Water leaks can cause significant damage to your home if not repaired on time. Moreover, water can enter your property through leaking pipes, appliances, or an HVAC system.
Furthermore, according to the claims and life research, most of the affected areas by leakage are the kitchen and bathroom. However, it can further damage if not claimed. So, how to make a successful water leak insurance claim?
Most homeowners have a policy to replace a water leak but they can claim it through a certain process.
Else, your proposal will be rejected. In a report by the Association of British Insurers (ABI), one in four households claims drainage issues, and 80% of them are caused by bursts or leaking pipes. Furthermore, in this article, we will talk about how to get an insurance claim for a water leak.
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How to Make a Successful Water Leak Insurance Claim?
If you are confused about how to locate a water leak in your home then look out for these signs. Staining on your wall in yellow or brown colour, moisture on the area of leakage, and tearing of paint pieces from the wall. Before it gets worse try claiming it the day you see any sign of water leakage.
Make sure not to pass months on claiming because the older it gets the less chances are there for you to claim the insurance. Here is how to make a successful water leak insurance claim.
Mitigate the Damage
Try to stop or limit the damaged area from leaking. The very first thing is that if a pipe is burst then stop the water flow from the valve. After, that turn on your tap to check if there is any water remaining to drain the system thoroughly.
In case the situation is worse and water is still leaking out then close the valve from the main that will be probably located outside of your house. Make sure to turn off all your appliances. Or switch off the main supply if there is a hazard of shock or fire.
Gather Evidence for the Proof
Collecting images and videos is the most important part of ensuring the claim. You can take photos of the ceiling or a wall that is damaged. Moreover, any other thing that got damaged due to the leakage can be added to the claim.
In case of a pipe burst the plumber will give you a report which you can forward to the insurance company. If the leaking state gets worse day by day take pictures to show a before and after. That will make your case even stronger.
Call Your Insurance Company
After locating and gathering the evidence it’s now time to call the insurance firm that will insure your leak. There are two ways to claim the insurance either you call them or file a complaint online.
Make sure to attach the images if you are submitting an online form. If it’s on call then schedule a meeting so you can show them the affected area.
In some cases, it may be difficult for you to trace the water leakage then it’s better to call a tracing company. It will help you locate the exact area from where the leak is happening.
Call Tracing Company
If you think there is more than one place from where the leakage is happening then book a trace and access service. What they do is they use different methods to locate the damage that is causing a leak. Here are a few methods they utilize to trace a water leak.
- Thermal Imaging
- Tracer Gas Testing
- Acoustic Test
- Tracer Dyes
- Moisture Analysis
- Pressure Testing
It will help your claim to be stronger in front of the insurance company. Do not try to do anything on your own as it can worsen the case and your claim can be rejected.
Third-Party Claim
In case your insurance company looks at the report and finds it expensive they will send a third-party person also known as a loss adjuster. He will investigate and decide the cost of repairing and will investigate the point of the damaged area. Then the report will be submitted to the insurance firm which will give a final verdict on your case.
Quotation for the Repairing Work
The final stage is to get the quotation for the repair work from your insurance company. Moreover, if the claim is approved they will give you the money or pay it directly to the repairing person. In this claim, they cover things that were damaged like floor, decoration pieces, brickwork, and plastering.
How to Make a Successful Water Leak Insurance Claim & Avoid These Mistakes
- Any item damaged during the leakage should be kept safe as they can be claimed in the insurance. Make sure the report has all the items that were damaged before you submit it to the insurance company.
- During the claim insurance company and people related to the claim will create a lot of fuss you need to stay calm and focused to insure your claim.
- Do not repair the damage on your own as the insurance company is not responsible for anything else if happens in the future. Moreover, just control the damage for a time and call the insurance company to take care of it.
- Before accepting the vendors from the insurance company bring in another vendor and ask him for an estimate of the damage that has happened. It will help you to choose a good quality supplier and vendor for your work.
Conclusion
How to make a successful water leak insurance claim? First of all control the leakage if it has the chance to damage your property. Next, take pictures and videos to gather proof that can be placed in front of the insurance company.
Stay firm on your insurance claim and avoid unnecessary arguments. Make sure that before you take up the insured money get a vendor and ask him for an estimate of the damage.
FAQs
Can I claim compensation for a water leak?
Of course, you can claim water leak insurance. Make a phone call or place the claim online with evidence.
How do you maximize recovery on a water damaged claim?
Check the terms and conditions of your insurance company, gather proof of water leak to show it to the insurance company, and then submit the claim.
How can you tell where a water leak is coming from?
You will see a yellowish-brown stain on your wall or ceiling, moisture, and tearing of paint from the ceiling.
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