From coastal storms to winter freezes, Baltimore is a city with unpredictable weather patterns and torrential downpours. The city’s weather can cause severe water damage during thunderstorms or tropical storms. Homeowners in Baltimore should understand the insurance claims process to ensure they receive adequate compensation for their damages.
Understanding Your Baltimore Property Insurance Coverage
Baltimore homeowners should know that standard homeowners’ insurance will not include flood damage for homes in flood-prone areas. To protect your home in the event of a flood, you may need to contact the National Flood Insurance Program to purchase an insurance policy. This federally backed program helps property owners and renters purchase affordable flood insurance.
Flood insurance is mandatory for properties in flood-prone areas like Fells Point and Harbor East. Property owners in historic districts may not be eligible for an insurance policy from The National Flood Insurance Program. This relief is applied at the discretion of state or local governments. Homeowners and renters can visit FloodSmart.gov to find more information about the program and review their eligibility.
Essential Documentation for Baltimore Water Damage Claims
Photo and video documentation will be necessary to submit a water damage claim. Both historic and modern homes should be thoroughly photographed and recorded in order to sufficiently document water damage. Submitting detailed evidence to insurance companies helps provide a clear picture of water damage and the need for remediation. Take photographs of all your losses, including destroyed flooring, furniture, and personal belongings. Professional documentation is the best way to support your claim approval. Consider hiring experts to help you record detailed evidence of your residential water damage.
Time-Sensitive Steps After Water Damage
Homeowners should carefully review their policies to ensure they start the claims process before the deadline. In Maryland, the amount of time to file an insurance claim or reimbursement can vary depending on the insurance company and the type of policy. Experts suggest filing a claim as soon as possible after the damage occurs.
Professional documentation is the best way to support your claim approval. Experts can help you record detailed evidence of your loss. Take pictures of your emergency board-up efforts and water flood barriers. Recording your water damage remediation is the best way to show insurance companies you followed all procedures outlined in your policy.
Insurance claims can be affected by a homeowner’s response time to their damages. Evidence of emergency mitigation can help you prove to insurance adjusters you did everything in your power to mitigate the damage and prevent further repairs. Detailed evidence is essential for receiving fair compensation after experiencing water damage.
Common Pitfalls in Baltimore Water Damage Claims
Not Documenting the Damage
Accurately documenting your damage is an essential part of the insurance claims process. Ensure you have quality photographs and videos that accurately depict your damage, which is a must if you hope to receive fair compensation for your water damage. When documenting the aftermath of a flood, take pictures of the damage from multiple angles. This helps paint a clearer picture of your water damage.
Waiting to File a Claim
Successfully navigating the insurance claims process requires homeowners to quickly file claims. Waiting to file a claim can cause insurance companies to deny coverage due to missed deadlines. Hiring a professional water damage restoration service can help you understand your policy and begin the claims process.
Incomplete or Inaccurate Information
Failing to accurately record information about your home’s water damage can lead to a claim denial. Insurance companies must have an accurate depiction of the damage your home has endured. Insufficient evidence, missing paperwork, and delayed reporting can all tank your chances of claim approval.
Working with Insurance Adjusters in Baltimore
First-time homeowners may be unsure of what it is like working with an insurance adjuster. Before an adjuster visit, inspect your property and document damages. Having your own records of your water damage can be. Secure your residence by ensuring the property is safe for inspection. Potholes, debris, and other dangerous damage should be removed before the adjuster arrives.
Homeowners do not have to be present during an insurance adjuster’s investigation, but experts recommend being present while the adjuster conducts their assessment. If the adjuster overlooks hard-to-see damage and fails to correct the mistake, it can compromise the final amount of reimbursement. Being present for an insurance adjuster visit allows homeowners to point out hidden damages.
Professional Restoration and Your Insurance Claim
During hurricane season, water damage restoration companies are booked and busy, resulting in longer wait times for homeowners seeking service. Researching professionals and scheduling appointments as soon as you notice your damage can help you receive swift service that promptly solves your problems.
Professional restoration services work together with the insurance claim process. Many companies offering restoration services also help with insurance claims. They have professionals in-house to gather professional documentation to support claim approval. This ensures the insurance company has a clear picture of what transpired and what it will require to complete a full restoration.
ServiceMaster by Singer | Water Damage Remediation in Baltimore
Recovering from water damage in Baltimore can be a massive undertaking that requires time and resources. Properly handling your insurance claim can help ensure you receive the funds you need to restore your home. ServiceMaster by Singer understands insurance claim documentation and processing. Our team of water damage remediation specialists helps clients by aiding with insurance claims, water damage repair, mold removal, and more.
