Insurance questions after property damage
Use this general checklist when water or other property damage happens. Your policy, the cause of damage, and the facts of your claim determine coverage.
Water Damage Dispatch is a restoration company directory, not an insurance company, public adjuster, or law firm. This information is general and is not a coverage decision, legal advice, or a promise that a claim will be approved.
Insurance and restoration FAQs
- Does homeowners insurance cover water damage?
- It depends on your policy and what caused the damage. Some policies may cover certain sudden and accidental water losses, while gradual leaks, maintenance issues, external flooding, and other causes may be excluded or handled under separate terms. Review your policy and ask your insurer about the specific cause, limits, exclusions, and deductible that apply.
- What should I do first after discovering damage?
- Put safety first. Stay away from unsafe areas and contact emergency services or a qualified professional when needed. If it is safe, take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage, document what you see with photos or video, and contact your insurer promptly to ask about next steps.
- Should I wait for an adjuster before cleanup begins?
- Ask your insurer as soon as practical how it wants the damage documented and whether an inspection is planned. Do not delay urgent safety measures or reasonable steps to prevent further damage. When safe, photograph affected areas before work, keep damaged materials when practical, and save receipts and work records.
- What records should I keep for a claim?
- Keep photos and videos, the date you discovered the damage, notes about what happened, messages with your insurer and service providers, estimates, invoices, receipts, and an inventory of damaged belongings. Save copies of documents and record the dates and names associated with important calls.
- Does a restoration company decide whether my claim is covered?
- No. A restoration company can explain its proposed work, provide estimates, and document work it performs, but your insurer makes coverage decisions under your policy. Ask the company and your insurer who is responsible for each step, and do not assume a contractor can negotiate or represent your claim.
- Is damage from flooding covered by a standard homeowners policy?
- Coverage for flooding from outside the home is often different from coverage for other water damage and may require a separate flood policy. Definitions and exclusions vary. Check your policy and ask your insurer how it classifies the specific source of water.
- What can I do if I disagree with a claim decision?
- Ask your insurer for its decision and reasons in writing, review the relevant policy language, and follow the review or appeal steps and deadlines in your policy or claim documents. For advice about your rights or a dispute, consider contacting your state insurance department or a qualified professional licensed in your state.
- Who pays the deductible?
- Your responsibility depends on the policy and the claim. Ask your insurer to confirm the deductible that applies and how it is reflected in any payment or estimate. Be cautious of anyone promising to waive or absorb a deductible without explaining whether that is allowed where you live.