Most of us know that insurance premiums often climb after filing insurance claims. After all, the more you cost the insurance company in claims, the higher a risk you become. Homeowners insurance often covers water damage, but which water damage claims will cost you in increased future insurance premiums and which will not? How do you know which water claim to file and which one to pay out of pocket?
First, let’s look at one of the reasons why water damage claims raise red flags with insurance companies: the potential for future mold claims. It is conceivable that after the water has been cleaned up and the final bills paid, a mold claim will be next. It is also conceivable that following a claim, the insurance company may expect these future expenses and raise your premiums in anticipation - or worse yet cancel your policy.
Lesson 1: Cardboard boxes are not waterproof
Not only do cardboard boxes allow water to seep in and damage their contents, but they also permit the growth of mold. Instead, storing your possessions in airtight plastic containers keeps everything safer and makes cleanup much easier.
Lesson 2: Store your valuables off the floor
All items - especially furniture - should be stored at least one foot off the floor. Place everything on top of blocks or some other structure to keep it out of reach of water seepage.
You might also consider keeping your irreplaceable photos, documents and memorabilia elsewhere in the house. Flood damaged books and wet documents can be restored, but it makes more sense to stash them somewhere less prone to water leakage.
Lesson 3: Time is of the essence
Wet books, documents and boxes are the perfect breeding ground for mold. Mold can grow rapidly, especially in a high-humidity environment, and it can be a health hazard as well as a threat to your property. It’s important to dry out all your belongings as quickly as possible.
If you plan to call in professionals to help restore wet documents and water damaged photos, the first 24 hours are crucial. In many cases, your damaged documents can be recovered if you respond quickly. When seeking the help of water damage restoration professionals, keep in mind that if your basement has flooded, it’s likely other people are facing the same catastrophe. Act immediately to ensure the fastest service possible.
Dealing with the Effects of Water Damage
Extensive property loss and the need for many expensive repairs, unless the damage is irreversible, will result from water damage that is not treated promptly and thoroughly. Taking a proactive approach to protect your property from the ravages of water damage is highly advisable. Performing some routine maintenance on your home and checking regularly for potential problems could help to save a considerable amount of money and heartache, later on in the unfortunate event of a disaster.
Another example illustrates how states restrict certain types of water damage claims. In Texas, an insurance company cannot raise your insurance premiums or deny coverage for an appliance-related water damage claim if the following two conditions have been met:
• The damage was properly repaired and remediated
• The damage repair/remediation was inspected and certified
However, if three or more appliance-related water damage claims are filed in three years, then the insurance company can increase your premiums or deny coverage.
So, which claims should you pay out of pocket?
• Any claims that fall below your deductible amount
• Any claims that you can reasonably afford to pay that could potentially raise red flags with your insurance company
Which claims should you submit to your insurance company?
• Any claims above your deductible amount that are protected from rate increases under your state’s insurance laws
• Major claims where extensive repairs are necessary and paying out of pocket isn’t reasonable.
Since it’s advisable to pay many water damage claims out of pocket, consider raising your insurance deductible to $1000 or more and receive the benefit of a large premium decrease. Put these savings into an emergency account for out-of-pocket repairs you can be published without charge. You can to republish this article in your website or blog. Please provide links Active.