Making a Flood Damage Claim

7/24/2018 (Permalink)

Unless you live in an area prone to flooding, it is likely that a flood claim will be a once-in-a-lifetime event.

In the event that you have to make a flood claim in Vancouver, WA, following a storm, knowing how the process works will make a challenging situation a bit easier to endure. It is in your best interest to move quickly to contact your insurance adjuster, particularly when damage is widespread throughout your locality.

Begin Remediation Immediately

After you have notified your insurance company that your home has sustained flood damage, get to work right away on your own or by engaging the services of professionals to address it. Mold can begin to grow within 24 to 48 hours after inundation, so your adjuster will understand the need to move quickly.

• Take lots of digital photos and videos to document the damage to your home and property.
• Remove, but do not yet discard, materials that cannot be salvaged.
• Remove excess water by pumping, mopping and blotting to prevent further harm to your home.
• Get the air circulating with fans and air conditioners, and as a last step, dehumidifiers.
• Be sure to inspect, and work to dry, hidden areas where mold can grow.
• Begin the cleaning process for belongings that can be salvaged.
• Compile a list of losses and include any receipts you have retained. Your credit card history can be useful for the task of filing out an accurate flood claim.
• Keep receipts for any purchases of goods or services related to the flood.
• Sign the proof of loss statement that your adjuster produces. Additions can be made if necessary for the insurance claim.

It is important to understand that both the restoration of your home and the settlement of your insurance claim will be processes that require time, effort and patience.

Unless you live in an area prone to flooding, it is likely that a flood claim will be a once-in-a-lifetime event. Accurate documentation is the key to fair compensation. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROwvancouverclarkco.com/.