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[W84]Water Damage Insurance Claims
by Wendi Watson, Wen
Water damage is quite annoying and equally disturbing is the process to claim insurance. Actually the insurance reimbursement claim for water damage is delicate and complicated. You need to know the in and out of all the policies and thoroughly understand what is covered in the policy and under what conditions. You need to educate yourselves on what exactly the insurance policy is all about to avoid any trouble later.

No doubt, the insurance takes care of the water damage but not everything comes under this section. You can claim insurance amount for water damage caused by overflowing sink, bath tubs, broken pipe, leaking roof and water seeping from faulty washing machine and other appliances. As a matter of fact even these factors are subjected to certain conditions and based on the nature exact reason for water inflow only, you ca raise a claim.

For instance, if the pipe bursts overnight because of freezing weather and it creates havoc, the insurance company can be approached. However, if the mistake is on your part as in not maintaining the property and shirking the responsibility of looking after the functionality of the pipe, then you are not eligible for the claim. If you are on a vacation and failed to turn off the tap and do necessary safety precautions before leaving the house, the insurance company will not come to your help by any means.

Strangely, the insurance company is liable to pay only for the damage caused by overflowing water from the washing machine and does not take any initiative in refunding the amount for repairing the machine. Similarly, if the roof of the house is damaged by any sudden and unforeseen situations like falling of tree, heavy wind and rain and hailstones, you can claim the insurance but not for circumstances where in the roof broke because of lack of maintenance.

To avail the insurance amount in case of water damage caused by floods and overflowing river, you must have already insured the house under National Flood Insurance Program. Its not just overflowing river but also the water seepage and sewer backups do not come under insurance program. In order to be on safer side it is suggested that all the houses and buildings that do not even come under flood zones also are insured under federal National Flood policy to be eligible for claiming compensation in case of any flash flood and tidal surges.

It must be noted that water seepage in the basement is not regarded as fit for claiming insurance as this is strictly viewed as maintenance flaw and not an accident. The sole responsibility lies on the house owner to take necessary precautionary measures like sealing the wall with water resistant materials and fitting pumps to remove the excess water.

There is lot more to know about the details of insurance claim on water damage and the intricate details of each and every option should be adequately understood before filing a claim. It is better to seek the guidance of a professional agent to take correct measures in the beginning without being trapped by the various loopholes in the policies.

Clearly, water damage related insurance claims are complex. Professional water damage restoration experts in both mopping up the mess as well as navigating the complexities of what's usually covered and what's not.

Water is essential to life and covers over 70% of the planet. However, it also causes about 70% of all insurance claims. From hurricanes, winter storms, and flood events to broken pipes and plumbing overflows, these water related issues place a huge burden on homeowners, property owners, and the insurance industry.

Water Damage Denials:

Water related issues are common, not all are covered. For example, typical homeowner's insurance policies do not cover natural flooding such as storm surges or rivers overflowing their banks. Instead, you must purchase flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program if you want this type of coverage.

In addition, water damage during storms may or may not be covered depending on how it occurred. For example, if you have a standard insurance policy and the water damage occurred because hurricane force winds ripped off your roof, than your insurance will likely cover the damage. However, if it's determined that the water damage occurred due to the storm surge, it may be declined.

In addition, water damage due to poor maintenance of your home isn't covered. If you let your roof deteriorate and don't fix it, then you can't expect the insurance company to pay for repairs when it leaks.

Water Related Insurance Losses & Natural Disasters:

Flooding cause widespread devastation and capture their fair share of the headlines. After all, it's hard to ignore damages amounting to over $40 billion (Hurricane Katrina 2005). But, let's not overlook the everyday occurrences of water related insurance claims which amount to significant amounts of property loss each year.

The Insurance Information Institute:

Reports that water damage and freezing claims occur about 1.5 times for each 100 homeowner's policies per year, with an average severity of over $5000. This figure is three times higher than theft or fire claims.

Preventing or Minimizing Water Damage Claims:

Preventing hurricanes and river overflows is impossible, you can prevent many other types of water claims. The first step is to keep your home well maintained. Regularly inspect your roof and basement and other areas where water can enter the home. Prompt repairs can extend the life of the roof while preventing further damage. In addition, keep your rain gutters clear of debris.

The next step is to invest in the tools that make a difference. If you live in an area with freezing temperatures, insulate your water pipes to prevent freezing and subsequent water pipe bursts. Buy a strap for your water heater so it won't topple over during an earthquake. Buy a sump pump for your basement. Hire a back hoe service to re-grade your lot if it's sloped in such a manner where water collects against your house.

Teach your family members how to turn off individual and main water shut-off valves. If a plumbing mishap occurs, prompt action by family members is necessary to minimize the damage.

Water is everywhere: it flows through our rivers and through the pipes in our homes. However, a single weather event or weakened plumbing joint can send the waters flowing where they don't belong, causing water damage, devastation, an insurance claim, and a major mess.

By: Mr. Mark Decherd
Article Source : Pg. 35

About Author
Both Wendi Watson & Mark Decherd are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Wendi Watson has sinced written about articles on various topics from SEO Search Engine Optimization, Home and Sewage. Wendi Watson is a homeowner advocate on water damage for and. Wendi Watson's top article generates over 74000 views. to your Favourites.

Mark Decherd has sinced written about articles on various topics from Family, Health and Aquarium Fish. Dryout? Inc. 1415 Colonial Blvd. Fort Myers, Fl. 33907 Mr. Mark Decherd
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