If your residential property sustained significant water damage covered by your policy, you should file a home insurance claim. Start by identifying the cause of the water damage and understanding your policy’s limitations. Water damage claims are typically covered if they are sudden. Claims related to neglect or unaddressed leaks may not.
You do not have to file a home insurance claim for water damage alone. A Florida homeowner insurance lawyer can fight for the compensation you need and deserve. Consider getting a free water damage consultation from a law firm in your area. They can clarify your rights as a Florida homeowner and the insurance company’s responsibility.
Document the Cause of Your Water Damage and Compare it to Your Policy
Water damage claims in Florida are complicated since they can have so many different causes. Standard homeowners insurance policies generally cover water damage from the following events:
- Firefighter equipment used to extinguish a residential fire
- Water damage caused by a rainstorm or natural disaster
- Sudden leaks due to burst pipes or broken appliances
- Roof leaks caused by storms or holes and other roof damage
Mold damage can also result from stagnant water. This list is not exhaustive, so the best way to understand if your water damage is covered is to let a local homeowners insurance attorney examine your policy in detail.
Certain Circumstances Could Mean You Should Not File a Water Damage Claim
A standard homeowners policy will not cover some types of water damage. In most cases, water damage caused by a flood will require you to file a claim through a separate flood insurance policy. In essence:
- Flood damage starts on the outside of the structure (due to heavy rain or an overflowing body of water)
- Water damage typically (but not always) starts inside the structure
Water damage that originates inside the home may not always be covered, either. This can happen if damage results from a gradual water leak that did not receive proper attention.
A Lawyer Can Help You Fight Back if the Insurance Adjuster Denied Your Water Damage Claim
Insurance companies deny water damage claims for various reasons, such as:
- Confusing or misleading policy language
- Homeowner neglect or improper maintenance
- Damage caused by slow leaks
- Lack of evidence during the claims process
- Improper documentation of water damage
- Unwarranted delay in filing your claim
- Acts of bad faith, per Florida Statute 624.155
If you believe the insurer unfairly denied your water damage claim, you do not have to handle the appeals process without legal support. A Florida property damage lawyer can file an appeal according to your policy’s guidelines and take your case to court, if necessary, to get the financial compensation you need and deserve.
How to File a Comprehensive Home Insurance Claim for Accidental Water Damage
The first step of filing a claim is reporting the damage to your insurance company. Examine your policy in detail to ensure it covers the incident that led to the water damage. The next steps in the claim process include the following:
- Collecting evidence about the damaging event
- Filing claim forms and Proof of Loss documents
- Accompanying the claims adjuster to a damage inspection
- Negotiating with the insurer for a favorable settlement
You do not have to accept “no” as a final answer. If your insurance carrier denied your original claim, a Florida water damage attorney can help you file a well-documented appeal. They can also file a lawsuit on your behalf if they cannot reach a fair settlement agreement.
How to Document Water Damage When Filing a Home Insurance Claim
The home insurance claims process requires a plethora of evidence to prove the cause and severity of your reported property damage. A comprehensive (and persuasive) evidence collection should include:
- Photos that depict discolored walls, ceilings, and floors
- Photos of all damage to real and personal property
- Evidence of otherwise unexplained mold growth
- Professionally obtained moisture readings
- Official reports (fire, weather, etc.)
Collect all the evidence the claim process requires and compile it into a case file. If you have a water damage lawyer, they will handle this for you.
A Home Insurance Claim Lawyer Can Fight for Water Damage Coverage
Just because you purchased homeowners’ insurance does not mean it will be easy to get compensation when you need it. If a lawyer represents you, they can handle all the details—big and small—of your water damage claim. Your attorney will:
- Examine your insurance policy
- Identify other policies that could apply
- Collect and organize supporting evidence
- Negotiate fora favorable monetary settlement
- Check your claim application for administrative errors
Your lawyer can also meet the notification and filing deadlines per your policy and state law (Florida Statutes § 627.7142). They will also provide ongoing and informative updates as your claim progresses.
Pay Nothing Upfront to Get Legal Support for Your Water Damage Claim
You should be able to have legal guidance in the aftermath of an event that damages your property. Most home insurance claims attorneys will accept your case on a contingency fee basis. This client-friendly fee structure means:
- You pay nothing out of your pocket to hire a lawyer.
- The law firm covers all the costs of preparing your claim.
- You only compensate them if they get compensation for you.
- You will owe no fees if you do not get a settlement.
Rather than hourly fees or retainers, the law firm receives a percentage of your settlement or verdict.
Get a No-Cost, No-Obligation Review of Your Water Damage Claim
If your home sustained extensive water damage, our law firm can help you file a claim for compensation. We also support Florida homeowners who need to appeal a denied claim.
Learn more about the claim filing process and when you should file a home insurance claim for water damage during a free consultation. Contact our claim evaluation team at GED Lawyers to get started today.
