Dealing with water damage is stressful enough—but when your insurance company's insurance adjuster shows up, things can get even more overwhelming. Whether it’s a burst pipe or a roof leak, knowing what to expect helps you protect your rights and avoid settling for less. Let’s walk through how to handle the insurance adjuster after water damage and what steps to take to get the fair and reasonable settlement you deserve.
What Types of Water Damage is Covered Under Insurance?
Water damage can come from all kinds of sources—leaky roofs, plumbing issues, appliance malfunctions, or heavy storms. Luckily, many homeowners insurance policies cover sudden and accidental water damage. For example, if a pipe bursts and floods your home, that’s usually covered.
However, damage from poor maintenance or gradual leaks often gets denied. You also need to check your insurance policy for specific coverage limits. Most standard policies don’t cover flood damage, so if rising water from outside hits your home, you’ll need a separate flood insurance policy.
Always review your insurance coverage closely, so you know where you stand before starting the insurance claims process.
What To Do If You Have Experienced Water Damage
If you discover water damage, act fast to protect your home and your insurance claim. Here’s what you should do:
1. Stop the Source and Prevent Further Damage
Find the leak or broken pipe and stop the water flow if possible. The sooner you stop the water, the better chance you have to avoid further damage.
2. Document Everything
Document everything with photos and videos—this protects you if the insurance adjuster after water damage tries to argue about the cause.
3. Notify Your Insurance Company
Call your insurance company or insurance agent right away to report the damage. The faster you report, the quicker the claims process starts. Your policy likely requires immediate notice to avoid delays or denials.
4. Get Repair Estimates
Before agreeing to anything, get multiple repair estimates from licensed contractors. This gives you a clear picture of what the repairs should cost and helps you push back if the insurance adjuster after water damage comes in with a low number.
5. Watch for Health Risks
Standing water or damp materials can cause mold growth, which leads to serious health risks if left untreated. Mold cleanup is expensive, so make sure you document this and talk to your adjuster about it.
When To Hire a Public Adjuster
You might think your insurance company will handle everything fairly—but that’s not always the case. Their goal is to settle quickly and cheaply, which often leaves you with less than you need. That’s where a public adjuster comes in.
Consider hiring a public adjuster if:
- Your damage is extensive and complicated
- The insurance adjuster after water damage is downplaying your losses
- You’re confused about the insurance claims process
- Your insurance policy language feels impossible to understand
A public adjuster works for you—not the insurance company—and fights to get the fair settlement you deserve. With our insurance knowledge, we handle paperwork, meet with the adjuster, and negotiate on your behalf.
If you’re dealing with a water damage claim, a public adjuster could potentially be the difference between a denied claim and a successful claim.
Get Help with Water Damage with Excel Adjusters
Water damage takes a toll, but you don’t have to deal with it alone. Our team at Excel Adjusters knows how to navigate the insurance claims maze and fight for the fair and reasonable settlement you deserve. We review your homeowners insurance policies, manage the claims process, and handle every conversation with your insurance adjuster.
