How to Choose the Right Water Damage Restoration Company

Posted on by msi-admin

When facing water damage in your home, selecting the right restoration company is crucial for effective recovery and peace of mind. With numerous options available, it can be overwhelming to determine which company will best meet your needs. Here are essential tips to help you make an informed decision when choosing a water damage restoration company.

1. Make Sure Their Licensed, Insured and Certified

Start by ensuring the restoration company is licensed, insured and certified. Certifications from organizations like the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) indicate that the company adheres to industry standards and best practices. A licensed and insured contractor is an absolute must, and the appropriate insurance and workman’s comp policy should also be required.

2. Check Experience and Reputation

Experience matters in water damage restoration. Look for a company with a proven track record in handling water damage situations. Research online reviews and testimonials to gauge customer satisfaction. Word-of-mouth recommendations from friends or family can also provide valuable insights.

3. Evaluate Their Response Time

Water damage can worsen rapidly, so prompt response is critical. Choose a company that offers 24/7 emergency services to ensure they can respond quickly when you need them most. A rapid response can significantly mitigate damage and reduce restoration costs.

4. Assess Their Equipment and Techniques

A reputable restoration company should use modern, industry-standard equipment and techniques for water extraction, drying, and restoration. Inquire about their drying methods, as advanced techniques like thermal imaging and dehumidification are essential for thorough restoration.

5. Inquire About Their Restoration Process

Understanding the company’s restoration process is essential. Ask about their steps for assessing damage, removing water, drying affected areas, and repairing any damage. A thorough and systematic approach will help ensure comprehensive restoration.

6. Check for Additional Services

Some restoration companies offer additional services, such as mold remediation, sewage cleanup, or reconstruction. If you anticipate needing these services, choose a company that can handle multiple aspects of restoration, saving you the hassle of hiring multiple contractors.

Choosing the right water damage restoration company can make a significant difference in the recovery process. By considering factors such as certification, experience, response time, and equipment, you can select a company that meets your needs and restores your home effectively. If you find yourself in need of water damage restoration, take the time to research and ask the right questions to ensure a successful recovery.

How to File a Homeowners’ Insurance Claim

Posted on by msi-admin

Filing a homeowners insurance claim can be a crucial step in recovering from unexpected damages, whether it’s due to a storm, fire, theft, or other incidents. Understanding the process can help you navigate it more smoothly. When dealing with a water damage loss, fire damage or smoke damage, your insurance company may authorize immediate action to mitigate damage, but you’ll want to confirm that before hiring a damage restoration specialist. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to file a homeowners insurance claim.

Step 1: Review Your Policy

Before taking action, review your homeowners insurance policy. Familiarize yourself with what’s covered, your deductible amount, and any specific exclusions. This will help you determine whether to file a claim.

Step 2: Document the Damage

As soon as you can, start documenting the damage:

  • Take Photos: Capture images of the affected areas and items from different angles.
  • Make a List: Write down damaged or lost items, including their estimated value and any receipts if available.
  • Gather Supporting Documentation: If applicable, collect police reports (for theft) or any repair estimates.

Step 3: Contact Your Insurer

Reach out to your insurance company as soon as possible. Most insurers have a dedicated claims hotline or an online portal. Have your policy number and details about the incident ready.

Step 4: Complete the Claim Form

Your insurer will require you to fill out a claim form. This can usually be done online or through a paper form. Be thorough and accurate in your descriptions, providing all the requested information.

Step 5: Submit Your Claim

Once you’ve completed the claim form, submit it along with all supporting documentation. Keep copies for your records. Make sure to follow your insurer’s submission guidelines, as they may have specific requirements for documentation.

Step 6: Follow Up

After submitting your claim, it’s important to follow up with your insurer. Confirm that your claim has been received and ask for an estimated timeline for processing. Maintaining communication can help you stay updated on any additional information they might need.

Step 7: Meet with the Adjuster

In many cases, your insurance company will send an adjuster to assess the damage. Be prepared to discuss the incident and provide any further evidence of the damages. The adjuster will evaluate the claim and determine the amount covered based on your policy.

Step 8: Review the Settlement Offer

Once your claim is processed, your insurer will make a settlement offer. Take the time to review this offer carefully:

  • Does it cover the damages adequately?
  • Is it consistent with your policy coverage?

If you believe the offer is insufficient, you can negotiate or provide additional evidence to support a higher payout.

Step 9: Accept the Settlement

If you’re satisfied with the settlement offer, you can accept it. The insurer will then process the payment based on the agreed amount. Depending on your policy, this may be sent directly to you or to contractors for repairs.

Step 10: Keep Records

After your claim is settled, retain all documentation related to the claim, including correspondence with your insurer, records of repairs, and any payments received. Keeping these records can be beneficial for future claims or policy renewals.

In Closing

Filing a homeowners insurance claim doesn’t have to be a complicated process. By staying organized and informed, you can navigate the claims process more confidently. Remember, if you had a water damage loss, or a fire and smoke damage incident and your insurance company gives you the right to start mitigation, you’ll need to do your due diligence in finding the right restoration company to handle the job. And you do not under any circumstance, need to hire who the insurance company recommends, as most times that is a franchise who’s in their pocket and does sub-par work. You have the right to hire any certified restoration company of your choosing, so long as they understand  the claims process.

Does Homeowners Cover Water Damage?

Posted on by msi-admin

Homeowners insurance is a must have to protect yourself and your belongings from a catastrophic loss. But most homeowners have never filed a claim, nor do they know what is even covered. Generally, if the cause is sudden and accidental — if an appliance or bathroom fixture springs a leak or a storm blows a tree through your roof and rain pours in — the typical homeowners insurance policy covers resulting water damage. It will not fix the root cause, only the damage sustained from the loss. Example: If your roof leaks and you’re covered for such a loss, it’ll cover the ensuing damage but it won’t cover a new roof or a roof repair. Otherwise no one would ever get a new roof, they would just wait for their old roof to leak.

If the cause is gradual (over a long period of time, or what the insurance company deems as a long period of time), and preventable, including wear and tear or a lack of maintenance, then water damage is generally not covered by home insurance. For example, damage caused by a leak from a rusty old pipe or a roof with missing shingles that’s past its replacement age likely isn’t covered.  

Flooding and sewage backups are usually not covered, unless you have a separate flood and/or backup policy added to your insurance. Sump pumps need to have backup coverage and also need to be noted in your policy to have a claim covered if you have a sump pump failure. There are also coverage limits you’ll need to check as some backup policies can be as little as $5,000. The extra fees in monthly charges may be worth it as most water damage claims for sump pump backups with reconstruction can easily reach $10,000 and even higher for sewer loses.

Regular maintenance of your plumbing and appliances can help eliminate or decrease your chances for a flood. But in the event of water damage in your home or business, it is always better to know what you’ll be covered for and what is not covered. Consult with your agent about your coverage limits. In the event of a water loss, our 24 hour emergency service team at Mold Solutions & Inspections is at the ready and we can work directly with your insurance company if the event of a claim.