Depending on where you live, winter may bring you freezing temperatures, rain or snow. You may spending time in front of a cozy fire — or you may be on your hands and knees, mopping up water from a burst pipe, leaking roof or flood.

If the worst happens, insurance can cover your losses. But what’s covered and not covered varies, depending on your policy type. Also, what you do after the damage happens can help or hurt the chances of your home insurance claim being approved.

Keep in mind that insurers view water damage in two broad categories:

1. Water from above (rainstorm, ice storm or leaking pipe).

2. Water from below (floodwater).

Rainstorms and pipe leaks

Water damage is a common reason for filing an insurance claim. Winter storms caused an average of $1.25 billion in annual losses during the past decade, the Insurance Information Institute reports. The average homeowner’s insurance claim for water damage or freezing is nearly $5,900.

Will your water damage be covered? It depends on your policy type, says Rick Kinney, a licensed claims adjuster and owner of the advice site PropertyClaimTips.com.

Some policies cover little besides fire damage. Others include water damage only if it’s cited in the policy. Still others cover water damage as long as it is not specifically excluded in the policy. Read your policy carefully to know what’s covered.

If you experience damage from water or frozen water, you still may not be covered if your insurance company considers you negligent. For instance, if you had a summer home and forgot to drain the pipes when you left, or your pipes are improperly insulated, you may not be covered.

“If you ran out of heating oil or propane, and then your pipes freeze, your insurance will deny your claim,” Kinney says.

One important thing to note if you’re filing a claim for water damage: You’ll need to prove the damage was not caused by a slow leak that’s gone undetected for months or years, says Jeff Reinig, senior vice president for home policies at Farmers Insurance.

“Water damage is covered from a sudden, accidental pipe break, for instance,” Reinig says.

Mold damage is even trickier. Coverage parameters vary by state. As with water damage, the mold must have been caused by sudden water damage, not a gradual buildup.

Flood insurance

If you think your property is in danger of flooding, there’s only one resource for insurance – the federal government. Since 1968, all U.S. flood insurance has been offered through the National Flood Insurance Program, according to Farmers’ Reinig. If you’re in an area prone to flooding, you may be required to obtain flood insurance to secure a home mortgage.

If you’re at risk, it is well worth obtaining coverage. Last year, the National Weather Service reports, coastal storms, flash floods and river flooding caused more than $1 billion worth of combined property damage.

But keep in mind that federal flood insurance has its limits. You can obtain up to $250,000 of building-damage coverage. Meanwhile, coverage for your belongings is capped at $100,000.

Beyond there, you’re out of luck unless your flood is declared a federal disaster, in which case you may be eligible for additional aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Claim tips

For your best chance at getting your water damage claim paid by your insurance, act quickly. Call your insurance agent immediately — many will dispatch a team right away to help minimize damage, Farmers’ Reinig says. If no help is imminent, take photos to document your damage, then take action yourself to stop the problem and begin cleaning up.

“Keep all the evidence, even if you have to pile sopping-wet insulation in the backyard and cover it with a tarp,” Reinig says.

Your home insurer will send an adjuster to estimate the damage and present you with a settlement offer, PropertyClaimTips.com’s Kinney says. If you think your insurer’s estimate is too low, you can hire your own adjuster to do another estimate. The two estimates then go to binding arbitration, and an “umpire” appointed by the two estimators will make a final decision on the payment amount.

An ounce of prevention

The best way to cope with winter water hazards is to take steps to prevent damage. Here are some tips from State Farm Insurance:

Water

• Check for leaks in hoses on your dishwasher, washing machine and refrigerator.

• Watch for evidence of a slow leak, such as warped, discolored or soft flooring, wet spots on the floor or water-damaged cabinets.

• Check pipes under sinks for drips.

• Check bathtubs and showers for failing grout and re-caulk as needed.

• Check for hidden leaks by stopping all water use and recording the meter reading. If the meter reading keeps going up, there may be an undetected leak.

• Make sure all family members know where the water shutoff valve is and how to use it.

Freeze

• If you’re going to be away from your permanent home or summer getaway, ask someone to stop by to check the property.

