Water damage to a house happens when water gets in and harms the structure or things inside, and can also make people sick. The damage can happen for different reasons like floods, heavy rain, storms, burst pipes, old roofs, or worn-out appliances. When water gets into a house, it can be a big problem that makes the place unsafe and hard to live in.
How bad things get from water damage depends on the kind and how much water there is, how long it's there for, and what things are affected. Water damage can harm buildings by affecting their foundation, walls, ceilings, and floors. It can also cause harmful mould and mildew to grow, which can affect the health of people. Things you own like furniture, appliances, and things in your house can also get ruined from being in contact with water. It's very important to act quickly and fix water damage right away to stop more damage and keep everyone healthy. Experts who fix water damage can clean and repair the damage caused by water so the home is safe and liveable again.
Water damage happens a lot in old buildings because the things that come in contact with water can get old and start to break. Sometimes, our things can get hurt and it might cost a lot of money. The insurance a landlord buys may help pay for things that get hurt by water in a rental property, but only if the water damage happens in a certain way. Here are some things to show you:
1. Burst pipes: If a pipe bursts in the rental property and causes water damage, the landlord's insurance may cover the cost of repairs to the property and its contents.
2. Sewer backup: If the rental property experiences a sewer backup that causes water damage, some landlord's insurance policies may provide coverage for the cost of clean-up and repairs.
3. Flooding: Landlord's insurance policies typically do not cover damage caused by flooding, which is usually defined as water that comes from an outside source, such as a river or lake. However, separate flood insurance policies are available for landlords who want this type of coverage.
If your rental property has been damaged by water and you have insurance as a landlord that covers this type of damage, here is what you can do to make a claim.
Notify your insurance provider: Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to report the water damage and begin the claims process. Provide details about the extent of the damage and any relevant information about the cause of the damage.
Document the damage: Take photos or videos of the water damage and make a detailed list of all damaged items, including age, value, and condition. This will help provide evidence of the damage when you file a claim.
Prevent further damage: Take reasonable steps to prevent further damage to the property, such as turning off the water supply, removing standing water, or covering exposed areas with tarps or plastic sheeting.
Cooperate with the insurance adjustor: An insurance adjustor will likely be sent to assess the damage and determine the amount of the claim. Be cooperative and provide any necessary information or access to the rental property.
Obtain repair estimates: Obtain estimates for the cost of repairs or replacement of damaged items from qualified contractors or vendors.
Submit the claim: After you have gathered all necessary information and documentation, submit the claim to your insurance provider. The provider will review the claim and determine whether it is covered under the policy and the amount of the settlement.
When you ask your home insurance company to pay for water damage, it can take different amounts of time to get the money depending on how bad the damage is, how complicated the situation is, and what the insurance company does. Usually, it takes some time, from a couple of weeks to a few months, to resolve a claim.
To make the claims process faster, give all the papers and facts needed as soon as you can. These papers may be needed when asking for help with water damage from your home insurance.
Your insurance company will want to see your home insurance policy. You might need to prove that you own the house that was damaged. Take photos or videos to show how bad the damage is. Get quotes from people who can fix the damage. Keep any bills or receipts for things like cleaning or repairs. Your insurance company might ask for more information to process your claim.
Remember, each insurance company may have its own rules for making a claim after water damage. Read your policy and call your provider for advice on what to do. Make sure you read your landlord's insurance policy well to know what it protects and how to file a claim. It's important to regularly check the pipes and drains in your house to prevent water damage from happening again.
