If you’ve recently filed a water damage insurance claim, strike up the band because it’s time to dance! Yes, you will need to do a little dancing with the insurance adjuster. Feel the beat: one, two, three, four, one, two, three, and four. Okay, let’s go.
One – Who will lead this dance? The insurance adjuster deals with insurance claims on a daily basis and naturally wants to lead. After all, what do you, the insured, know about insurance adjusting. He’ll steer you this way, and then that way, gracefully and smoothly, slowly following a rhythm as the two of you glide from point A to point B. But at what cost? Sure, it’s easier to follow, but doing so requires giving up control. It’s your home, so, clumsy as you may be about filing insurance paperwork, insist on being heard.
Two – It Takes Two to Tango. While your insurance adjuster wants to remain in control, it takes two to tango. You have the right to disagree. You can negotiate. You can point out errors and omissions. If you want a fair insurance settlement, you need to get involved and you must be willing to be assertive. Otherwise, your insurance adjuster will sweep you off your feet and glide you across the dance floor, all according to his terms.
Three – Do the Hustle. Be prepared to do most of the work. Water damage claims often involve extensive damage and major losses. But guess who’s responsible for documenting those losses? You are. Sure, your insurance adjuster will come in, snap a few photos, a take a few notes. But it’s up to you to provide your insurance company with proof of your losses. Take dozens of photos and create a detailed list documenting every single item that was damaged or lost. Ideally, you will have previously completed a home inventory detailing your possessions complete with photos, serial numbers, and receipts. If not, you’ll need to work even harder to prove the value of your losses. You’re in a tough position here as the waterlogged items need to be quickly removed. Get to work and start snapping photos as soon as it is safe to enter the building. Use both still and video images. If an expensive item must be disposed of, consider cutting off a swatch of fabric to attach to the photo as further evidence. For example, if the adjuster disputes that the couch was leather and you have an actual swatch of leather from the couch, you’ll have a much better case.
Four – Mind if I cut in? In some cases, it’s better not to dance with the insurance adjuster and instead allow a public insurance adjuster to stand in for you. A public insurance adjuster is an insurance expert who represents your interests and negotiates directly with your insurance company.
If your property is water damaged and your insurance will be involved, follow these steps and take the lead. One, two, three, four…
