Rochester’s climate features heavy spring rains, summer storms, and winter freeze-thaw cycles. The city faces unique water damage risks that can lead to expensive repairs, temporary relocations, and extensive restoration efforts for local homeowners. Water damage can cause stress and confusion in the lives of Rochester residents, and overcoming these difficulties can feel impossible. Navigating the recovery process can become even more complex if a homeowner needs help filing an insurance claim for their residential water damage.
The insurance claims process requires time and focus that may be in short supply after residential water damage has ruined your home. Many policyholders are unsure of how to begin filing their claims, and others need assistance with this process so they can focus on restoring their homes. For assistance with filing water damage insurance claims, contact ServiceMaster of Rochester today to schedule a consultation with a water damage specialist.
Common Causes of Water Damage in Rochester Homes
Weather-related water damage is common in cities with harsher temperatures in the winter months. Minnesota’s climate brings unique challenges, such as spring snowmelt flooding, summer thunderstorms, and frozen pipe bursts in the winter. Rochester’s proximity to the Zumbro River creates additional flooding risks that can lead to residential water damage, such as foundation shifts, mold growth, and basement flooding.
Plumbing failures are a common cause of water damage. Broken pipes, leaky appliances, and toilet overflows can all cause major damage to a home, and Rochester’s climate can cause plumbing systems to malfunction. Rochester’s freezing temperature can cause pipes to freeze and burst, potentially leading to structural damage, flooring damage, and other expensive repairs.
Appliance malfunctions can lead to severe water damage, especially if they are not repaired in a timely manner. Water heaters, toilets, dishwashers, and other household appliances can falter and cause mold growth, flooring damage, and other types of water damage. Many appliance failures may not be covered under standard insurance policies.
Understanding Your Insurance Coverage
The typical homeowners insurance policy covers sudden and accidental water damage. Damages caused by burst pipes or appliance malfunctions are usually covered, but gradual damage that stems from issues such as slow leaks or mold growth will require separate insurance policies. Purchasing flood insurance can provide homeowners with additional coverage that includes personal property, appliances, fixtures, and electrical systems.
Minnesota homeowners should be aware of the common coverage exclusions in insurance policies. Water damage caused by poor maintenance, gradual deterioration, flooding, or sewer backups is almost universally excluded from insurance policies. The best way to overcome these exclusions is to supplement homeowners insurance with additional coverage. Flood insurance can protect your home from severe water damage that is not covered by the original policy.
Depending on where you live, flood insurance may be required. Rochester’s proximity to flood zones makes the city vulnerable to flooding and water damage caused by severe weather conditions. Homeowners who live in designated flood zones may experience extensive water damage caused by floods, heavy rainfall, and other natural disasters.
Essential Steps to Take Immediately After Water Damage
Ensure your safety and that of those around you. Turn off the electricity to eliminate the risk of electrocutions during remediation efforts. Water acts as a conductor of electricity and can create a safety hazard for residents and remediation specialists. Turning off the electricity can also eliminate fire hazards. Water damage deteriorates the insulation on electrical wiring, leading to exposed wiring and an increased risk of fire.
Begin documenting your residential water damage. Taking photos and videos of the affected areas of your residence is an essential step of the insurance claim process that should not be ignored. Clear evidence is an essential part of getting the compensation you deserve after your home experiences extensive damage that is covered by your homeowners insurance.
Mitigating further damage can help prevent the need for additional repairs. Water damage mitigation is also an essential part of certain homeowners insurance policies. A policy may require a homeowner to mitigate water damage in order to receive compensation for their water damage repairs. Board up exposed windows and doorways and remove standing water to prevent further damage from occurring.
Step-by-Step Insurance Claim Filing Process
Initial Contact with Your Insurance Company: Contact your insurance company as soon as possible after you notice your residential water damage. Be prepared to provide information regarding the dates the damages occurred and what steps you took to mitigate the damage.
Working with Insurance Adjusters: To prepare for the adjuster’s visit to your property, make sure your residence is safe. Mitigate any safety hazards, such as wet floors, and familiarize yourself with the details of your insurance policy.
Submitting Documentation and Estimates: all important documents and records in a safe, organized space to make this process easier. Receipts for past repairs and other related expenses should be tracked and submitted to the insurance company. Take clear photographs of your water damage to provide a clear picture of what needs to be repaired.
Following Up on Your Claim: Follow up with your insurance company if it takes a long time to receive an update on the status of your claim. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about the claim process and expected timelines.
How ServiceMaster of Rochester Supports Your Insurance Claim Process
ServiceMaster of Rochester provides detailed inspections and assessments that can uncover hidden water damage. Our professional inspections help customers strengthen their insurance claims and increase the likelihood of receiving compensation for their water damages. We coordinate with insurance companies and assist homeowners with filing their insurance claims. Our water damage specialists have experience working with major insurance carriers serving the greater Rochester area.
The water damage claims process can be a lot to handle, and many homeowners may find themselves seeking assistance with their insurance claim. Ensure you are fairly compensated for your water damage by enlisting ServiceMaster of Rochester for help. Our team provides immediate assistance that aids water damage restoration and insurance claim filing.
