Water Damage and Your Insurance Policy – 1

Today, on the Disaster Response blog, we want to cover water damage and insurance. If you are like most, insurance can seem like this mythical, magical force that no one understands or knows how it works. If you’ve had to deal with insurance, you may have had the experience of thinking that you have the coverage that you need, but for some reason, when you approached the insurance and submitted your claim, it seems that you aren’t getting as much coverage as you deserve. If you have ever been in one of these situations, you probably have felt cheated or like the wool was pulled over your eyes and saw the insurance company as a group of crooks rather than advocates in your time of need.

We at Disaster Response understand this feeling. We know that certain insurance companies can act in a way that seems crooked. Additionally, a lack of understanding on the insured’s part can also add to the frustration and confusion of a disputed claim. For all of these reasons, we want to help you better understand your insurance policy in regards to the water damage that can occur in your West Michigan home.

Types of Water Damage

First, you must understand the types of water damage covered and not covered by your insurance company. When we said there are types of water damage, we are mostly referring to how the water damage was caused, which will affect the extent of damage or the type of water damage restoration that is required. Here are the main types of water damage that can occur:

• Sudden or accidental discharge
• Sewer backup or water backup
• Overflow of your tub, sink, toilet, etc.
• Flooding
• Storm-related damage

Which Types are Usually Covered

As water damage is one of the most common causes for insurance claims, it is incredibly important that you understand what is covered by your insurance policy and how to make sure that you have the coverage that you need. Not all insurance policies are alike so it’s important to know exactly what your coverage entails. However, most home insurance policies cover these types of water damage:

• That caused by the weight of snow, ice, and sleet. The water damage that these weather elements cause can include a collapsed roof and other related damaged.
• The destructive effects of water that has overflowed.
• That which occurs due to a hot water heater ripping, cracking, burning, or becoming misshapen.
• Water damage caused by frozen pipes.

Normally these are the damages that your insurance will pay for. However, depending on your provider and if your policy is a little less expensive, you may need to consider an upgrade to your policy.

After reading our blog post and looking at your homeowners insurance, you may have some concerns or wonder what to do if your home suffers a damage not mentioned. Do not be concerned, there are ways to make sure that you are completely covered. Unfortunately, we don’t have the time to discuss those coverage extensions you may need. Stay tuned for our upcoming blog to learn more and be sure to talk with your insurance company to make sure you have the coverage that you need.

Already Have Water Damage?

We hope that you don’t already have water damage in your West Michigan home. However, if you do, you can have peace of mind knowing that there is a water damage restoration company who has your back. Disaster Response is extensively experienced in providing disaster relief to residents and commercial businesses in the West Michigan area. We are available 24 hours a day and seven days a week with our compassionate and comprehensive water damage restoration service. Concerned you have mold? We can handle that too! Call us now!  

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