How To Get Insurance To Pay For Water Damage?

Water damage insurance claims can be tricky – because not all types of damage are covered. That’s why it’s key to know exactly what you’re protected against before getting your insurance company to pay out.

Water damage insurance claims are some of the most common we see – but making claims when you see damage can be tricky.

Especially if you don’t know exactly what you’re covered for.

Before getting your insurance company to pay for water damage, it’s important to know that not all kinds of damage are actually covered.

So, while you’re purchasing your policy, be sure to ask your broker to explain your coverages.

Now that we’ve got that covered, how do you actually get your insurance to pay for water damage?

Below we’re breaking down the step-by-step process to making a water damage insurance claim.

And if KBD Insurance is your broker, get in touch.

The team will be happy to help.

Jump ahead to find what you need:

• How to get insurance to pay for water damage?
• What are the different kinds of water damage?
• Water damage insurance claim tips to know

How to get insurance to pay for water damage?

There are a few important steps to take when making a water damage insurance claim.

Below, we’re walking you through what to do – and how to get your insurance company to pay out for water damages.

In a rush? Watch this video to learn how to make an emergency insurance claim with KBD.

Here are the three steps to getting your insurance company to pay for water damages:

Step 1: Ensure that you’re covered for the type of damage you’ve experienced

This is the biggest factor when it comes to successfully getting your insurance company to pay out for water damages.

First and foremost, in order to be covered, the water damage must be sudden and accidental.

And generally speaking, any water damage coming from within the home is automatically covered.

However, if the water comes from outside the home, it’s not automatically covered, but can be added to your policy as an endorsement.

So, what are the different kinds of water damage coverage that you can add to your policy?

They include:

• Ground water damage
• Above ground water damage
• Sewer backup
• Overland water damage, aka: mass flooding

Not sure if you’re covered?

If you have your home, condo or renters insurance with KBD, give us a call and we’ll walk you through the process.

Get in touch.

Step 2: Call your insurance company and report the damage

After you report the damage, your insurance company will send a claims adjuster to assess the conditions, and they’ll take it from there.

BUT if you’re currently in an emergency, be sure to deal with the situation at hand first.

There’s no sense in letting your home continue to flood while you’re on the phone with your broker.

So, if possible, turn off or stop the water.

Pro Tip: It’s a good idea to learn how to turn off the water in your home before there’s an emergency.

Once you’ve dealt with any pressing issues, give your broker a call and report the water damage.

Step 3: Alert any third parties who have been affected

If flooding on your property has also affected your neighbours, make sure to notify them as well.

Limit the damages as much as possible, and get emergency repairs dealt with.

What are the different kinds of water damage?

Above, we explained that not all kinds of water damage will be covered under water & flooding insurance.

In order to be covered, the specific endorsement must be listed on your policy.

Here’s a breakdown of each kind of water damage and what it entails:

• Ground water damage: Damage caused by water entering your home through basement walls or floors.
• Above ground water damage: Water damage caused by leakage through the roof, doors, walls, or windows.
• Overland water damage: Aka: mass flooding caused by torrential rain, snowmelt, and/or flooding of lakes and rivers.

You can have these coverages tailored to your home’s needs, depending on its location, and the risk factors of the building.

Still have questions about your water damage insurance coverage?

Get in touch.

Water damage insurance claims tips to know

There are a few tried and true tips to remember when making an insurance claim.

By checking these off of your water damage insurance claim list, you’ll have a better chance of it being processed smoothly.

So, when it comes to making water damage insurance claims (and getting a successful pay out), make sure that you:

1. Understand the type of water damage that you’re covered for
2. File water damage insurance claims quickly
3. Record the damage (photos + documentation)
4. Inquire about additional living expenses coverage when purchasing your policy

Still have questions?

Get in touch.

Wrap-up

And that, folks, is how you get your insurance to pay out for water damage claims.

To recap, here’s what you should remember:

• Continuous water seepage is denied 100% of the time
• Be sure to understand exactly what your insurance covers
• Report & limit the water damage as soon as possible
• In order to get a pay out, the water damage must be sudden and accidental

So there you have it – water damage claims 101.

You can visit our guide to water damage insurance for property owners for a complete overview of what you should know.

Need someone to walk you through your policy, or want to switch your insurance to KBD?

Get in touch.