If saltwater has damaged your home, you may be able to file an insurance claim to obtain coverage for it. Below, our Daytona Beach water damage lawyer explains the steps to take if you have to file an insurance claim.

Recognize when Damage has Occurred 

At times, saltwater damage may be fairly obvious. For example, if a hurricane just swept through your property, you will likely know to look for saltwater damage. This type of damage is often more subtle, though. It is important to look for the signs so you can prevent further damage from occurring and file a claim right away. The most common signs of saltwater damage are corroded surfaces, rusted metal, and peeling paint. If you notice any of these signs, it is critical that you take the necessary steps to mitigate the damage.

Have the Damage Professionally Inspected 

If you file a claim for coverage after your property has been damaged by saltwater, the insurance company will send out an adjuster to evaluate the value of the damage. You should also hire a third party inspector who can provide an objective value of the damage. This will help you determine the amount of coverage you need when you or your lawyer are negotiating a fair settlement.

File an Insurance Claim 

Once you know the cost of repairing the damage, you should file an insurance claim. Do not make any major repairs until you have filed your claim. Before filing your claim, though, you should also take pictures and video footage of the damage to prove that you need the coverage you are asking for.

Repair and Restore the Damage 

Once the insurance company has approved your claim, it is time to repair and restore the damage. Doing this requires a trained professional who can pump away the saltwater, flush the area with fresh water, and ensure the area is completely dry to avoid mold growth.

Preventing Future Problems 

Once you have dealt with the current problem, you need to prevent future issues from occurring. This often requires steps such as applying a protective coat to vulnerable areas such as decks, foundations, and siding. These steps will not only protect your home, but they will also help you avoid a long claims process in the future.

Talk to a Water Damage Lawyer in Daytona Beach First 

Before filing a claim, or even taking mitigating steps to prevent further damage, it is critical to speak to a Daytona Beach water damage lawyer. At Bundza & Rodriguez, our experienced attorneys can advise on the next steps to take so you obtain the full coverage you deserve. Call or text us now at 386-252-5170 or chat with us online to request a free consultation.

Source:

leg.state.fl.us/STATUTES/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0600-0699/0627/Sections/0627.7011.html

Stop More Damage from Occurring 

If possible, you should take all necessary steps to reduce the amount of damage that will occur. If you do not protect your property, it may give the insurer reason to deny your claim. The steps you need to take will depend on the type of damage you are experiencing. For example, if your roof is leaking, you may have to place a tarp over it to temporarily protect it from rain. Or, if your plumbing is leaking, you should turn the water off.

You may also have to contact certain professionals, such as a roofer, plumber, or water remediation company. These professionals may be better able to mitigate the damage and make the necessary repairs. Just remember to take pictures for the insurer before any temporary repairs are made.

Gather Evidence of the Damage 

To properly assess your water damage claim, you will have to present evidence pertaining to the portion of your property that was damaged. The camera on your smartphone is enough to take pictures of the damage, and video footage can also show the full extent of the destruction. You should also create a list of all damaged personal belongings, including a description of the items, the value of them, and the cost of replacing them. If you are unsure of the value of certain goods, an appraiser or restoration expert can provide an accurate estimate.

Inform the Insurance Company of the Damage 

Your insurance policy likely includes a clause that requires you to tell the insurer about the damage as soon as possible. If you do not do this, your insurer may not only reject your claim, but they may cancel your policy. You should have your policy available when you contact the insurer, as they will ask for your policy number and other important details contained within the contract. They may also ask for a ‘proof of loss’ form. If they do, ask them to send you the form via email or show you where you can find it online.

Our Water Damage Lawyer in Daytona Beach Can Help You Claim Full Coverage 

Dealing with the insurance company can be overwhelming and intimidating, particularly if you have never had to do it before. At Bundza & Rodriguez, our Daytona Beach water damage lawyer can deal with the insurer on your behalf so you obtain the full and fair coverage you deserve. Call or text us now at 386-252-5170 or chat with us online to book a free consultation and to learn more.

Source:

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0600-0699/0624/Sections/0624.155.html 

Is Flood Damage Covered in Most Insurance Policies? 

Standard homeowners insurance policies cover many different types of perils. A peril is defined as any event that can damage your property or personal belongings. Lightning, fire, smoke, hail, explosions, and windstorms are a few of the most common types of perils covered by insurance. Even with the amount of flooding Florida experiences every year, this type of damage is not normally covered in standard policies. In fact, it almost never is.

It is important to note that while flood damage is not usually covered by standard insurance policies, your mortgage provider may still require it. For example, if your home is in a high risk flood zone and your mortgage is government-backed, you likely must purchase insurance for flood damage.

How to Know if You Need Coverage for Flood Damage 

When determining whether you need to purchase additional coverage for flood damage, you first need to find out if your home is located in a flood zone. Even if you live in a zone with a low risk of flooding, you may still want to consider purchasing additional coverage for flood damage. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), approximately 30 percent of all insurance claims stem from low to moderate risk flood zones. Zones A or V are considered high risk, while Zones B, C, or X are deemed low to moderate risk.

