your bases are covered.
- See if you’re covered for costs outside the home. If you aren’t able to cook because of a damaged kitchen or if you have to move out temporarily because of dangerous water damage and mold conditions, keep all of your food and hotel receipts. Depending on your policy, you may be able to claim these expenses as well.
Partner With a Water Removal and Mold Removal Expert in Wilmington
Living on the coast puts homeowners at a higher risk of water and flood damage. Catastrophic weather events like Hurricane Dorian can be difficult to navigate, but at Pride Cleaning & Restoration we help guide you through the process. As a flood damage restoration company in Wilmington, Pride Cleaning & Restoration has been a middle-man between our clients and their insurance companies for more than 30 years. If you need water removal or mold removal services and are struggling with your insurance provider, contact our specialists today for a detailed estimate and additional suggestions on submitting your claim.
