Some of the worst types of damage to plague a home or commercial property involve water. Too much water, too little water, or water showing up in the wrong places; it’s amazing that something we depend on for dear life can cause so much disrepair. Water damage is insidious because apart from the initial damage, it can lead to further issues down the road, especially if the immediate deterioration is not quickly addressed. Some of the most common issues involving water damage include:

• Busted pipes
• Busted water main valves
• Sewer backup
• Blocked gutters
• Leaky roofs
• Broken air conditioning unit
• Flooding

It’s important to thoroughly study your insurance policy to learn the types of water damage for which you may be reimbursed. Many homeowners insurance policies exclude flood damage, meaning that your flood insurance policy should address such claims. When resolving a water damage claim becomes difficult, turn to Vero Beach water damage lawyer William Terry for help.

Do I Have Water or Flood Damage?

Though water and flood damage sound like they could mean the same thing, flood damage is likely excluded from your regular homeowners insurance policy. When water destroys your home, do you file a claim for water damage with your homeowners insurance policy or your flood insurance policy? Let’s break it down.

Defining a Flood

Many insurance policies dictate that water that causes damage to a home before touching the ground is not flood water. The government defines “flood” as:

A general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of two or more acres and two or more properties of normally dry land.

Flood damage occurs because of natural changes in the land and nearby bodies of water. When inland or tidal waters overflow, the resulting damages should be reported to your flood insurance provider.

Patching Up Water Damage Before a Settlement

Water can cause significant and expensive issues. The longer you wait to address water damage, the greater the potential for losses and the costlier repairs will be when you finally receive a settlement. Immediately after you realize that water is causing problems in your home, you should initiate emergency repairs to prevent further damage.

It might be a good idea to hire a public claims adjuster who can remain a neutral party when assessing the value of the damages you have endured. Your insurance company will send an adjuster on their behalf to view the damage, and their goal is usually to downplay the effects of the damage to pay less than the full value of your claim. Be sure to take photographs and preserve as much evidence of the damage as possible.

How Can Vero Beach Water Damage Lawyer William Terry Help Me?

Home and business owners alike can trust William Terry to provide attentive service regarding water damage claims in Vero Beach. He has dedicated over 25 years to helping property owners receive what they are entitled to from their insurance companies. William Terry represents people who own residential and commercial properties throughout Vero Beach, Florida and fights on behalf of those whose claims were not fully funded or were denied outright. Call (772) 404-1240 or email the firm to discuss your property damage claim for free