Whether from a broken pipe or excessive rainfall, flooding is a serious concern of many homeowners. It can cause thousands of dollars in damage and the loss of irreplaceable items. This situation is one that must be dealt with early before the issue occurs.
Maintaining Adequate Insurance
You may not realize it, but not all homeowner’s insurance policies are the same. Find out what your policy covers in case of flooding. Depending on the policy, you may need specific coverage for this issue.
Make sure you know how much coverage you have and if it is for actual value or replacement value. Replacement value means you are reimbursed for what it would cost you to replace that item at today’s prices. A good example of this is a couch that you have had for 5 or 10 years. It probably isn’t worth much, maybe only $50 or $100. If you had to go out and buy a new one, you would pay much more, from $400 to $1000 or more. Of course, most insurance policies will only cover you for the average cost unless you pay for extra coverage for antiques or other valuables.
Keep Records Safe
Make sure you have all of your important records in a safe place such as a waterproof box or a safe deposit box at the bank. This includes a copy of your insurance policy, as well as birth certificates, passports and other records that would be difficult to replace.
You should also have a list of your furniture and other items on hand in case you need to include specifics in a claim. It can be difficult to remember what is missing if you don’t have the list.
Be Prepared
While natural disasters can cause water damage in your home can occur, the most common event is a leaking pipe. Make sure you know where the main shut-off valve is to stop the leak as quickly as possible. Many homes have separate shut-offs in the bathrooms and even in the kitchen. If you can determine the source of the leak, you may be able to shut off part of the house without stopping the entire water supply. Just make sure you can access the main one as a last resort.
If you live in an area that floods often, especially from rising waters that result from snow run-off, you need to watch for weather reports. They can alert you to issues before they happen. This allows you to make preparations to leave your home.
File a Claim
File a claim with your homeowner’s insurance in Salt Lake City as soon as possible. This ensures that an adjuster is able to get the information needed quickly so you can get repairs or receive money for replacement of items sooner.
Dealing with water damage in your home is never fun, but it can be a smoother process if you are prepared. Plan ahead and stay in contact with your homeowner’s insurance company throughout the process.