Dealing with Water Damage – DIY Options?
Hello everyone,
I’m currently facing water damage in my home, likely stemming from a slow underground leak from my AC condensate drain, sewer drain, or water supply line. My homeowners insurance with Citizens has sent a water mitigation company that’s running dehumidifiers and checking on them daily. However, this approach seems ineffective. They’re only drying the damaged flooring, which ultimately needs to be removed, and there’s still a moisture barrier trapping moisture in the slab while the leak persists.
I’m also concerned about the authorization form I signed with the mitigation company. When I inquired about costs, they said that the water mitigation is fully covered by insurance and is separate from my deductible. However, the form includes this language:
“I further request that any deductible be withheld from the final payment on the loss. If the deductible is taken from this payment, I will pay the amount directly to the contractor.”
This wording suggests that the deductible may indeed be part of the claim amount, which could leave me partially responsible for costs. Additionally, the company insists on using their referrals for leak detection, mold testing, and repairs, which is delaying everything and will likely increase my expenses and premiums. My insurance adjuster, agent, and Citizens haven’t been responsive to my questions, simply directing me to follow the mitigation company’s guidance. Now, the company is waiting for approval from Citizens before moving forward with leak detection and demo work.
My Questions:
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Is it permissible for me to remove the flooring before the adjuster assesses the situation so I can search for the leak on my own?
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If I take on the task of removing the flooring, will the insurance reimburse me for both my labor and materials?
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Am I obligated to use the water mitigation company’s referrals for leak detection and repairs, or can I choose my own professionals?
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If I manage to locate the leak myself, can I simply hire a plumber to fix it instead of going through the insurance vendors?
Given that I have a high deductible, I want to mitigate costs by doing as much of the work as possible. I own specialized tools like a thermal camera, sewer camera, and moisture tester, which may help me locate the leak. If I don’t succeed, I know a leak detection service would likely remove the flooring and charge me for it, a task I’m capable of doing myself.
The only services I may need are mold testing and leak detection (if I can’t find the leak myself), but I want to ensure I won’t face issues with insurance not reimbursing me for my materials and labor just because a contractor didn’t perform the work.
Has anyone else experienced something similar? What steps should I take to remain compliant with insurance regulations while minimizing unnecessary costs?
Thanks in advance for your help!
It sounds like you’re going through a frustrating situation with your water damage claim. Here’s some guidance regarding your questions:
Can I remove the flooring before the adjuster comes and look for the leak myself?
Generally, it’s best to wait for the insurance adjuster to assess the damage before making significant alterations like removing flooring. This is to document the state of the damage as accurately as possible. However, if you feel that waiting is compromising the process of mitigation, you might proceed, but be prepared to document everything and potentially face challenges with the claim.
Would insurance reimburse me for my labor and materials if I remove the flooring myself?
In most cases, insurance policies do not cover labor that you conduct yourself unless explicitly stated. Typically, they only reimburse costs incurred from licensed contractors. Make sure to consult with your insurance policy or agent for specifics.
Am I required to use the water mitigation company’s referrals for leak detection and repairs, or can I hire my own professionals?
You can often choose to hire your own professionals, but this may impact your claim process. Some insurers may prefer you to use their approved vendors in order to streamline the process and ensure the work is covered. It’s crucial to check your policy and discuss with your adjuster your options.
If I find the leak myself, can I just hire a plumber to fix it instead of using the insurance vendors?
If you find the leak, you can hire your own plumber, but again, make sure you communicate this with your insurance company. They may require documentation and proof of the work done for reimbursement, so keep records of all costs.
To ensure compliance with your insurance policy while minimizing costs, consider the following steps:
Navigating insurance claims can be challenging, but staying organized and informed will help. Good luck!