Water damage can strike unexpectedly and wreak havoc on your home. Even an inch of standing water can lead to thousands of dollars in repairs. In Louisiana, where heavy rains and strong storms are common, homeowners often find themselves needing to file insurance claims for water damage; however, the process is complex. What’s more, making mistakes can result in denied or reduced claims.
To help you avoid missteps, we’ve compiled a list of common pitfalls to avoid when filing a water damage insurance claim. By being aware of these mistakes and knowing how to sidestep them, you can maximize your chances of a successful claim and ensure that your home gets the necessary repairs without unnecessary delays or expenses. And if you need help, contact our team at KK&P Law Firm anytime.
5 Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Water Damage Insurance Claim
- Mistake #1: Waiting Too Long to File – Insurance companies find all kinds of reasons to delay or deny your claim. Don’t give them an easy one by waiting too long to file your water damage insurance claim. Insurance policies often have strict deadlines for reporting damages, and failing to act promptly can result in denial or delays in processing your claim. Avoid this mistake by initiating the claims process as soon as it’s safe to do so after the flood.
- Mistake #2: Not Understanding Your Policy – Failure to thoroughly review your insurance policy before filing a claim can lead to misunderstandings about coverage limits, exclusions, and deductible amounts. Take the time to review your policy carefully and pay close attention to what is covered and what is not. Some water damage claims may be covered by your homeowners insurance policy. Others will fall under a flood insurance policy. If you are unsure which type of insurance policy to use for your water damage, contact a public adjuster or insurance law attorney for guidance, and always be careful about what you say to your insurance company if you’re presenting your own claim. Far too many times, we’ve seen them come back to use what a homeowner has said against them.
- Mistake #3: Underestimating Your Losses – It’s essential to accurately assess the value of your losses when filing a water damage insurance claim. Otherwise, you might be left with inadequate compensation and stuck paying out-of-pocket for the difference. This is why maintaining a home inventory is imperative for all property owners. Relying on memory is a poor substitute for written documentation. As you prepare to file a water damage claim in Louisiana, review your home inventory and take note of all damaged or destroyed property, including structures, personal belongings, and landscaping. Provide detailed documentation to support your claim.
- Mistake #4: Failing to Document Damage Property Before Discarding It – After a flood, it’s tempting to begin cleanup and restoration efforts quickly – and you should do what you can to mitigate further damage. However, discarding damaged property without documenting it first can hinder your ability to file a successful insurance claim. Before throwing out any damaged items or debris, take photographs and videos of everything. Having a detailed inventory of the damage will be invaluable when filing your claim.
- Mistake #5: Failing to Mitigate Further Damage – As just noted, insurance policies typically require policyholders to take reasonable steps to mitigate further damage after a covered loss. Failing to do so could result in a reduction of your claim payout or even denial of coverage. After documenting all damage with photos and videos, take appropriate measures to prevent additional damage from occurring, such as turning off the main water supply, removing excess water, and using fans and dehumidifiers to dry out the room.
Contact Us at Kandell, Kandell & Petrie for Help
Filing a water damage insurance claim in Louisiana requires careful attention to detail and adherence to the terms of your policy. Never hesitate to ask questions or seek help from experienced professionals. That’s why we’re here.
If you have questions about your water damage claim or believe your claim has been wrongly denied, contact our New Orleans team at KK&P Law Firm right away to discuss your options.
