When it comes to what can be claimed and what is not covered there is a lot of noise out there. Our intention with this guide is that we hope that we can limit the complexity that comes with the claims process and what you can do to better prepare for a claim.
Water damage is a common plumbing issue with our customers, so below we have compiled a handy 5-step list and frequently asked questions on how you can make the best of your plumbing insurance claim!
The first thing that you should do when you are faced with water damage is turn off the source of the leaking pipe or clogged drain. You can do this by turning off the water mains.
With handheld device capabilities these days documentation is quite simple and straightforward. Take photos and videos of the damage and be sure to write clear notes.
Every insurer has different protocols so it is important to understand and read the fine print for your particular coverage. Have your policy number at hand when contacting your provider.
Your insurer should contact you to arrange a time to inspect the damage and make their own assessment.
Should your claim be successful your insurer will arrange for repair and replacement of the water damage.
The most common is burst pipes in the wall or under the ground. Due to access issues and needing to cut through to fix the issue we recommend our customers go through insurance to claim back on their waterproofing, plaster work, and tiles. In some cases the water spreads and can go through the electrical, in that case we also recommend going through insurance.
This all depends on the customers insurance policy but rule of thumb for us is that Plumbing is not covered but damages are anything that we destroy to get access to the damaged pipe.
Insurance companies require documentation. By documenting step by step what we need to remove or break we can keep a proper paper trail for your claim requirements. We can also notify the insurance company of why and what we need to do to get access, what was the location of the burst or damage to determine a claim going.