Insurance and Water Damage Services Process
This is the number one question we receive from our home-owners when they have flood or water damage that needs to be claimed by their insurance.. 5 Star cleaning and water damage certified team deals with water damage situations daily, and we come across a lot of nervous homeowners in Toronto, Canada. Water damage is a very stressful situation in people’s daily life, to repair and clean up the mess created. However, the financial situation proves to be more difficult with a constant worry of how to file a claim with insurance to receive the proper compensation for the services and damage rendered. One of the biggest misconceptions is that the water damage needs to be serviced by the insurance company to receive a full refund of the services. However, if homeowners wait for unanswered questions by insurance companies, for several days or receive improper and inadequate water damage restoration service, the extent of water damage will be more costly and will also cause mold formation.
We want to reassure our homeowners that, 5 Star Cleaning, water damage restoration services provided will be covered by insurance, including repair after water damage with carpet cleaning and house cleaning in Toronto and GTA areas. 5 Star Cleaning can provide the steps necessary to properly file for an insurance claim, by providing you with an invoice and also communicating with the insurance adjuster when needed. Inside of waiting for insurance companies for days to respond and send their adjuster in, you can start your water damage creation services either by us or any professional water damage company, then send your invoice to get your compensation.
Understanding water damage services covered by property insurance company
1. Sudden Water Damage to your property
Sudden water damage can occur at any time. Freezing pipes bursting in the winter, ruptured water mains, or malfunctioning appliances in your home are all examples of sudden water damage. These water damages will be covered by most policies, but make sure you read the fine print. Coverage is based on the condition that you’ve been doing regular maintenance on your property. If that water heater you haven’t serviced in 20 years suddenly turns your basement into a small lake, you’re probably out of luck. So, maintenance of appliances, heater, cooler, leakproofing your basement, and all the faucets are very important to make sure your sudden water damage is covered by your property insurance.
2. Gradual Water Damage (not covered)
If your water damage is the result of a long-standing, unresolved problem, it’s going to be hard to convince your insurance company to pick up the tab. Plumbing systems don’t last forever, and your insurance company assumes that you, the homeowner, will do your part in staying on top of the upkeep of your property. The takeaway? Make sure you address seemingly minor problems like water leaks and pressure fluctuations as soon as you discover them. If you let these things spiral out of control, you might not be covered at all. One of the most common water damage that is NOT covered by insurance is foundation problems, cracks around your own home which leads to gradual water damage. But once again, every insurance coverage is different, very dependent on your specific policy.
3. What is a Deductible?
The deductible is the amount of money you have to pay out-of-pocket when filing a claim. Better insurance policies have lower deductibles, but the trade-off is a higher monthly premium. Consider the deductible very carefully before choosing coverage. Again depends on, how high is your deductible, and how much will cost your water damage restoration. So, See both pros and cons.
4. Call Your Insurance Company
The first person you’re going to speak to is your agent. Take care of immediate concerns like safety and call your agent when you’re ready. Calling as soon as you can is important. If you wait too long and your home suffers greater damage over time, you might not be covered for all the damages, especially if you end up with mold too. This is also a good time to ask about additional living expenses. If your home is currently uninhabitable, there’s a good chance that your insurance provider will cover any temporary housing costs for you and your family while your water damage is taken care of.
5. Take an Inventory of Damaged Items
Before you do inventory, you have to make sure it is safe to do so, please see Water Damage Safety Tips. Make sure you go through the stuff and document that was damaged in the water damage. Take photos, make a list, and don’t throw anything away. The more proof you have to show your adjuster, the better. Photos and video clips of water-damaged items are very important to have.
6. Call and Meet With your property insurance Adjuster
After you speak to your agent, they’ll arrange to send an adjuster over to your property. The adjuster assesses the damage and ultimately decides how much coverage you’ll receive from the insurance company. Keep in mind that your adjuster works for the insurance company. At the end of the day, they want to pay out as little as possible. Don’t let them trivialize the damage or bait you into admitting blame for the incident. You must have your preferred contractor working and treating the home before waiting for the adjuster. Adjusters will take days or weeks most of the time to attend to your home. 5 Star cleaning will directly assist you in communicating the issue and compensation required with your adjuster.
7. Find a professional and reliable water damage restoration company
To repair your home’s damage you’re going to need to find a contractor. Your insurance company will likely have a contractor they’ll recommend for you. You can also shop around and look for one on your own. Just remember, the water damage restoration and repair process involves several steps. Water needs to extract professionally, The property must be cleared of water damage items, wet underpads, and debris before any work can be done. And everything must be done according to IICRC codes and regulations. When you meet with a water damage company, ask for a written estimate detailing the costs of all supplies and labor and a detailed breakdown of all the work they plan on doing. Ask for their license number and do some research to make sure you’re dealing with reputable professionals.
8. Finally, water damage restoration, repair, and invoice payments
Once you’ve gotten a written estimate from a water-damage-certified company and have an inventory of your damaged items, you have to call or meet with your adjuster for final approval. If your contractor’s estimate is higher than your adjuster’s damage assessment, you have a few options. You can request for your adjuster to try to negotiate a better deal with your contractor. If you feel that your adjuster was off in his assessment, you can call your agent and plead your case. When the adjuster’s assessment, the contractor’s estimate, and your inventory of damaged items are all in agreement, you can sign the insurance claim. Your provider will let you know if you need to pay a deductible (in some disaster scenarios your deductible may be waived depending on your provider) and will issue you a check. The insurance claim process is a daunting experience. Stay calm, read your policy (twice!), and go through the steps. If you feel like you’re being given the short end of the stick, speak up.
We have been working with many insurance companies over the years while providing water damage restoration services in GTA and Toronto. Insurance companies approve 5 Star cleaning and water damage restoration company, a reliable and professional who is IICRC certified, insured, and has WSIB.
It would be our pleasure to help our homeowners in GTA with your insurance and water damage services process in your home or any property from start to finish. We will dry, repair, and clean your property to have you feeling safe and happy when our work is done. Call us today for any 24/7 water damage restoration issues or flood emergencies or questions. It is important to note that even if your property insurance company does not cover the water damage cost, you must professionally attend to the water damage situation to avoid secondary water damage and dangerous mold which will cost a fortune or cost your whole house eventually.
At 5 Star Cleaning, 24/7 Water damage restoration is our expertise. Call us 24/7 for licensed technicians to check and/or dry your home safely.
For any water damage concerns or questions, or in case of water damage restoration needs,
please do not hesitate to contact our 24/7 emergency hotlines. 416-315-7562 & Toll Free# 1855 697 9889
Source by: 5 Star Cleaning Team
