Burst Pipes and Water Damage: How to File a Claim

With all the storms that are common for Texas in the Spring, it is important to know what to do if your home were to sustain water damage. Even though your homeowner's insurance doesn't cover flood damage, it will cover water damage caused by such things as burst pipes and faulty appliances. In any type of water damage claim, however, your insurance company will want to make sure that the damage wasn’t caused by your own negligence.

When Water Damage Is Covered

Even though we are past the time of year of freezing pipes, it is important to remember for the cold months that most types of homeowner's insurance will cover you if your pipes burst due to freezing weather conditions. The exception, however, is if you’ve been away during the cold spell and left your home unheated. In this case, some insurance companies won’t honor the claim because you didn’t take steps to ensure that your home was protected. Be sure to remember this information for the cold weather months.

You’re also covered if a major appliance, such as a washing machine, backs up and leaks. Be aware, however, that insurance companies will want to be satisfied that you’ve been maintaining and operating the machine properly.

Likewise, you should also be covered if, during heavy rains, water leaks through and damages your roof and your furniture.  You are not covered, however, in cases of weather-related flood conditions, or in cases of sewer flooding or underground water seepage.

Filing a Claim

Here are a few tips for filing a water damage claim:

• Contact your insurance company immediately, because some companies have a time limit for filing a claim.

• Take photos or make a video to document the damage. If you already have photos or videos of your items before the damage, keep these on hand to show your adjustor so that an accurate valuation can be made. Likewise, if you have any receipts for these items, make sure you show them to your adjustor.

• If a vital part of the house, such as a roof, was damaged, then after you’ve photographed it you can cover it with a tarp, but don’t make any repairs until you talk to your insurance company.

• Don’t throw out any of your water-damaged items; instead, save them so that you can show them to your insurance adjustor.

• If you need to stay somewhere else while your home is being repaired, make sure to keep receipts of every expense that you incur.

• In cases of water damage, an insurance adjustor will usually visit your home and make an assessment. Be available when the adjustor comes, and point out all areas and items that have been damaged.

• When you call your insurance company, take the names of everyone you speak to, and refer to these staffers when you call again because they’ll have taken valuable notes that may help expedite your claim.

• Stand up for your rights. If you disagree with your adjustor’s valuation and assessment, then tell the company and explain the basis for your disagreement.