Whenever water is involved, the insurance claims process can become murky in a hurry. While standard homeowners insurance policies should cover some types of water damage, they don’t cover all, and the list of exclusions – or at a minimum, grey areas open for interpretation – seems unending.
Homeowners attempting to file a plumbing damage claim have a lot at stake with a lot that can go wrong. Don’t give your insurance company a chance to deny or underpay your claim. Keep these dos and don’ts top of mind so you can get the relief you deserve if you experience plumbing damage.
Do’s of Filing a Water Damage Claim
Water damage is one of the most common reasons homeowners file insurance claims, yet it’s also one of the most misunderstood areas of coverage. As you prepare to file a water or plumbing damage claim, pay attention to these areas:
- Do document damage immediately – As soon as you notice water damage, start taking photos and videos of the affected areas.
- Do maintain all records – Hold on to everything related to the incident, including any plumbing repairs, contractor inspections and communication with your insurance company. Also, keep copies of receipts for repair costs, estimates and water bills that may show increased water usage. This documentation will support your claim and demonstrate that the damage was both unexpected and properly addressed.
- Do report damage promptly – Contact your insurance company as soon as you notice the plumbing issue. Timely reporting is important for several reasons, but with water damage, it’s especially critical because one of the most common exclusions in homeowner’s insurance policies is language that disavows coverage for long-term, constant or repeated leakage or seepage of water. If you wait too long to report a plumbing issue, the insurer may argue that the damage was caused by a long-term leak rather than sudden and accidental water damage. By reporting the problem as soon as you notice it, you help establish that the damage was indeed sudden and accidental, which will help increase your chances of having the claim approved.
Don’ts of Filing a Water Damage Claim
Now that you know what to do, here’s what not to do.
- Don’t delay in addressing the problem – Once you have the damage documented, it’s time to triage the situation. Failing to act promptly can result in further damage, which may not be covered by your insurance policy. If the insurance company believes you neglected the issue or allowed it to worsen, they may deny your claim. Always take immediate steps to minimize the damage, such as shutting off the water supply and arranging for emergency repairs.
- Don’t say “flood” if you mean something else like a pipe leak – Flood damage is generally not covered by standard homeowner’s insurance policies, and the word “flood” can get homeowners into trouble without them realizing it because there are often two different things people call “flood.” The actual definition of flood as covered by National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policies through FEMA and federal law is “an amount of water outdoors on the ground that damages the house.” This type of flood is typically excluded from homeowner’s insurance policies.
A second way homeowners, contractors, and the general public often use the term “flood” is when they are referring to a lot of water in their house from a roof leak or plumbing leak. This type of water damage is covered by property insurance, and should not be referred to as a “flood” when speaking with your insurance company. They may respond by saying, “Oh you said you had a flood, and flood isn’t covered!”
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help – Filing an insurance claim in Colorado should be a straightforward process. Unfortunately, it’s not. Insurance companies look for all kinds of reasons to deny or underpay plumbing damage claims. Don’t fight the battle alone. Partner with a professional who can advocate on your behalf and ensure you’re not shortchanged in the claims process.
Contact Us at Kandell, Kandell & Petrie Law for Help
At Kandell, Kandell & Petrie, we specialize in assisting Colorado homeowners with their insurance claim questions and disputes. If you run into a roadblock with your plumbing damage claim, contact us today to speak to one of our Denver claims advisors to discuss your questions and concerns.
