Why Would Insurance Deny a Water Damage Claim?
From burst pipes to natural disasters, water can damage your home in plenty of headache-inducing ways. If you’re dealing with water damage in your home and find that your insurance denies your claim, you may be left wondering why.
The public adjusters at Americlaims draw on years of experience to handle water damage claims on behalf of our clients. We aim to pass that knowledge on to you with this quick guide.
Flood Insurance Is a Separate Policy
Did you know that most homeowner’s insurance policies don’t cover flood damage? Homeowners, especially those in flood-prone areas like coastal towns, are responsible for purchasing flood insurance separately. If the water damage in your home was due to a flood and you don’t have the appropriate policy, your insurance company may deny your claim.
Many Policies Don’t Cover Gradual Damage
Did the water damage in your home occur over a period of more than 14 days? Many homeowner’s insurance policies cover water damage from sudden events, like burst pipes or busted appliances. But if a slow plumbing leak gradually soaked your home, you may encounter problems with your claim.
If you are frustrated over a claim denial, talk to a water damage insurance adjuster about potential next steps. Because public adjusters work for you and not your insurance company, they’re dedicated to securing a fair and adequate payout for the damage your home experienced.
Sewer Backup Damage Often Isn’t Covered
Water damage to your home is unpleasant, and it can be even more so if the source of that water is your sump pump or septic system. Sewage water contains contaminants and bacteria that can prove hazardous to your household’s health.
Unfortunately, many homeowner’s insurance policies don’t cover this type of damage. If you’re worried about an overflowing sump pump damaging your home, ask your insurance company if they offer a separate policy covering septic damage. If the damage is already done, consult with a public adjuster about the options available to you.
If your insurance company denied your water damage claim, you are likely upset and wondering why. In many cases, the answer lies in the source and type of water damage. Don’t despair if your claim is initially rejected—get in touch with the adjusters at Americlaims to seek a better settlement.
