Don't Get Short-Changed on Your Burst Pipe Claim

7/12/2019 (Permalink)

For water damage repair and restoration call SERVPRO of Texarkana

You care enough about your home to protect it with an insurance policy covering water damage, but are you sure you’ll fully recover your losses if bursting pipes unleash buckets of water inside your home? Here are some ways you can help ensure you won’t come up short.

1. Document Everything — Before and After

Before taking steps to fix broken pipe damage, document everything affected. Don’t throw away anything that’s been damaged beyond repair; take pictures of everything first or make a video.

It’s a good idea to also take photos or videos of your house and belongings when you first get your policy or when you make changes to your home. A before-and-after damage demonstration can help substantiate your claim.

2. Know What Your Policy Terms Mean

Be aware of any exclusion and exception terms in your policy. Find out from your agent what all the terms mean; certain types of damage from bursting pipes may not be covered. Water damage from long-term gradual pipe leakage, for example, may be excluded; only sudden or accidental damage may be covered. An adjuster could then conclude that damage reported in a claim could have been prevented if you had not neglected certain maintenance, inspection or repair issues. 

3. Be Proactive; Get Inspected and Have Maintenance Work Performed

To help prevent a claim denial based on gradual or long-term leakage, have your plumbing system inspected regularly by licensed professionals. Obtain inspection reports and keep records of all maintenance or repair work performed.

You’ll be better prepared to file a claim with sufficient picture and paper documentation, a full understanding of policy terms and a proactive approach to inspections and maintenance.

4. React Quickly and Call In a Reliable 24/7 Clean-Up and Claim Inventory Service

Contact a professional 24/7 emergency clean-up service as soon as possible. 

SERVPRO of Texarkana specializes in restoring contents damaged by water, fire or mold and we are available 24/7