Home insurance policies can certainly be very confusing when it comes to what types of water damage is covered under their policies. Countless claims for mold damage are denied without cause by many home insurance providers every year. With no clarification or communication from agents, homeowners can fall victim of not understanding what their home insurance is liable for. Luckily, our restoration team at Restoration Now! has helped homes all over the Omaha Metro area recover claims caused by water damage.
See below for common areas our water restoration team have been presented with.
What is covered regarding water damage in an average insurance policy
First, it is important to know that most forms of flood damages will not be covered under homeowner policies. There are several gray areas that an insurance policy will cover regarding certain types of water damage. Homeowner policies will generally cover damages caused by rain entering through a broken window or a hole in your roof. In some cases it will also cover ‘acts of God’ caused by gusting or straight storm winds.
Conversely, if water damage occurs over an extended period of time due to leaking pipes and such, that in most cases will not be covered. The determining factor is how the damage occurred. It is safe to say if damage occurred over an extended period of time and you did not take the proper action to maintain and/or repair your home, those damages are not covered. It’s paramount that you read and understand what your homeowner’s policy covers and what it does not cover prior to any future water damages.
Water damage needs to be addressed immediately
You absolutely need to take steps to remedy water damage immediately, regardless of how that damage occurred. Remember, ignoring the warning of water damage is not the solution for both your pocketbook or your health. At Restoration Now! we are amazed at how some homeowners will choose to ignore the water problem until a roof falls through.
It is safe to say the damage won’t fix itself, and could develop into something much more serious such as mold. Exposure to ensuing mold is very dangerous to a person’s health and can, at its most extreme, become life-threatening.. At the first signs of a leak, it’s important to discover and Restoration Now! the water source by contacting our water restoration team before the water begins to collect and lead to mold growth.
What are the adverse effects of mold?
Exposure to mold can bring on a myriad of health issues, ranging from coughs, sinus congestion, runny noses, and nosebleeds to even more dangerous upper respiratory issues like bronchitis and asthma. There’s been a lot of movement in the insurance industry to restrict claims for mold damage, so check with your provider to verify what is and is not covered under your policy. Of course, it is of the utmost essence to report any water damage to your insurance agent as soon as possible.
What to do if a storm causes water damage
Should your home be hit by a storm causing water damage, it’s important to contact a water restoration team so they can safely dry all wet areas, and circulate some air to assist in the drying process. If your restoration team is on their way during the emergency try to cover any exposed areas with a tarp to minimize further damage.
To minimize the possibility of mold growing in the aftermath of water damage, our water restoration team will dry and dehumidify any wet areas. While our water restoration is on-site we will help you communicate with your insurance agent regarding a water damage claim on your homeowner’s policy.
What to do if the water damage happened gradually
More often than not, if you find water damage that appears to have been occurring over an extended period of time, mold may have already developed, meaning any claims for damage would probably be denied. However, don’t enlarge this problem by attempting to clean any mold yourself, as mold spores can spread, causing even greater damage and health issues. When dealing with mold, our Restoration Now! recommends leaving the decontamination process to us.
Who should you call?
If you experience water damage, contact our Restoration Now! at 402-502-7277. Our water restore team strive to put your home to a place that is safe and comfortable for you and your family. Feel free to use our quick contact form if you have questions regarding our water restoration services. We’re here to help!