This is my first home insurance claim, and I want to make sure I’m doing my due diligence in navigating the claims process. In mid-August, we had water come through our dining room. There wasn’t a ton of visible water, but enough to make our hardwood floors buckle. We submitted a claim, and while we waited for the insurance adjuster to come out, we had a water mitigation company identify the leak and remove all water damage. The adjuster came and assessed the damage, indicating that just the inside would be covered. They sent a check for approximately $4,000. While waiting for the estimate, the water mitigation team tore out 1/4 of the wood floors, one side of our drywall, part of the ceiling, and identified the cause of the leak. They suggested that the flooring in both the dining and living room (since they are continuous) should be completely replaced rather than just patched and refinished as written in the estimate. They also recommended hiring a public adjuster to help argue this, along with the outside work that needs to be done to fix the leak. They submitted their work to the adjuster for about $6,000. Now what? Do I wait to hear from the insurance adjuster? Should I start looking for flooring contractors and get their quotes and opinions on replacement and refinishing? Do I call a public adjuster to handle everything on our behalf? I’m brand new to this, and I want to be as proactive as possible.
It’s great that you’re being proactive! First, you should wait to hear back from the insurance adjuster about the additional claim amount. They may need time to review the new information provided by the water mitigation company.
In the meantime, it wouldn’t hurt to start gathering quotes from flooring contractors. This way, you’ll have a better understanding of the costs involved when discussing with your adjuster or public adjuster.
If you feel overwhelmed, hiring a public adjuster can definitely help communicate with your insurance company and negotiate on your behalf. They know the ins and outs of the claims process.
Document everything! Keep records of all communications with your insurance company, the water mitigation team, and any contractors. This will help solidify your case.
Make sure to review your policy to understand your coverage. This will help you know what to expect regarding your claim. Good luck!