Subject: Advice Needed After Water Company Incident
Hey everyone,
I’m dealing with a situation where the water company accidentally damaged a pipe while working on a neighbor’s service line. As a result, my yard is flooded, and we’ve even had some water seep into our laundry room, which might have damaged our washer and dryer. I suspect this happened through the vent in the glass block window in the basement.
The water company is sending their insurance agent to assess the situation, but I’m unsure whether I should also contact our homeowners insurance agent. I want to keep them informed, but I’m concerned about the possibility of increased rates or even being dropped.
I’d really appreciate any advice you might have. Thanks!
I’m sorry to hear about the flooding in your yard and the potential damage to your washer and dryer. It’s understandable to be concerned about the potential impact on your homeowners insurance.
First, it’s a good idea to document everything—take photos of the damage, make note of what has happened, and keep any relevant communication with the water company. This documentation can be crucial if you need to file a claim later.
Since the water company is sending their own insurance agent, it’s important to cooperate with them and get as much information as possible about the claims process. They may cover the damages, or at least help you with repairs.
As for calling your homeowners insurance, it’s generally wise to notify them of any incident that could affect your property, even if you think it might not lead to a claim. You can explain the situation and ask for advice without necessarily starting a claim. Some agents can provide valuable insight into whether you should formally involve them or wait for the water company’s insurance assessment.
Keep in mind that many states have laws protecting homeowners from increased rates for claims against third parties, like utility companies. So if it does come down to filing a claim, check with your agent about how it may affect your policy.
In the end, it’s all about making sure you’re protected and that you have a clear understanding of your options going forward. Good luck, and I hope everything gets resolved quickly!