If you live in Zone A or X, your mortgage provider will most likely require you to have insurance for flood damage. If you live in another zone, this will likely not be a requirement but it is still recommended for all Florida homeowners. In the Sunshine State, there really is no such thing as a no risk flood zone. The purpose of homeowners insurance is not to mitigate the chance that your home will become damaged, but to increase the monetary protection you have in the event of a catastrophic event.

Our Flood Damage Lawyer in Daytona Beach Can Work with the Insurer on Your Behalf 

If your home is damaged by flooding and you do not have additional coverage, you may be on your own in the event of a storm. However, if you do have additional coverage and your insurance company is still denying your claim, it is critical that you speak to our Daytona Beach flood damage lawyer at Bundza & Rodriguez. We will speak to the insurer on your behalf and hold them fully accountable for paying the full and fair coverage you are entitled to. Call or text us now at 386-252-5170 or reach out to us online to schedule a free consultation.

Source:

fema.gov/press-release/20230425/fact-sheet-myths-and-facts-about-flood-insurance

Indoor vs. Outdoor Water Damage 

Water can leak from a backyard swimming pool or sprinkler system and damage your lawn or flood your basement. Insurance will typically cover damage to the interior of your home, as well as the personal items inside. However, most insurance policies exclude coverage to land, which includes the property your home sits on. Still, if your lawn was damaged due to a known peril, such as vandalism, your insurer may cover it.

Appliance Leaks 

Your washing machine or dishwasher may leak and damage the floor, walls, and personal items. If the cause of the leak was accidental, your insurance provider will likely cover the damage. On the other hand, if the appliance leaked due to your failure to maintain it, you cannot usually obtain coverage.

Sewage Backup 

Sewage backup can cause an immense amount of damage to your home and unfortunately, most policies do not cover it. If you are concerned about it, you can purchase additional coverage for sewage backups if you are willing to pay more in insurance premiums.

Water Seepage 

Water can seep into your basement in a number of ways. A heavy rain, collapsed drain, or cracked foundation are just a few of these. Seepage is generally deemed a maintenance issue and so, it is not included in most policies.

Damage from a Leaking Roof 

Whether damage from a leaking roof is covered under your policy will depend on how it occurred. If a heavy rainstorm causes the damage, you are probably not covered because the insurer will view it as a maintenance issue. Still, if the leaking roof damages personal items inside the home, you may be able to obtain coverage for them. If the damage to the roof was accidental, such as your neighbor’s tree fell on it and caused the leak, you can probably obtain coverage for it.

Flooding 

Damage from flooding is almost never included in insurance policies. If your home is in a location prone to flooding, it is highly advised that you obtain additional coverage. While you will have to pay higher premiums, they will be far less than paying for flood damage when it occurs.

Our Water Damage Lawyers in Daytona Beach Can Help You Obtain Coverage 

Even when you are covered for certain types of damage, insurance companies are very reluctant to pay it. They prioritize their own profits over your need to make important repairs to your home. If your claim has been denied or the insurance company has delayed addressing your claim, our Daytona Beach water damage lawyers at Bundza & Rodriguez can help. Call or text us now at 386-252-5170 or reach out to us online to schedule a free consultation and to learn more.

Source:

floir.com/sections/pandc/homeowners/default.aspx

Check Regularly for Leaks 

Regularly checking around basins and sinks can provide early clues that there is a problem with the pipes. Look for signs that a faucet is dripping, or discolored or dark stains on the walls or ceilings. These can indicate that a water leak is hiding within a wall. Also check the flapper in your toilet regularly so it does not run continually.

Check Your Pipes 

If your home was constructed prior to 1975, there is a good chance that there is cast iron piping in your plumbing system. Over time, cast iron pipes can corrode, which compromises their structural integrity. Approximately 76 million homes in the country have cast iron pipes that are in need of replacement. Some signs that your pipes may need to be replaced are as follows:

• Discoloration or rust in water
• Slow drainage
• Plumbing blockages and backups
• Foul odors
• Wet walls, floors, and puddles

Clean Fixtures Regularly 

There are many common issues that can affect the plumbing fixtures in your home. These can include:

• Discolored stains: If you have porcelain fixtures, they may develop fine cracks over time. Clean these with a stiff brush and thoroughly brush the area. When finished, rinse the residue away and repeat the process if necessary.
• Rust stains: Rust remover can easily treat iron-induced staining on surfaces in your bathroom including in your toilet bowl.
• Stains: When fixtures are not properly cleaned and maintained, bacteria can build up and leave stains. Liquid household bleach or powdered oxygen bleach can help you clean these surfaces while also maintaining good hygiene.

Install Fixtures that Conserve Water 

Water-saving fixtures and appliances can reduce the amount of water you use, and the amount you pay to use it. Washing machines, dishwashers, shower heads, toilets, and faucets are all being manufactured today with water-saving features. Installing these in your home can ensure your fixtures remain in working condition for the entirety of their expected lifespan. When fixtures work properly, they are less likely to cause an issue that results in water damage.

