It is common to have unforeseen events occur and leave your property damaged. However, acting quickly is the key to retaining the structural integrity of your property. This will prevent the damage from worsening or triggering new damage. This is the art of property restoration, and your homeowners’ insurance policy usually covers it.
The claims process for property restoration will depend on the cause of damage and your insurance policy. If you have the right policy, the insurance company will work with the restoration company of your choice. They will put your property back in order and repair the damage.
In this blog post, we will take you through everything you need to know about property restoration. This is especially necessary if your property has suffered damage.
What Are the Types of Property Damage?
Here are some types of damage your property could suffer and what you should know about their restoration process:
Smoke and Fire Damage Restoration
The essence of fire damage restoration is to take a home ravaged by a fire and return it to its original state. The process often involves evaluation, demolition, and reconstruction. Sometimes, it involves boarding up the property. It also entails the removal and cleaning of soot and debris. Fire is a very destructive hazard, and as such, the restoration process can last for months.
Note that your insurance company will draw up an estimate for repairs. As a policyholder, it is best to have your own estimate, which may differ from the insurance company’s. A public adjuster can easily help you prepare a suitable one.
You should also be aware that fire and water damage often occur concurrently. This is because pipes often melt or burst during fires. Furthermore, the water used to put out the fire can also cause water damage. In this scenario, the restoration company will first address the water damage. After that, proper and extensive fire restoration can take place.
Water and Mold Damage Restoration
A wide range of issues can cause water damage to a property. Examples are storms, floods, faulty plumbing or sprinkler systems, and clogged drains. The restoration process involves inspection, water extraction, dehumidification, and in some cases, reconstruction. However, property insurance policies do not cover all kinds of water damage. It is important to hire a professional to help you understand the coverage available to you.
Water damage often triggers structural damage. This means that your walls, floors, and other fixtures can weaken and collapse. It is important to act quickly if you notice signs of water damage such as mold or any sagging areas.
Mold damage is a secondary symptom of water damage. If water damage is not properly treated, mold damage may occur. Its restoration process begins with identifying the cause of the mold growth. They will then get rid of any excess water damage. Lastly, they will use appropriate chemicals to remove the mold.
Many species of mold are dangerous to human health. It is best to remove them from living spaces immediately. Simply wiping off the mold will not get rid of it. This is why you need to carry out a full property restoration process.
Storm Damage Restoration
Storm damage includes hail, flood, and winter storm damage. These unpredictable and often dangerous weather circumstances can cause serious property damage. They can shatter windows and damage roofs. It is important to document the cause of the storm to receive maximum benefits from your claim.
The property restoration process in this case often starts with the removal of any standing water or debris. The restoration company will evaluate the extent of the damage. The actual repair of the property is usually the last step. This process may take as little as a few days to several weeks to complete. This all depends on the severity of the damage.
Vandalism Damage Restoration
Sometimes, people rather than elements will damage your property. For example, thieves or miscreants may vandalize your property. This rarely requires a full restoration because it is usually a small clean-up. You may need to fix a broken window here or clean some graffiti there.
However, there are severe vandalism cases where a home is completely thrashed. In this case, you will need full property restoration. This could entail the removal of any leftover debris. And then, repairing or replacing the damaged parts of your property. The level of damage determines the steps involved in the restoration.
If you do not meet your policy requirements, your insurer may deny your vandalism damage. The restoration process cannot occur if they have denied your claim. Therefore, you should consider hiring a public adjuster to handle the claim. The adjuster will also ensure your coverage is appropriately applied.
What to Do Immediately After Discovering Damage on Your Property
Here are some steps you should take once you have noticed that your property has suffered some damage:
Mitigate the Damage
You should do everything within your power to reduce the damage. If you are suffering water damage, try shutting off the water source. This will prevent more water from pouring or trickling to the site of the damage. If you have suffered fire damage, ensure your home is safe before entering. Turn off any electrical appliances if the circumstances require it.
Document the Damage
Take videos and pictures of the damage you can see. Try to do this quickly before starting the claims process. You will need the evidence later on. Do not throw things away during this process to avoid complicating your claim.
Contact your Insurance Provider
The timeframe for property restoration often depends on how quickly it begins. Therefore, you should contact your insurance provider once you notice the damage. You should also choose a restoration company as soon as possible so they can begin work on your property.
Avoid Aggravating the Damage
Refrain from doing anything that could worsen the damage on your property. Do not attempt to fix anything if you are not sure how to. If your insurance company finds out that you caused the damage, they may reject your claim. You will then have to pay for restoration out of your pocket.
Seek Professional Help
A public adjuster is your best bet when dealing with the insurance company. You should get a professional on your side once you have started the claims process. A public adjuster will help you identify the coverage that applies to your property. They will provide you with an estimate for repairs or replacement. They also help you avoid a denied claim.
How to Choose the Right Restoration Service Provider
You should be careful yet proactive when choosing a restoration company. This will help you avoid shoddily done jobs and scams. Here are some things you should look out for:
Proximity
How close is their office to you? Is their listed address verifiable? Do they have an official number you can reach? Settling for a restoration company close to you will provide you with a certain level of ease.
