Oftentimes, the cornerstone of a comprehensive water damage claim strategy targets the fine print of the insurance policy. Taking appropriate measures and making informed decisions with a public adjuster should always be the first step in the process of receiving the settlement you deserve.

Additionally, following these additional steps should help ensure the best settlement for a water damage insurance claim

• Secure your valuables to prevent additional damage from happening.
• Record proof of the water damage.
• Request a certified copy of your insurance policy.
• Keep documentation of every point of contact with the insurance company.
• While most homeowner claims settle within 90 days, seeking help from a trusted public adjuster as quickly as possible should be a priority.

While the above steps can help secure a maximum claim for water damage in Florida, there are a number of actions that we see many take that have the exact opposite effect. When filing an insurance claim for water damage:

• DO NOT throw anything away. For all claims, you’ll need definitive evidence of the damage.
• DO NOT make repairs before the insurance company approves. Before determining what repairs are required, your insurance company will most likely want to inspect the damage.
• DO NOT use the insurance company’s vendors unless you are obligated to. Oftentimes the insurance company will give you a list of contractors to repair the damage. While those can be beneficial, it’s always wise to do your research for the best options. If you have your own contractors, it will be to your advantage to use them. You control the purse strings, not their vendor.
• DO NOT file your claim on your own. No matter the damage, a public adjuster can work with you to help you navigate through the complicated world of insurance claims and help you get the maximum settlement you deserve.