
Every New York City property owner has a common enemy: water damage. Unfortunately, the city’s climate makes it prone to regular storms and floods, putting apartments and houses at risk.
When you first experience water damage, it’s only natural to panic – but your insurance company should pay for any repairs. The biggest obstacle you’ll have to navigate is filing an insurance claim and ensuring you receive an appropriate settlement.
As New York’s trusted water damage restoration company, we have decades of experience in handling insurance claims. This helpful guide will take you through the claims process.
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Understanding your insurance policy
Many people assume their homeowners insurance policy covers water damage, but most companies have restrictions. For example, a standard homeowners insurance policy might offer financial support for storm damage and leaks but not floods.
New York City homeowners are eligible for flood insurance, which can provide vital financial support. Reading your coverage documents clearly will help you identify any policy limits and determine whether you can receive financial support.
It’s important to note that some basic policies won’t cover you for sudden and accidental leaks, so understanding your coverage limits can help you decide whether it’s worth making an insurance claim.
Take immediate action
The longer you wait to address water damage, the worse it can become. That’s why acting instantly is essential. It’s also important to note your homeowners and flood insurance provider could void the claim if you fail to take emergency measures.
Here are the most vital steps to take immediately after water damage:
- Stop the Source: Turn off your water supply if a leak, appliance malfunction, or plumbing causes it. If there’s extensive damage, it’s essential to avoid areas with standing water, as they can pose electrical threats.
- Reduce Damage: Removing any valuable items and performing emergency measures will reduce the overall damage to your property.
- Documentation: Use a camera or your smartphone to take videos and photos of all affected areas. Remember to document all of the damage, including personal belongings, ruined furniture, and destroyed building materials.
While some people complete these steps alone, others seek help from emergency water damage remediation services. Calling (800) 874-8146 gives you access to immediate support from a team of certified technicians.
Notify the insurance company
It’s always a good idea to contact your insurance company as soon as possible to inform them of the damage. Many providers operate 24/7 water damage claim hotlines, allowing you to report the incident. When telling the insurer about the water damage, be sure to have the following information to hand:
- The policy number
- A description of the damage
- When the incident occurred
- Any emergency measures you’ve taken
- You’ll receive a claim number, and it’s essential to note this down
Prompt notification ensures that you don’t void your water damage insurance claim. Even if the insurance company asks you to work with their restoration contractors, you can choose your restoration service and receive the best possible support.
Provide documentation to support your claim
Flood and home insurance claims can only be successful if you clearly document any damage for the insurance company to review. If preferred, a professional water damage restoration team will handle this.
The insurance provider will need to see:
- Bills and Receipts: Store any invoices for emergency repairs and keep them in a safe place.
- Home Inventory: Document any damaged property and calculate its potential value to speed up the claims process.
- Professional Assessments: The insurance company will also want to see a detailed professional assessment of the extent of your damage and the cost of repairs.
Meet with the insurance adjuster
Insurance adjusters assess each case and evaluate any damage, then determine whether the company will pay out. During this stage, it’s essential to have all documentation ready and clearly explain what happened.
Working with a water damage restoration service means that you won’t need to worry about this stage. The technician will meet the adjuster on site and justify any repair costs, including mold remediation and reconstructing the property’s structural elements.
The restoration process
Water damage restoration is a complex process. The technicians need to isolate and fix the source of the damage, including a roof leak, faulty plumbing, storms, floods, and sewage backups.
Certified technicians know how to safely extract standing water, prevent mold growth, and treat personal property to prevent significant losses. During this stage, you can focus on other areas of your life and let the professionals restore your building to its pre-loss conditions.
When might an insurance company deny my claim?
Many homeowners insurance companies don’t offer water damage coverage. If the company denies your claim, it’s time to explore other avenues. Remember, many providers might offer limited personal property coverage or reduce claims due to floods.
Luckily, you can take these steps to reduce your claim being denied:
- Review the Reasons: Insurers must reveal the reasons they deny claims. For example, if you failed to take action immediately and didn’t prevent further damage, you could still receive a payment, but it might be lower.
- Appeal: Collect evidence that strengthens your case, including independent inspections and contractor estimates.
- Consider Mediation: In some cases, you can consult the New York Department of Financial Services and undergo mediation. It’s an affordable way to ensure your insurance coverage pays for some or all of the repairs.
Many people struggle to negotiate with flood and home insurance companies, but working with a professional restoration service can simplify the process.
Our property damage experts know how to present property damage and repairs to the insurance claims adjuster, ensuring you receive the payment you’re entitled to.
Get support for water damage today
Investing in the right home and flood insurance policies can ensure you receive financial support for water, mold, and flood damage. If you’re dealing with an emergency, please contact Manhattan Flood Restoration for support today.
With a team of professional restoration technicians and licensed contractors, our experts can treat water damage on all scales. Please fill in the online form to arrange a visit, or use our 24/7 emergency line if you need immediate assistance.