Recent Results:

State: Florida Public Insurance Adjuster
County: Indian River County Public Insurance Adjuster
City: Orcid Public Insurance Adjuster
Orcid 32963 – Neighborhood: Indies Drive
Claim Type:  Wind/Water – Roof Leak
Insurance Company Original Offer: $18,000
Alpha Public Insurance Adjusters Settlement: $100,000 ( New Roof +)
Percentage Increase: +450%

State: Florida Public Insurance Adjuster
County: Indian River County Public Insurance Adjuster
City: Orcid Public Insurance Adjuster
Orcid 32963 – Neighborhood: Beachside Drive / Oceanfront
Claim Type:  HVH  (High Value Home)  Wind/Water – Roof Leak
Insurance Company Original Offer: $0.00 – Under Deductible
Alpha Public Insurance Adjusters Settlement: $299,000 ( New Roof +)
Percentage Increase: +299,000%

Common Causes of Residential Water Damage and How to Prevent Them

Can you guess what one of the most common and costly forms of residential damage is? If you guessed water, then you’re correct. Water damage occurs second only to wind and hail, depending on where you reside. However, our team sees a lot of customers call in about their water damage insurance claims in Orchid, FL, and statewide. We’ll share the most common causes of this damage and how to prevent it.

Does Homeowner’s Insurance Cover Water Damage?

Before we get into the causes, let’s talk about an important issue: what your policy does and doesn’t cover. Most standard homeowner’s insurance policies cover water damage. However, the cause must be sudden and accidental, and it must be inside your home. What exactly does that look like? This damage will often come from busted pipes and ruptured water heaters.

So, what happens if the damage comes from outside of your home, like flooding due to bad weather? The standard homeowner’s insurance will not cover this. In most cases, policyholders must add on flood insurance with a separate policy. 

Exterior damages are not the only types of damage your insurance won’t cover. Other types of water damage include: 

Preventable maintenance problems: A good example is a faucet leak when the sink has been dripping for several months. Your insurer will see this as a type of damage that could have been prevented and will not help to cover the cost. 

Replacements & repairs: Don’t expect the insurance company to replace the cause of the water damage, in most cases. For example, if your faulty dishwasher needs to be repaired or replaced, this will be an out-of-pocket expense. However, the damage that the dishwasher caused (if sudden and accidental) should be covered by the insurer. 

What Coverage Do You Need? 

Two forms of coverage are applied, depending on the type of damage your home has sustained. In your homeowner’s insurance policy, you will come across:

Dwelling coverage: covers the cost of structural damage to your property if sustained by a covered risk, such as unexpected pipe bursts destroying walls and floors. 

Personal property coverage: this will cover damage to your personal belongings, such as your furniture, laptop, and other personal items. Again, the damage must be caused by a risk that is already covered in your policy. In this case, your insurer may partially cover the replacement or repairs of the damaged property. 

Prepare to Pay a Deductible 

It’s important to note that no matter what coverage you have, you will likely pay a deductible. Your homeowner’s insurance protects you against paying a significant deductible. Limits may also apply, so read and re-read your insurance policy and make sure to ask questions when something does not make sense. If you find it difficult working with the insurer or insurance adjuster, reach out to Alpha Public Insurance Adjusters. Our team will help explain your policy, file your claim, work with the insurance adjusters and contractors, and negotiate with the insurer for a higher settlement, if necessary. 

How to Prevent Water Damage? 

It’s nice to know your policy will cover your damage. What’s even better is not having to deal with damage and insurance companies/adjusters, to begin with. This starts with preventative measures. This starts with inspecting your home and making replacements, when necessary, even if it’s seemingly minor, such as replacing the hose of a washing machine or dishwasher. Hire a professional to inspect water supply lines and drain your water heater at least twice a year. 

There are savvy purchases you can make in the form of smart home appliances. For example, you can purchase sensors that detect water leaks before they get out of control. 

Here are the common causes of residential water damage:

• Dirty gutters: clean your gutters and downspouts to prevent blockage, as overflow can result in structural damage to your property.
• Landscape: trees and shrubs that are close to your pipes have roots that can damage them. Keep greenery at a safe distance from your home and pipes. 
• Appliance leaks: proper maintenance of your appliances can go a long way. Routinely inspect your appliances for leaks or corruption and maintain them according to the manufacturer’s directions.
  

Contact Alpha Public Insurance Adjusters

Water damage insurance claims in Orchid, FL are common for a reason: there are multiple sources of damage and even if you apply best practices, the unexpected can still occur. If this has happened to you, contact our public adjusters today. Call (888) 442-5742 for a free consultation.