Water damage can be one of the most costly types of damage to repair and replace. Rain, floods, and leaks are unavoidable. When an insurance company receives a water damage claim, they will decide whether or not to pay for the claims based on several factors.
If the worst happens, you will have to file for an insurance claim to restore the damage caused by water. Doing regular home maintenance and ensuring that your water system runs smoothly will increase your chances of a payout.
The steps of getting the entire insurance claim for water damage in New York City’s apartments include:
Step 1
Determine the cause of your water damage and check your homeowner’s insurance policy to see if the insurance company covers the water damage.
Insurance Covered Damages
You can expect your home insurance to cover sudden or accidental water damage, but not damage caused by neglect or lack of home maintenance. Water damages covered by home insurance include those caused by natural disasters like earthquakes, storms, and hurricanes.
You can also claim your homeowner’s policy if there are sudden damages like cracked pipes, a burst in the main water supply, or broken water appliances. Remember, your insurance company might only cover the damage caused by the breaks and not the actual appliances or pipes.
Uncovered Damages
Individual policies vary on the types of water damages not covered in them. However, the general damages in this category include gradual damage, floods, mold, and damage caused by neglect. In most cases, homeowners need to purchase separate flood insurance because of the extensive damage caused by floods.
You can prevent gradual damage and damages caused by neglect. Both damages occur over a long time, giving you time to stop their effect. For example, you can inspect your plumbing system regularly and ensure that it is well-maintained. Sometimes, your water damage might not be a gradual or neglect problem but a mold problem.
There are several mold warning signs that you can look out for, including:
• You can watch out for mold odor. Most molds produce a persistent musty smell that is not easy to miss
• There can also be visible signs of mold growth in your home. Molds come in all colors, so any change you see on your walls or damp places is a warning sign. Ensure you fix all your water leaks to avoid breeding grounds for molds
• If you observe water stains or discoloration on your walls, floor, or ceilings, the chances are there is a mold in your home. You should also look out for bubbling, cracking, or peeling paint and wallpapers
• Molds may also grow in the aftermath of a flood
• Report the claim if the policy covers the damage
Step 2
Hire a restoration service to clean up the water and moisture professionally. Determine if you need to leave your home. If the damage is severe, leave your home and allow the restoration to continue. Water damages present the risk of electrocution and unhealthy living conditions inside your home.
Step 3
Take photos of the damage and things that you need to replace. Your home restoration team might take these pictures, but it is necessary to have your images.
Step 4
Meet with your insurance adjuster, who will evaluate the water damage. The adjuster’s work is to determine the cause of the damage and repair cost.
Step 5
Find a contractor to repair the damage once your insurance company processes your claim. In some cases, the company may have its preferred contractors.
What can New York Total Damage Restoration (NYTDR) do for you?
NYTDR is a restoration company that works directly with your insurance company to repair water damage on your property. It does not matter if the damage is in your kitchen, bathroom, or the whole house.
The company will help you get the insurance claim and plan and design your restoration. Licensed repair restoration experts, designers, and construction specialists will remediate and restore your property from start to finish. All you need to do is initiate a free consultation!
