Have you ever had your home or business damaged by a leaking pipe? If so, you’re not alone. Plumbing leaks are the leading cause of damage from natural hazards in the United States. When it rains, and your pipes leak, you can end up with thousands of dollars in property damage.
And with more than 800 million plumbing connections in use today across the country, that number will only increase. Even so, most people don’t know where to turn if they experience pipe damage due to a leak.
That’s because most homeowners and business owners are left alone to determine who should be responsible for their repairs and the repair cost. As Public Adjusters working with insurance companies, we help those impacted by pipe claims and repair any damages.
Here’s what you need to know about working with an Adjuster as part of your response plan for repairing damage from leaking pipes.
Can you Claim Burst Pipes on Insurance?
If you are ever told that your insurance policy does not cover burst pipes, run away from there! We recommend that our clients check their policies before contacting the insurance company so that they are aware of their coverage and limitations. The first thing you should know about burst pipes is that most insurance policies cover them. You can recoup some expenses through a burst pipe insurance claim, whether due to freezing temperatures, aging pipes, or other unforeseen issues.
We highly recommend hiring a burst pipe claim adjuster like Peninsula Public Adjuster. This will ensure you always have an advocate when navigating the complex process and providing the best possible outcome.
What Does a Public Adjuster Do?
Public Adjusters are agents who work on behalf of insurance companies. They provide a valuable service to those impacted by homeowners’ and business owners’ claims for damages that have occurred as a result of plumbing leaks. Public Adjusters can help you find the best way to respond to damaged property and repair the problem, whether with a claim or otherwise.
You can find a Public Adjuster through your insurance company, but working with an outside agency may be more beneficial as they will have more experience and knowledge about the industry and how to manage it. If you decide to hire an outside agency for your repair, you should set up a contract outlining the scope of their services (and compensation) so there are no misunderstandings later.
How do I Get the Most out of My Water Damage Insurance Claim?
Facing water damage is tough, but handling your claim doesn’t have to be. Here’s how to maximize your burst pipe insurance claim:
Act Quickly
Time plays a crucial role in the success of burst pipe insurance claims. Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as possible. Prompt action shows diligence and can expedite the process.
Document Thoroughly
Capture damage through photos and videos before cleanup. Strong evidence bolsters your claim’s credibility and increases the chances of a successful outcome.
Mitigate Further Damage
Take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage. You can do the following:
- Keep objects in a good state away from the water
- Drain standing water
- Dry wet areas
- Keep damaged items as evidence
- Save receipts for expenses incurred during mitigation
Maintain Communication
Keep your insurance company informed of every step you take. Clear communication speeds up the process and ensures everyone is on the same page.
Consider a Public Adjuster for Water Damage
A burst pipe damage adjuster can advocate for your interests if negotiations become challenging. Remember that your insurance company’s adjuster will advocate for their benefits. Hiring a public adjuster is the best guarantee to protect what’s yours.
How Long Does a Pipe Claim Take?
The first step is determining your initial scope of work and the type of Claims Adjuster you need. Several factors will help you decide what kind of adjuster to bring. The time it takes for an Adjuster to respond will depend on the severity of the case. Most Public Adjusters can typically complete their investigation within days. However, if your claim involves complex engineering or technical issues, it could take longer than a week or two before they get back to you.
What Not to Say to a Home Insurance Adjuster?
Navigating conversations with a home insurance adjuster requires caution. Otherwise, you risk losing your claim and receiving minimum to no compensation. Here’s what you should avoid saying:
Admitting Fault
Refrain from admitting fault or accepting blame for the damage. Let the investigation determine the cause.
Speculating
Avoid making assumptions about the cause of the damage. Stick to facts and evidence.
Unsure Statements
Don’t provide uncertain information. It’s better to say you must verify details if you’re unsure.
Downplaying Damage
Don’t minimize the extent of the damage. Provide accurate descriptions and evidence.
Overestimating Value
Be honest about the value of possessions. Overestimating can lead to credibility issues.
Agreeing to Settlement Immediately
Take your time with the first settlement offer. Review and consider your options. Ask for an experienced public adjuster’s opinion to ensure you receive a fair settlement.
Why Work With a Public Adjuster for Pipe Claims?
If you have experienced pipe damage, it is imperative that you work with an Adjuster. If you are still determining who to contact for help, Public Adjusters can be an excellent resource for homeowners and business owners impacted by leaking pipes.
Public Adjusters specialize in helping customers navigate the claims process, working with insurance companies, and claiming what is rightfully yours. Another reason adjusting is essential after a pipe leak is that your priority should be preserving property. You need to take care of the issue quickly so it doesn’t worsen. The longer you wait, the more costly the repair will be, and the longer it takes to recover from this event.
How to Find a Public Adjuster for Pipe Damage Claims
When repairing damage from leaking pipes, you will want to find a public adjuster with experience responding to plumbing claims. This is important because your adjuster will help you determine if the leak occurred on your property or if an issue with construction, excavation, or drainage caused the leak.
Enter Peninsula Public Adjusters. At PPA, we can help you get the information necessary for a claim investigation and know how Public Adjusters work with insurance companies.
How Can Peninsula Public Adjusters Help You?
When you have a leaky pipe, you can expect it to cost more than $10,000 to repair. And that’s just the start. The costs can climb higher if it rained recently and the damage was caused by water runoff from a drainage basin or storm sewer.
If you want to avoid such high costs, Public Adjusters can help you determine who is responsible for your repairs and how much it will cost.
Peninsula Public Adjusters is experienced in negotiating with insurance companies and other third parties who may be liable for damages. We will also help you gather documentation, identify evidence of where the leak occurred, and create an effective repair plan to minimize expenses.
If you need assistance with pipe claims or any other property insurance claim, please contact us today; we’ll be happy to help you immediately.
