What To Know About Types of Water Damage and Making a Claim

4/18/2022 (Permalink)

Damages from water need immediate attention, if not within 48 hours mold will begin to multiply. Call SERVPRO, We're available 24/7 for you.

What You Should Know About Different Types Of Water Damage And How To File A Claim

Water damage is a common reason homeowners file an insurance claim. In fact, it is almost as common as wind damage. In other words, there are a lot of water damage claims. The result is that homeowners have quite a few questions about them. Especially when it comes to what is excluded. Here is everything you need to know about the types of water damage and making a claim.

There Are Different Types of Water Damage

There are several sources of water damage. The most common include a:

• Sudden, accidental discharge
  
• Sewer backup
  
• Overflow
  
• Flood
  
• Storm damage

Your Insurance Won’t Cover Every Type

Before filing an insurance claim, most people come up with many questions, including whether their policy will cover the damage. Unfortunately, homeowner's insurance focuses on sudden events, like an accident discharge, and won't cover every type of damage.

Gradual Damage Is a Problem

Gradual damage occurs when something slowly leaks over a period of time and ruins your property. Gradual damage occurs a lot more frequently as the source of an insurance claim than you would expect. However, this is an example of something that is generally not covered by your policy.

There Are a Few Types of Gradual Damage

Several types of gradual damage require a water restoration company to come to your home in Atco, NJ. For instance, plumbing leaks, cracks in the foundation, deteriorating roofing, mold, old electrical wiring, and poor maintenance are the most common, and they are generally excluded under your policy.

How It Affects Your Home

Your home is full of nooks and crannies. What makes gradual damage worse is that it often occurs in these hidden spaces. Because of this, it can get in and cause excessive damage that is not covered by your insurance.

While a pipe burst will be covered under your insurance policy, there is a good chance that gradual damage will not be. To be properly prepared, it is best to know about the types of gradual damage and how they affect your home.