Certification and Reviews
Most states do not require a license or certification for water damage restoration. However, some of the work involved in the water damage restoration process falls under construction. Construction work requires a license. You should check if the restoration company is licensed by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). This is especially important for fire and smoke damage restoration. You should also check for any reviews of the company online. This could be their website or social media pages if they have any
Response Time
Take note of their response time and availability schedule. You should opt for a restoration company that is prompt in their responses. Slow or sluggish responses are a sign that you might struggle to communicate with them. This would also mean a slower restoration process. You want a restoration company that communicates quickly, clearly, and effectively.
Ensure they work on enough days so that they will always be available to work on your property.
References
You can ask trusted friends and associates for references. This may make things easier for you. Seeing as they have worked for someone you trust, you can trust that they are reliable.
An Estimate
Always ask for an estimate beforehand to determine whether they are within your budget. Know their payment structure, as they may bill you hourly or in a lump sum. They may also require a deposit or the entire sum upfront.
Hiring a public adjuster can take this task and several others on this list off your hands. Your adjuster will provide you with an estimate for repairs. They can even negotiate with the restoration company on your behalf.
Your Insurance Policy
Lastly and most importantly, you should check your insurance policy or speak with your insurance provider before paying a restoration company. This is because certain insurance providers are strict with the restoration companies they work with. Ensure your policy allows you to pick a company of your choice and does not limit you.
Navigating Insurance Claims
The insurance claims process is not always smooth. Here is the best way to navigate it successfully:
Hire a Public Adjuster
Ordinarily, filing your claim is what sets the claims process in motion. However, it’s easy to file the wrong claim, which your insurer can deny. This is because insurance policies are full of technical terms. These terms can be difficult for the average policyholder to understand. It’s best to hire a professional to handle your claim. Your chances of success are higher that way.
Public Adjusters are trained and licensed professionals who help you handle your claim. This means they take on the stress of filing the claim and dealing with the claims process. This includes negotiation of your settlement with the insurance company and gathering evidence. They will also put together any required documentation for you. They also provide you with advice on what contractors or vendors to use. You will gain clarity on how long the claims process takes. You will also gain clarity on any other aspect of your claim you don’t understand.
Collect Evidence
Gather evidence of the damage before considering cleaning or repairing your property. This includes any damage to your personal property as well. Take video recordings and pictures of your property immediately after discovering the damage. You should do this before the insurance adjuster comes to inspect your home. Try to maintain the status quo of your home as much as possible to avoid negatively affecting your claim.
Read your Insurance Policy
We know it sounds cliché, but knowledge really is power. You need to understand your entitlements under your policy. What are your limits? Do you have additional living expenses coverage? This is what covers any extra expenses if you need to live outside your home during the restoration process. Does your policy exclude certain types of damage? Can you claim for damage to your personal property or other structures such as your garage?
Your public adjuster can review your insurance policy and explain your coverage to you.
Meet the Insurance Adjuster
The insurance adjuster is a professional working for the insurance company. They work in the same way your public adjuster works for you. They examine the damage and provide the insurance company with an estimate for your settlement. Be polite and cordial when meeting with the adjuster and answer any questions they may have.
However, it is best to have your public adjuster conduct an initial inspection of your property. This will give you a clear scope of the work and repairs to be done. You should also have your adjuster discuss with the insurance adjuster. That way, you can avoid saying anything that puts you or your claim in a bad light.
Get Estimates
Your public adjuster will also consult professionals to get estimates for repair or replacement. They will use this estimate to negotiate with the insurance company. This will get you a fair settlement. The insurance adjuster may not factor in certain replacement or cleaning costs. But your public adjuster will.
Negotiate
Do not rush to accept the first settlement the insurance company offers. It is usually a low-ball offer. Instead, let your public adjuster negotiate on your behalf. This guarantees that you get the settlement you deserve.
Put Everything In Writing
Keep a paper trail. Document every discussion or agreement you have with your insurer in writing. This will help you avoid tricky situations where it is your word against theirs. It will also help you if any disputes arise between you and the insurance company.
When to Consider Hiring a Lawyer
Not every claims process goes smoothly without a hitch. Sometimes, disputes occur or the claim becomes too complicated to handle yourself. Usually, you can resolve the dispute through the out-of-court mechanism provided in your policy. But sometimes, you may need to sue the insurance company. This is especially true when you suspect fraud. In this case, you will need to involve a lawyer to represent you in court.
However, hiring a lawyer should always be a last resort. Also, having a public adjuster reduces the chances of having to hire a lawyer. Your adjuster can easily deal with the claim if it becomes complicated. Their expert negotiation skills will ensure that there is no deadlock during negotiations.
Conclusion
Time is of the essence when dealing with property damage. It is best to act quickly to avoid total collapse or significant structural damage. Once you have noticed the damage, secure your property and speak to both your insurance provider and public adjuster. Read your insurance policy before filing your property insurance claim. Also, ensure you collect evidence of the damage. Let your public adjuster handle the rest.
Do not hesitate to contact a restoration company when you need one. And if you need help with your property claim, let On-Site Adjusting take care of things for you. We offer a free consultation for first-timers. Contact us here today to get started.
