What Not To Do When Making a Water Damage Claim

10/6/2020 (Permalink)

Actions to Avoid When Filing Your Insurance Claim

If your home in Aurora, IL, has been damaged by bursting pipes, a broken appliance or some other source of water, then you will likely need to make a claim. This can be time-consuming, so it is important to follow the proper procedures when going through this process. The following are some actions that you should avoid when filing your insurance claim.

1. Waiting to Contact Your Insurance Company

If there is water damage in your home, you should call to let your insurance agent know right away. This will allow them to begin filing your claim so the process can be completed sooner. It is also possible for your claim to be denied if you do not file within the required period.

2. Sitting Around Waiting for an Adjuster

An adjuster will need to inspect your home, but you don't need to sit around and wait. You can begin documenting the damage by taking pictures and making a list that your adjuster can use. You can also work on preventing further damage from the bursting pipes, moving items to a dry area and reviewing your policy.

3. Throwing Away Damaged Items

In many cases, damaged items can be salvaged, so you shouldn’t get rid of them until they are inspected. Even if you think that something is ruined beyond repair, it is a good idea to hang on to it. It will serve as proof of your loss when filing your insurance claim.

4. Waiting to Call a Restoration Service

You might think it is better to wait to call a cleanup and restoration service until after your claim is approved, but this is not the case. Waiting too long to fix broken pipes, remove water from the building and start on repairs can make it more difficult and costly to return your home to its previous condition.
Bursting pipes can cause a lot of damage to your home, so you will need to have them taken care of right away. In many cases, your insurance can cover most or all of the cost, if you take the steps necessary to complete the process correctly.