Why Should You Call a Public Adjuster First for Water Damage Insurance Claims?

When disaster strikes your property, knowing your next steps is crucial. Gwynne Beatty , an expert public adjuster, unveils essential tactics for navigating the claims process effectively. In this article, she guides you on what to say (and what not to say) to your insurer, decodes different damage types like floods, leaks, and storm impacts, and illustrates why a public adjuster is invaluable. Think your insurance premium will increase with a claim? Gwynne debunks common misconceptions, revealing how to secure comprehensive roof replacements and transform inadequate offers into equitable settlements.

If you own property or you are a property manager, this post is an essential first step to empower yourself before reaching out to your insurance.

Introduction

Welcome to an insightful exploration of property insurance claims, brought to you by WeDry USA Restoration Company . This post is based on expert insights from Gwynne Beatty , a seasoned public adjuster based in Fort Lauderdale. With years of experience in insurance claims, Gwynne specializes in the restoration industry, understanding the complexities and pitfalls of property damage claims.

Understanding Your Coverage

Homeowners and property managers may not realize that standard insurance policies often exclude specific types of damage. For example, policies might cover water damage, but they exclude the actual pipes that cause leaks. When claims for "pipe leaks" are filed, insurers may dismiss them by stating "pipes aren't covered," quickly closing the case without addressing subsequent damages.

Understanding Water Damage Types

When discussing water damage, it's important to understand the three main types that affect homes:

1. Rising Waters: This occurs during heavy rains where water accumulates and enters homes from the ground level. This is called “flood damage” and you have to file a claim with a flood policy. 
2. Wind-Driven Rain: This involves rainwater entering from openings created or exacerbated by the storm, such as lifted shingles or broken seals around windows and doors. Rain by itself isn't covered unless accompanied by wind.
3. Internal Water Damage: Commonly results from issues like pipe leaks, appliance malfunctions, drain backups and similar incidents inside the home. It’s crucial to know that while the resultant damage may be covered, the actual failing item (like the pipe itself) often is not.

The Critical Role of a Public Adjuster

Public adjusters serve the policyholder, not the insurance company. Unlike insurance adjusters and independent adjusters, who are employed by insurance companies and often incentivized to minimize payouts, public adjusters advocate for the client. Their expertise can dramatically alter claim outcomes; one client's compensation escalated from $19,000 to $375,000 with the professional intervention of Gwynne.

Why Not to Go It Alone

Navigating insurance claims independently can be detrimental. The process is intentionally confusing, and a single misstep in terminology can lead to a claim denial. Differentiating types of water damage—like "rising waters" versus "wind-driven rain"—require precise language that public adjusters are proficient in handling.

The Process of Filing a Claim

It's advised to consult a public adjuster before contacting your insurance to file a claim. Every inquiry made is recorded and could potentially impact future dealings with insurers. Public adjusters conduct thorough assessments to ensure all possible compensations are explored, including structural and hidden damages.

Maximizing Your Claim

Professional public adjusters have successfully turned minimal apparent damage into significant settlements. For example, what seemed to be minor leakage under a toilet led to substantial payouts once further damages were professionally identified and documented, which the initial insurance assessments typically overlook.

Applying the Matching Principle in Restoration

A vital aspect of the claims process is the "matching principle," which plays a crucial role in ensuring the aesthetic and functional integrity of your home post-restoration. For example, if water damage affects only a part of your kitchen cabinets or flooring, insurers might initially cover only the directly damaged section. However, mismatched cabinets or flooring can negatively impact your home's overall aesthetics and value. A knowledgeable public adjuster can advocate for a complete replacement of all cabinets or flooring to maintain uniformity, often leading to a full kitchen renovation if necessary. This principle ensures that repairs restore the property to its pre-loss condition without compromising on quality or appearance.

Working with Water Damage Restoration Companies

Choosing the right water damage restoration company is crucial. These companies play an essential role in the immediate aftermath of damage, performing tasks such as:

• Emergency Measures: Installing roof tarps and initiating the water extraction and dry-out process. The longer water sits the more damage it causes.

• Moisture Assessment: Using specialized tools like moisture meters and infrared cameras to “see through walls,” assessing and documenting the extent of water penetration.

• Mold Remediation: Addressing any resultant mold growth, which includes testing before and after the cleanup to ensure the area is mold-free.

The best restoration companies offer direct billing to insurance, which simplifies the financial process for homeowners. When selecting a company, it’s important to understand their process, confirm they do not place liens on the property, and ensure they provide comprehensive services that align with insurance claims.

Insurance companies capitalize on policyholders' lack of knowledge to minimize payouts. By understanding your policy, knowing the correct terminology, and involving a public adjuster early, you can significantly enhance your compensation. Do not let the complexity of insurance discourage you from claiming what you rightfully deserve.

WeDry USA: Here to Help

WeDry USA is dedicated not just to restoration but to empowering clients through the recovery process. With a team that includes experienced adjusters like Gwynne Beatty, WeDry USA is prepared to help clients navigate the challenging landscape of insurance claims and damage restoration. From managing claims and restoring properties, the goal is to ensure full preparation and support for all clients.

Contact Gwynne Beatty for a free consultation. She'll review your insurance policy at no cost and offer advice on managing your property.

Gwynne Beatty

Tel: 954-648-9258

Email: gwynneb@wedryus.com

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