Call a Water Damage Lawyer in Daytona Beach 

The above tips are very helpful when maintaining your plumbing system, but they are not a guarantee that you will never experience an issue. If your home has been damaged, you may be able to file a claim and obtain coverage for it. At Bundza & Rodriguez, our Daytona Beach water damage lawyer can help you through the process to ensure you receive the full and fair coverage you are entitled to. Call or text us today at 386-252-5170 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.

Source:

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0600-0699/0624/Sections/0624.155.html

Flooding

The majority of homeowners insurance policies do not cover flooding. You generally have to purchase a flooding rider or a separate policy that covers flooding events. Insurance companies usually define a flooding event as:

• Stormwater causes flooding due to rising bodies of water, runoff, and rising surface waters,
• Water caused by tidal events, waves, or spraying caused by surface water or stormwater,
• Flooding that occurred due to high winds that pushed the water into the home, and
• Flooding caused by seeping of groundwater that surrounds the foundation of the home.

Water Damaged Caused by a Long Term Condition

When you have a leaky pipe or roof in your home, it can cause extensive damage, particularly if the condition exists for a long period of time. You may incur damage to interior walls, or wood rot may start to develop. Over time, mold and mildew growth can also start to develop because the structure is constantly exposed to water.

If the insurance company believes the damage occurred due to water exposure that continued for more than 14 days, they will likely deny the claim. The reasoning for this is because insurers argue that if the problem had been corrected sooner, you could have mitigated the amount of damage.

Although there are times when providers will have a valid reason to deny water damage claims, that is not always the case. When water damage was caused by an accident, such as a broken appliance, burst pipe, or issue with a fire suppression system, the insurer is usually required to provide coverage.

Denials Based on Sewer Issues

When your sump pump, sewer, or septic tank stops functioning properly, the results can be catastrophic. The flooding caused by these events can cause severe physical damage to the home, and it may even create a health risk. Unfortunately, water damage caused by sewer issues is not usually covered by homeowners insurance. As with damage caused by flooding, you can purchase a rider for the policy if you want to be protected from these events in the future. Considering that water damage from a sewer system can cost thousands of dollars to repair, purchasing these riders is usually a good idea.

Our Water Damage Lawyer in Daytona Beach Can Help After a Denial

If you are experiencing challenges with your claim or if the insurer is trying to pay a lower amount than what is needed, it is important that you speak with a Daytona Beach water damage lawyer. At Bundza & Rodriguez, our experienced attorneys can advise you of your rights, fairly value your claim, and help you fight back against the insurance company. Call us now at 386-252-5170 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.

Source:

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0600-0699/0624/Sections/0624.155.html

If one of your pipes has burst in your home, you may wonder if insurance will cover the damage. Below, our Daytona Beach water damage lawyer explains the important things you should know.

Will Insurance Cover a Burst Pipe?

Burst pipes may or may not be covered under your insurance policy, depending on the language contained within it and how the damage occurred. The majority of homeowners insurance policies only provide coverage for a burst pipe if it happened suddenly and unexpectedly. For example, if a hurricane caused a pipe to burst, you could likely obtain coverage for the damage.

On the other hand, if a pipe burst after leaking over a long period of time, the damage likely would not be covered. Insurance policies do not usually provide coverage if a pipe bursts due to negligence. For example, if you did not properly maintain your property and a pipe burst as a result, your insurance likely would not cover the damage.

Additionally, if a pipe burst while repairs were being made to the home, the damage is also likely not covered by your insurance company. In this case, the contractor who was responsible for bursting the pipe would be responsible for covering any damage to your home.

Burst Pipes and Rental Insurance

If you are a tenant and have renter’s insurance, whether or not a burst pipe is covered by your policy will depend on the terms within it. However, unlike homeowners insurance, most rental insurance policies do provide coverage for burst pipes. This is due to the fact that it is not considered to be the fault of the tenant if a pipe bursts.

How to Spot Water Damage in a Home

Due to the fact that a homeowners insurance policy likely will not cover a burst pipe if there was already water damage, it is important to know how to spot it as soon as it occurs. When trying to identify water damage in a home, the following tips can help.

• Hissing, clacking, banging, and other odd noises inside the walls when you turn the water on may indicate problems with the pipes.
• Discolored walls and strange watermarks can be a sign that there is a problem with the pipes. Black or dark walls could mean mold has already started to develop.
• Bulging walls and ceilings can indicate that drywall has absorbed moisture and started to swell.

Our Water Damage Lawyers in Daytona Beach Can Help with Your Burst Pipe Claim

Filing a claim for damages after a burst pipe is never easy, particularly since insurance companies are always looking for ways to deny claims. At Bundza & Rodriguez, our Daytona Beach water damage lawyers can help you through the process and give you the best chance of obtaining the coverage you need. Call us now at 386-252-5170 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.

Source:

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0600-0699/0624/Sections/0624.155.html