It is important to know the difference between water damage and flood damage and to know what your insurance covers in both cases. Basically, where the water comes from is how one can determine which type of claim to file. Flood damage comes mostly from a natural source, where water damages come about due to an issue inside your home.
When water damage happens, you usually have to replace anything that got wet. This includes floors, walls, drywall, other structural parts, and the owner's belongings. Often, the flooring and drywall have to be taken out, and dehumidifiers are brought in to make sure everything is completely dry. The rebuilding process can start only once the area is dry. Undoubtedly this is often an extremely expensive process to fix!
Water Damage
Some examples of water damage come from the following:
A toilet that is overflowing
Broken or leaking pipes
Buildup in places where water is likely to gather, like crawlspaces, attics, or basements
Appliances like a broken washing machine or water heater
HVAC issues
Flood Damage
Some examples of flood damage comes from the following:
The overflow of inland or seawater into the land.
Surface water from any source that builds up or runs off quickly and in a way that isn't normal.
Mudslides and mudflows.
An important note here is that heavy rain can actually cause water damage and not necessarily flood damage. If your home's roof is destroyed by a storm and rainfall spills inside, the damage is typically classified as water damage, not flood damage. The main difference is that a storm caused the damage in this case.
How can a Public Adjuster help with Water and Flood Damage?
If your property sustains water or flood damage, your entire investment is at stake. It would be prudent to address the loss as soon as possible by contacting the insurance company. They will send an adjuster to evaluate and document the damage. However, dealing with an insurance adjuster alone after water or flood damage can be challenging! Their job is to handle claims as quickly as possible and, in some cases, keep payments as low as possible. This can lead to a settlement check that is not big enough to cover all the damages. In other words, you might not get all of the money you deserve.
On the other hand, a public adjuster can look at your property in detail to figure out how much damage there is and then work on your behalf with everyone involved to get the best possible result for your water or flood claim. What is important to remember here is that a public adjuster benefits only if the property owner benefits. So a public adjuster’s main objective is to maximize the property owner’s claim reimbursement, as opposed to an insurance adjuster who is working largely to benefit the company.
Additionally, a public adjuster is a professional who knows how to handle the complicated terms of your policy. They know everything there is to know about water or flood insurance and can help you gather the evidence needed for a robust claim. Even if you have already filed your claim or gotten money for it, a public adjuster can still help you get the best possible result.
If you have a question about a water or flood damage or insurance claim Premier Adjusting service, Contact Us at 704-736-3683