• Be sure to drain pipes or keep the thermostat on to avoid freezing.

• In extreme cold, keep a small trickle of water running through the faucet.

• Close exterior doors for unheated spaces.

• Install a household water-leak detection system.

–Carol Tice

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If you live in an apartment, there are plenty of ways your belongings could become water damaged. For instance, pipes could burst in your home, or your washing machine could overflow water into your living space. That's why it's important to buy renter's insurance. Without it, you'll be responsible for paying for these damages out of your own pocket.

Although your landlord probably has liability and property damage coverage, you're on the hook for replacing your personal property. Check your rental agreement for the specifics.

Each renter's insurance policy will provide property damage and liability coverage up to a specific dollar amount. It's a good idea to make an inventory of your personal possessions, keeping photos or video and receipts. That way, you won't have to convince a claims adjuster that your brand-new sofa wasn't a hand-me-down futon. Make sure that appliances connected to water lines, like dishwashers and washing machines, are in sound working condition.

Like home insurance, a standard renter's policy will not cover flood damage. Government-backed programs allow you to buy flood insurance, and many insurance companies sell flood riders for existing renter's insurance policies.

A standard renter's policy will pay for temporary housing and transportation while you wait for repairs or seek alternative accommodation. Save all your receipts for expenses due to living away from home so that you can make a successful claim for "additional living expenses."

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1. Do you offer a complete package of restoration services (not just carpet)? A flood damages a lot more than just carpet. There may be structural damage to sub-flooring. There may be warping of baseboards and moldings, as well as damage to walls, furniture, papers, and even electronics depending on the depth of the water. Don't settle for carpet cleaning when you need flood restoration. There's a big difference between the two.

2. How long have you been in business? The best providers have been around for awhile, and have the experience to recognize potential problems. Experience and the proper equipment may also help them to perform a more thorough job in less time

3. Are the technicians adequately trained, full-time professionals? You need more than a subcontractor or temp with a sponge and a bucket!

4. Does the company use industrial strength equipment? It takes more than a ShopVac to clean up after a flood. Professional restorers use water removal equipment as well as dehumidification equipment.

5. Do the technicians use professional gear on a daily basis? The best equipment doesn't matter if the technician can't figure our how to operate it.

6. Are the technicians employed by the flood restoration company or are they merely subcontractors? Employees have more at stake and usually do a better job.

The answers to these questions will go a long way in determining whether or not you are working with a skilled specialist in flood restoration services.

Other Cleaning Services

There are three other types of services that claim to be able to clean up water damage. Internet marketing companies have a website taking calls from everywhere which they then pass on to subcontractors in the Austin area. The company may not be located anywhere Austin, or may only be targeting the area to profit from recent flooding. National franchises are usually fairly new to the area, with little connection or experience. The staff may be new, minimally trained, with little or no real-world experience.

Finally, many carpet cleaning companies advertise themselves as restoration services. But they lack even the basic necessary equipment for water removal and dehumidification. They may have little education or experience. Worst of all, their focus is on carpet, and may not be able to restore personal belongings or furniture.

Your home is your biggest investment. If you've suffered flood damage, you now risk mold and mildew that can injure your family's health and destroy the value of your home. This is the time to call in a professional who can handle all aspects of flood restoration. It just stands to reason.

Arijit Roul has many hobbies and interests. As well being a keen blogger and article writer for many sites, he has also recently created a site focusing on water damage. The site is constantly being updated and has articles such as water damage to read.

Almost certainly it won't. Even if a deluge damaged the house, flood insurance (if you have it) wouldn't be valid because it's technically not a flood.

If you feel up to a challenge, the answer is in your homeowners policy. Beware though that insurance jargon uses ordinary English words in very special ways.

What Is Mold?

Mold is a fungi whose job it is to decompose things. We often think of it as decomposing vegetables, bread and other foods that have been left around but when it gets into your home, mold can decompose your carpets, your drywall, your clothing, your books and any other organic surface in your home.

Mold loves more sure which is why water damage mold is so common in flooded areas. Since mold spores are always present outside, it doesn't take too much for them to get inside you all in all they need is a moist area, some organic material and the temperature of between two and 40°C. