Water Damage During Home Renovation
Hi everyone,
I searched for answers but couldn’t find exactly what I needed. If there’s a relevant thread, I apologize and appreciate any direction you can provide.
We’ve been doing a significant remodel on our home for several months now. I recently reached out to my insurance company about upgrading to a builder’s policy, but I’m still in the process of making that change. Then, I received a call from a city worker informing me that they had shut off my water due to a recorded usage of 200,000 gallons. Upon checking, he noticed that the bathroom was flooding. The house is currently vacant due to the ongoing renovations.
The damage doesn’t seem too severe, the water is turned off, and I’m in the process of drying everything out and assessing the extent of the damage.
I’m wondering what to expect from my insurance company if I decide to file a claim. Will being in a vacant house work against me? And does my current transition to a builder’s policy complicate things? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
I’m sorry to hear about the water damage during your remodel; that sounds really stressful. When it comes to filing a claim with your insurance company, there are a few factors to consider:
Policy Terms: Check the specifics of your current policy and the builders policy. Some insurance policies have clauses regarding vacant properties or ongoing renovations, which may affect your coverage.
Vacancy Clause: Many insurance policies consider a home vacant if no one has lived there for a certain period of time. If your home qualifies as vacant, this could influence how your claim is processed. It’s important to clarify with your insurance whether this situation will impact your coverage.
Documentation: Document everything related to the damage. Take photos, keep records of all communications with contractors, and create a list of damages. This can be helpful in building your case when filing a claim.
Mitigation: Since you’re in the process of drying out the home, keep records of all efforts made to mitigate further damage. This might be beneficial when discussing with your insurance.
Claim Process: Reach out to your insurance agent to discuss your situation in detail. They can provide information about what to expect when filing a claim and what documentation you’ll need.
Consult Professionals: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it might be worth consulting a public adjuster or an attorney who specializes in insurance claims. They can help navigate the process and ensure you’re treated fairly.
While it’s hard to know exactly how your situation will play out, keeping open communication with your insurance company and staying organized can help a lot. Good luck, and I hope everything works out smoothly for you!