Blog
Think about this – you have insurance for your property and a storm occurs. You pull out your policy and realize it’s not covered. What happened? Checking your policy to make sure water damage is covered is vital. You want to make sure the clause that has “water damage” is clear and concise to determine whether you are covered. Understanding Denver insurance laws with the help of a property attorney will help.
What types of water damage are covered?
A standard homeowner’s policy may cover simple water damage like a small leak from a pipe, but that’s not always the case. If you have a flood that results from rain or a faulty irrigation system, you may not be covered, but there may be an endorsement you can add to your policy. Now, if there is a significant flood loss, a flood insurance policy is recommended. This can be purchased through the National Flood Insurance Program.
Flood insurance protects the building and its contents. Your policy may or may not cover both. It’s important to know the differences in both.
Building
- The building and foundation
- HVAC
- Carpeting
- Electrical and plumbing
- Refrigerators, stoves, built-in appliances
Contents
- Washers and dryers for clothing
- Electronics, furniture, clothing
- Portable air conditioners
- Additional carpeting
- Portable microwaves
Recommendations for water damage coverage
Flood insurance is available to property owners, as well as renters that cover the building, personal property, and the risk associated with the area. Certain areas in Denver are considered high flood-risk sections, which have been identified by FEMA. If your property is in one of those zones, it’s important to obtain flood insurance even if you aren’t required to carry homeowner’s insurance. For properties that are backed by a mortgage and must carry insurance, flood insurance is also required. For areas that are in the optional zone, a flood insurance policy is smart, especially with so many disasters occurring.
What happens when you have water damage?
If you have insurance and water damage occurs, take these steps:
- Contact the insurance company
The insurance company should be notified as soon as you have secured your safety. Take photos to show what occurred immediately after, and how it looks hours after, or when you filed the claim. Having a detailed record of the changes that occur from water damage provides an accurate depiction. Keeping a detailed record of every interaction is also important when speaking to the insurance company or any adjusters. If you feel that you are being mistreated in any communication with the insurance company, it’s time to document the conversation and contact an insurance attorney immediately. - Documentation
Although photographs are good, if you can take video of any standing water and the different water levels, you’ll be in a much better place. If your water damage is due to leaky appliances or pipes, having a record of when it was serviced, or the age of the pipes works to your advantage. If you must start drying areas to make your space functional, make sure you document it. A plumber will also assess the area and take photos to support your claim. - Inspections
You may have a series of inspections before your claim is finalized. An adjuster will come to inspect the property, but it may be in your best interest to hire a public adjuster for a second, unbiased opinion. The adjuster may ask a series of questions to help them determine what they need. In many cases, the adjuster uses an infrared camera to see additional leaks or damage that may not be seen by the naked eye. The goal is to ensure your property does not have any mold growing, additional damage, or blockages that may crop up after repairs have taken place. - Claims
Your claim should be filed as soon as you can after you have all your documentation together. Water damage is serious. The last thing you want is to have your claim denied because you didn’t pay attention to an underlying problem which resulted in a larger problem that required filing a claim. Make sure you have every record and every form filled out to avoid back-and-forth with the insurance company. This could also result in delays or them denying your claim.
There is a difference between flood damage and water damage. If you find yourself in a situation where your claim is being denied, consulting with a flood insurance lawyer who understands the intricacies of the laws can make a difference. Again, a home insurance claim may not cover water damage if you do not have an endorsement attached to the policy. In all cases, flood insurance is recommended whether you feel you may need it or not.
Floods don’t always occur in flood zones
You never know when a flood may occur. It happens, even in areas that are not designated as a flood zone. The key is not taking the chance of compromising your property in an unforeseen weather event that changes the landscape for everyone. An insurance claim lawyer can walk you through the claims process, doing their due diligence and working with an adjuster who can provide the necessary information to get your claim handled with the best estimates.
Your rights matter
You have the right to get fair quotes from insurance companies for water damage endorsements to a homeowner’s policy. Additionally, you have the right to obtain flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program whether you are paying a mortgage or owning the property outright. This is a program backed by the federal government. You may also obtain flood insurance through private insurance. An insurance attorney can represent you when filing a claim to make sure your rights are protected.
The process may take time, but with the sound advice of an attorney, you’ll be headed in the right direction. Water damage is a very serious matter and has many repercussions that you may not even realize. Don’t put yourself in a situation where you are in a complicated space.
If you need assistance with water damage and Denver insurance laws, call The Morgan Law Group today!
