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How To Get Insurance To Pay For Water Damage?

March 2, 2020 by Kingsley LLC

Water damage in flooded kitchenThe effects of water damage on a home can be substantial. When water makes its way into a home through leaks in the roof, broken pipes, foundation cracks, or another source, it can quickly ruin furniture, upholstery, appliances, electronics, and much more. To protect against these types of incidents, most homeowners carry insurance. Unfortunately, not all water-related accidents are covered under homeowners’ insurance. If you are dealing with water damage in your home, it is important to review your insurance policy to see what limitations you face, or to find out if your insurance will pay for water damage. The damages that an insurance company is willing to cover, if any, will be based on multiple factors.

The Source of the Damage

Water damage in a home can have many causes. Gradual water damage can occur due to storm damage that causes leaks in the roof. A fallen tree branch or heavy rain can cause water to seep into your attic or the upper floor of your home. If the storm is severe, flooding can occur. The rising water may only affect your basement or it may rise to the higher levels of your home, causing more significant damage. Water damage can also be sudden or accidental, such as in the case of a broken or burst pipe. It can also occur when your sewer backs up or your washing machine overflows.

Gradual vs. Sudden

When deciding whether or not water damage is covered by your homeowners’ insurance, your insurance carrier will consider whether the damage was gradual or sudden. Gradual water damage occurs over time and, therefore, it can be difficult to garner payment from your insurance company. Examples of gradual water damage include plumbing that has been leaking into your walls, ceilings, or floors for a period of time. Gradual damage is oftentimes a sign of a lack of maintenance or repairs to a home. Insurance is designed to cover sudden or accidental damage. This means that the water damage did not occur over time.

Common Inquiries

Man looking into home with water damageWhen it comes to water damage, insurance companies see all types of inquiries. Some causes of water damage are covered by insurance while others are not for one reason or another. Some of the most common types of water damage that are typically covered by insurance include plumbing issues like frozen pipes that burst, appliance overflows such as an overflowing bathtub or toilet, and damage from a hose or fire extinguisher that was used in the home to extinguish a fire. It is also important to be aware of water damage that may not be covered by your insurance policy, such as water backup from an outdoor sewer, negligence due to improper maintenance, and flooding that is considered a natural disaster and requires a separate flood insurance policy.

Resulting Damage

Water damage can occur in minutes. As water contamination spreads through the home, claim costs can continue to rise. It does not take long for carpets to become saturated, wood to soften and discolor, and walls to absorb moisture and swell. Dyes from non-colorfast upholsteries and fabrics will begin to bleed and normal household odors will become stronger and more apparent. If moisture is left unattended for days, fungi will start to grow and wood floors and cabinets will start to warp. Wallpaper adhesives will peel away from the wall and paint will blister. In time, water damage can impact the entire structural integrity of a home.

Request Clarification Throughout the Process

If your home has suffered water damage that is covered under your homeowners’ insurance policy, you will want to act quickly and file a claim. Start by making your insurance company aware of the accident and do what you can to prevent additional damage to your property. Take photos and videos of the water damage to act as evidence. It is also a good idea to take a detailed inventory of your damaged belongings. Once you have made your claim, your insurance company will usually contact you within a few days. Once all information has been provided, your insurer will usually have 15 business days to approve or deny your claim. Be sure to ask questions and request clarification throughout the process as needed.

Consult with Kingsley for More Help

Couple holding buckets to catch water leakWhen water damage occurs, homeowners have one main concern in mind – how to get insurance to pay for water damage. Depending on the cause of the damage, your insurance company may approve your claim and provide you with sufficient funds to make any necessary repairs or renovations. When this happens, you will want to ensure you have a qualified water damage restoration specialist available to walk you through the process. For more information or for assistance with water damage restoration, water extraction or mold remediation services, contact the water damage experts at Kingsley, LLC, today.

Filed Under: Water Damage Restoration

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Kingsley Water Damage Restoration of Columbia

825 Meeting St. Ste 202 West Columbia, SC 29169 24/7 Hotline: 803-590-0370
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Google Rating
5.0
Kingsley LLC Columbia Water Damage Restoration & Mold Remediation Specialists
Kingsley LLC Columbia Water Damage Restoration & Mold Remediation Specialists
5.0
Based on 63 reviews
Samantha davis
Samantha davis
17:10 02 Dec 19
Kingsley really helped us in our time of need. Our house flooded from our upstairs bathroom, water was everywhere. They came the same day I called and immediately started removing carpet and setting up machines. They charged nothing upfront and worked payment out with our insurance company. That alone is worth a 5 star review. We very pleased with the time and care they took with us and our home.
Cheri Held
Cheri Held
03:02 08 Nov 19
Hey!I had a water link behind my stove...I Called Kingsley. They came right away and got started. I had to leave, and when I came back 5 hours later they were done! They tore everything out that was went and needed to be gone, and they cleaned!!! They are nice guys, and did a great job! Thanks guys!!!
Ashley Lucas
Ashley Lucas
02:58 06 Nov 19
Amazing service!! Mr. Kingsley jumped right into action for my water mitigation services. He was very knowledgeable and took his time to explain the process. Great overall experience. I must say his excellent service and professionalism put my mind at ease knowing my home was in great hands.
Bha Kurnaz
Bha Kurnaz
12:57 01 Oct 19
Mike is the best person I met during my water leak problem. Long to short: if you are lucky to hire Mike (if his schedule is free), you will have amazing service. He works with you and your insurance. Most of well known firms try to charge double of Mike's estimate and try to take advantage of YOUR insurance.I am so happy that Mike handled my problem. Thanks and God bless you!
Kimberly Mills
Kimberly Mills
14:11 23 Sep 19
Mike Kingsley and company are the BEST hands down! Mike was responsive and prompt in addressing my issues and concerns. Kingsley was able to remove all the mold and demo everything from under the house where the mold was and then dry everything to prevent any further damage from the water. Kingsley and his team were very professional and considered of all that I had going on. Mike spoke with the insurance company and followed up with all they needed as well as what I needed. I would definitely give them the highest recommendation possible.
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