Let Professional Public Adjusters Help You With Your Water Damage Claim

If water damage strikes your home or business, there are a few things you can do right away to limit the damage while you get your claim underway. Shut off the source of the leak as soon as it’s safe to do so, and if you’re dealing with a slab leak, know that it’s typically covered by your policy. Call us now at 404-445-5671 for help figuring out your next steps.

What to Do Right After the Damage

Extract standing water and begin drying the affected area as quickly as possible to prevent additional damage. If you can’t remove the water and dry the area yourself, consider calling a water damage restoration company. Keep every receipt from cleanup and repairs and provide them to your insurance company. Move damp belongings to a dry, well-ventilated space, and pull up wet carpeting and flooring as soon as you reasonably can. If you move items outside, place them somewhere secure. Your insurer may reimburse these costs, but call us first so we can help you document everything correctly and pursue the full compensation you’re owed.

Tips to Keep Your Claim Moving

Review your policy so you understand exactly what it covers, and ask your agent to clarify anything you’re unsure about. Have your policy details ready when you call your insurer, along with a clear account of the extent of the damage. Photograph or video the affected area and any damaged property before you make repairs. Don’t discard damaged items and don’t make permanent repairs until your insurance adjuster has seen the damage — reasonable temporary repairs to prevent further harm are fine, but hold off on anything major until your insurer signs off.

Keep a written log of everyone you speak with at the insurance company, including the date, time, and what was discussed, and hold onto copies of any letters or documents exchanged. Follow up regularly to confirm the status of your claim.

The Water Damage Claims Process

After you file your claim, you should hear from an insurance adjuster within a day or two, including who will be handling your case and what happens next. The adjuster’s team is required to begin investigating within 15 days of your notice of loss, and may ask you for additional information. Once you’ve provided it, the insurer has 15 business days to accept or deny your claim. If it’s accepted, payment must follow within five business days. If it’s denied, the insurer must explain its reasoning in writing.

As part of this process, the insurance company will send someone to assess the damage in person, and we’ll be there to represent your interests during that assessment. Be available when the adjuster visits so you can walk through the damage and answer questions directly. The insurer will then tell you in writing whether your policy covers the damage and make an opening offer — keep in mind that offer can change as the full scope of the damage becomes clear. The insurer may suggest contractors, but you’re never required to use anyone from their list.

About Public Adjusters

Insurance company adjusters work for the insurer, not for you. Public adjusters like our team at Public Adjusters Atlanta work exclusively for you, the policyholder, on a contingency basis — meaning our fee comes out of the settlement we help you secure, not out of pocket. Our job is to make sure your claim is documented and negotiated as strongly as possible.

Settling Your Claim

Once your insurer agrees to pay, it has five business days to send a check. If five business days pass without payment, call us at 404-445-5671 and we’ll help push the process along. Most insurers pay in two installments: the first covers the estimated cost of repairs minus your deductible, and the second — the final balance — arrives after you submit proof the repairs are complete. Review your policy or ask us if you’re unsure of your deductible or your repair timeline.

Replacement Cost vs. Actual Cash Value

Replacement cost is what it would take to rebuild or repair your home to its prior condition, minus your deductible — this figure varies by location and doesn’t include the value of your land. Actual cash value is similar, but accounts for depreciation from the age and wear of the damaged property. Your insurer will pay any remaining difference once repairs are complete, if your policy includes replacement cost coverage.

What to Expect

Your insurer will typically pay to restore your property with materials of like kind and quality to what was damaged. For example, if your flooring is damaged, they’ll cover the cost of comparable replacement flooring — if you choose to upgrade materials or change the type of flooring, you’ll be responsible for the additional cost.

If your property has suffered water damage, don’t wait — call Public Adjusters Atlanta for a fast, professional claims adjusting process.

Contact Public Adjusters Atlanta Now! – 404-445-5671