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Water or Mold Damage Insurance Claims, Handled With You
Most homeowners file one property claim in their lifetime and have no idea how it works. We do this every week. Here is what to expect, what is usually covered, and exactly what we do to keep your claim moving.
Plain English
What is usually covered, and what is not
Every policy is different. These are the patterns we see across the carriers writing homes in Bucks, Montgomery, Delaware and Philadelphia Counties. For specific situations, see who pays for a sewage backup and vacant property insurance and pipe theft.
Usually covered
Burst or frozen pipes (if the home was heated). Water heater, washer, dishwasher and ice maker failures. Toilet and tub overflows. Roof leaks from storm damage. Mold that results from any of these, up to a mold sublimit. Fire and smoke.
Usually not covered
Groundwater seepage and foundation cracks. Sump pump failure and sewer backup without an endorsement. Flood (needs a separate flood policy). Long-term leaks and neglect. Mold from humidity. The failed pipe or appliance itself.
Step by step
How a water damage claim works
01
Mitigate first
Your policy requires you to prevent further damage. Calling us for extraction and drying is that step; do it before anything else.
02
Report the claim
Call your carrier or agent. Give the date, cause and a short description. You get a claim number and an adjuster.
03
We document
Photos before anything moves, moisture readings, a drying log and an estimate in Xactimate or Symbility in the format adjusters use.
04
Adjuster review
The adjuster inspects or reviews our file. We talk to them directly about scope so you are not the translator.
05
Approval and work
Scope agreed, work completed, final documentation submitted. Where your policy allows, we bill the carrier directly.
What we do for you
Why claims go smoother with us
Xactimate and Symbility estimates
The same software your adjuster uses. Line items match, so there is less to argue about.
Photo and moisture documentation
Every room, before and after, with readings logged daily. This is what makes a scope defensible.
Direct adjuster communication
We answer their questions about scope and method. You stay informed without doing the back-and-forth.
Direct billing where allowed
With an assignment of benefits, we can bill the carrier and you pay only your deductible.
One contractor, start to finish
Mitigation and rebuild by the same licensed company. No gap between the emergency crew and the rebuild crew.
Honest about coverage
If what you have is seepage or neglect, we tell you before you file, so you do not open a claim that will be denied.
Questions
Insurance claim FAQs
Does homeowners insurance cover water damage?
Sudden and accidental water damage is usually covered: burst pipes, appliance failures, overflows, storm-driven roof leaks. Gradual leaks, seepage, flood and sewer backup without an endorsement are usually not.
Does insurance cover mold remediation?
Often, when the mold is the result of a covered water loss, subject to a mold sublimit that is commonly $5,000 to $10,000. Mold from humidity or neglect is usually excluded.
Should I call my insurance company or a restoration company first?
Both, but mitigation cannot wait. Call us so extraction starts, then report the claim. Carriers expect you to mitigate promptly and may reduce payment if you did not.
Will my rates go up if I file?
Possibly. A single water claim has less effect than multiple claims. If the loss is small relative to your deductible, we will tell you so you can decide.
What is an assignment of benefits?
A document that lets us bill your carrier directly for covered work. It is common in Pennsylvania and it means you deal with the deductible, not the whole invoice.
Do you work with my insurance company?
We work with all carriers. Some list us as a preferred provider; for others, our documentation is what gets the scope approved.
Need to file a claim?
Call us first. Mitigation starts the claim right.