How to Make a Water Damage Claim

9/5/2019 (Permalink)

Broken or bursting pipes in your Elmhurst, IL, home can create a big mess and a lot of damage. The good news is that you don’t need to handle it on your own. In most cases, your homeowner's insurance will cover much of the cost of repairs. Here are some steps that you should take when filing a claim.

1. Call Your Insurance Agent
The first thing that you should do is call your insurance company to inform them of the bursting pipes and begin your claim. Waiting too long to file a claim can result in coverage being denied, so you should do this as soon as you can.

2. Document the Damage
Your insurance agent will need to have documentation of the property in order to file your claim. You should make a list of areas of the home that have been affected as well as any belongings. Taking pictures of the water damage will help as well.

3. Prevent Further Damage
While you may not be able to fix broken pipes on your own, you should take any steps that you can to prevent damage from becoming worse while you wait for the emergency restoration company to begin repairs. This can include blocking off flooded rooms or relocating smaller belongings to a dry area.

4. Go Over Your Policy
In most cases, water damage will be covered by your insurance. It is still a good idea, however, to go over your policy to make sure you know all the details. This can make the process go more smoothly and allow you to get things back to normal more quickly.

As long as you have not neglected to properly maintain your property, the damage that results from bursting pipes and other accidents will most likely be covered by your insurance. Make sure to follow the proper procedures when filing a claim so that you are able to get the most from your policy.