A Fort Lauderdale insurance claim for water damage is something that local insurers see all the time, because water damage is very common. Whether it results from a dysfunctional ice maker or a leak in the roof, water damage can be extremely destructive and can cause long term problems due to mold. Some insurers decide that if the leak existed for more than 14 days, the claim will be denied, even if it was a hidden leak that wasn't obvious for a long time. Insurers may deny water damage claims by concluding that damage resulted from an old or faulty roof, and many of them limit or even exclude coverage for mold damage, even if it clearly resulted from water damage.

What You Should Do When You Discover Water Damage

As soon as you notice water damage, do what you can to stop it. If a pipe bursts, you can shut off the supply to the pipe. If you notice a roof leak, you can place a tarp on the roof to forestall more damage. Do what you can to dry out the affected area. As soon as you are able, call your insurer and tell them that you have water damage. There is no need to tell them your roof started leaking or you noticed mold on a wall. Before the insurer sends and adjuster to your home, take pictures of the damage. You should also strongly consider calling a Fort Lauderdale public insurance adjuster to help you with your claim.

Old Claims Can Be Reopened

In some cases, old claims for water damage can be reopened. A Fort Lauderdale insurance claim for water damage may be evaluated by a local public insurance adjuster, who may be able to determine that you were shortchanged by your settlement under the terms of your policy. Insurers fight water damage claims hard because they cost the money. An adjuster helps ensure that you get the best possible settlement with a water damage claim.

Who the Insurance Companies Have Working for Them

Insurance companies have contractors, engineers, and claim managers on their side, doing what they can to make sure that they pay out as little as possible for claims. Working with a Fort Lauderdale area insurance adjuster helps level the playing field so that you get the coverage that you have paid for. Insurers word their policies very carefully so that they can get away with paying out less than what clients hope for. Having a public insurance adjuster on your side helps ensure that insurance companies live up to the terms of their policies.

What Public Insurance Adjusters Do

Fort Lauderdale help with insurance claims is only a phone call away. Public insurance adjusters know insurance policy terminology and know how to decipher your policy's language so that you are able to receive the coverage you purchased when you signed up for insurance. They also have experts who can determine causes of problems and counter common insurance company tactics. You really have nothing to lose by working with a public insurance adjuster, particularly after a water damage claim.

Author's Bio: 

In Fort Lauderdale, help with insurance claims is a necessity. But a Fort Lauderdale insurance claim for water damage can be tricky, and unless it’s filed correctly, you may not collect. Luckily, you can go to ucsfl.com and get the expert help you need.