Water Loss
A water loss can occur any number of ways: A flood is obviously a source of water which can result in a loss. Hurricane or storms can cause damage to your home or business, allowing water to enter. A broken pipe can also cause water damage.
Any time a water loss is discovered, you must act promptly to locate the source of the water and stop further water intrusion, to the extent possible. You should also act promptly to dry out the areas where water was present. This includes retaining a reputable water remediation company to dry out the area and apply mildicide to prevent mold growth.
To properly prepare an insurance claim for water loss, review the following steps:
1. Photograph the damage.
2. Do not completely repair the damage, but do enough to prevent further damage and dry out the property as soon as possible.
3. Report the damages to your insurance agent/agency as soon as possible.
4. Save receipts that reflect any work that you’ve had done in an attempt to fix the problems.
5. Prepare for the insurance company’s claims adjuster’s visit and inspection of your property. Make sure that you have an extra copy of all documents involved in the claim, including receipts and photographs.
6. Document your claim and keep notes on the starts of your claim when you speak to your insurance agency.
7. Find or request a copy of your insurance policy from your agent or your insurance company.
Mold
Mold in Florida is common. Mold can result from a water loss and is usually covered under a property insurance policy. Mold can also be a health risk.
Molds use tiny spores to reproduce. Mold spores waft through the indoor and outdoor air continually. When mold spores land on a damp spot indoors, they may begin growing and digesting whatever they are growing on in order to survive. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods. When excessive moisture or water accumulates indoors, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or un-addressed.
There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
Many policies have specific limitations on coverage for mold. We can help you naviagate the policy and determine the coverage which may exist for damage caused by mold.
