5 min read
Water damage is among the most common claims made on homeowner insurance policies. According to the Insurance Information Institute, around 14,000 people in the United States experience water damage daily.
Unfortunately, it can also be destructive and expensive to repair. Events like a burst pipe, leaky roof, or flood can result in significant personal property losses and structural damage to buildings. Receiving adequate compensation can help you restore your property to its pre-damage condition – but it’s often easier said than done.
Whether you already need a water damage cleanup in Oak Harbor or simply want to prepare for the worst, it’s crucial to understand the importance of proper documentation in your insurance claim. In this blog, let’s delve into how detailed documentation aids your claim process, plus some tips to follow in your water damage restoration project.
Why Is Proper Documentation Important in Water Damage Insurance Claims?
Put simply, complete and thorough documentation helps you receive better compensation sooner. It can also ensure a smooth claims process, helping you avoid contentions and complications along the way.
On the contrary, the lack of proper documentation makes it difficult for you to show the scope of damage you experienced. If your insurance provider questions the details and estimates you presented, raising contentions or disputing denials may be impossible without sufficient evidence.
This can lead to delayed or inadequate compensation or even a denial, leaving you to shoulder the costs of repairing your property alone.
Photos and videos of the damage are among the most crucial pieces of evidence to secure in a property insurance claim. Another important document to secure is your receipts and invoices for any expense related to the water damage, such as repairs, labor, and even your temporary accommodation. These help ensure you receive adequate compensation for your losses.
Finally, keep a record of all your communications with your insurance provider. Saving your emails, letters, and other forms of correspondence can be helpful when a dispute arises.
3 Key Tips for Water Damage Documentation
Arranging your water remediation in Oak Harbor may be hectic and emotionally overwhelming. However, it helps to pause, take a deep breath, and get down to business as soon as possible to recover as much as you can.
As you begin recording your losses, here are some useful tips.
Contact Your Insurance Company ASAP
The home insurance claims process begins when you inform your insurer of your water damage. This is why it’s essential that you contact your insurance company as soon as possible. The sooner you do this, the quicker you can process your claim, receive the compensation you need, and kickstart your water damage restoration project.
Create a List and Take Videos of the Damage
If you aren’t sure how to start your documentation, create a list of all the affected items in your house with a spreadsheet. It also helps to include their perceived value and color-code them accordingly.
Another smart strategy is to create a video walk-through of your home. Showing every room and its contents in an audio-visual format can supplement the photos you already have.
Don’t Throw Out Any Damaged Items Yet
It’s normal to want to begin with your water damage cleanup in Oak Harbor and dispose of items beyond repair as soon as possible. However, it’s best to keep all damaged property around while your claim is being processed. Insurance adjusters may need to personally inspect your property or ask for proof to evaluate your claim and determine your compensation.
Final Reminders
Other than documenting your water damage thoroughly, it’s crucial that you fully cooperate with your insurance company while they process your claim. Giving them all the information they need, from your property inventory to proofs of loss and invoices, can expedite the process and increase your chances of receiving adequate settlement.
After evaluating your claim, you will be compensated based on the cost of repairs or replacements needed. Of course, the amount you will receive will be based on the coverage stated in your policy.
Let Restoration 1 Help You With Your Insurance Claim and Water Remediation in Oak Harbor
At Restoration 1 of Oak Harbor, we recognize the importance of having accurate and complete documentation when filing insurance claims. More importantly, we understand how crucial getting adequate compensation is when restoring damaged properties after a water damage event.
This is why our team is also here to help you file your claim correctly. We have experience working with various insurance companies, including Peerless Insurance, Farmers Insurance, and Allstate. When you call us for water damage cleanup in Oak Harbor, you can also count on us to assist you with documentation and help you submit your claim correctly.
Don’t get stuck with damaged property – or inadequate compensation. Feel free to contact our local team at 360-842-0646 anytime for assistance after a water damage event.
