What to Know About Water Damage and Your Insurance Policy
1/16/2019 (Permalink)
Common Questions When You Fill Out a Claim for Water Damage
When the cold hits, your Park Slope, NY, home could be facing issues with bursting pipes. Fortunately, your insurance policy can help. Here are a few of the common questions people have with filing a claim for water damage.
1. What Damage is Covered?
When it comes to damage caused by water in your home, several causes may be covered by your insurance. Sudden damages such as sewer back up, an accidental break in the plumbing, storm caused damage, or flooding are all instances insurance companies usually cover. Gradual damage which occurs over time is usually considered neglect on the part of the homeowner and will most likely not be covered. This is why it’s important to conduct any repairs as soon as water caused damage is found.
2. What Other Services May Be Covered?
Your insurance provider may also include coverage for the cost of hiring a professional cleanup and restoration service to help restore your home. These professionals can assess the damage and formulate a plan for repair and restoration. Your insurance company may also be able to help you contact a plumbing professional who can help fix broken pipe issues in your home to help prevent further problems with bursting pipes.
3. What Things Can You Do?
Aside from fixing any damage you find as soon as you can, there are a few things a homeowner can do to help the insurance process. The first is to understand your policy, and what it covers and does not cover. It may also be helpful to conduct a home maintenance check regularly and maintain a record of all your home repairs.
If you’ve had issues with bursting pipes, it’s important to know what type of water damage your policy covers. Your policy may also offer coverage for the costs of hiring professionals to help restore your home after the damage occurs. Remember, it’s important to know what's in your policy when filing a claim.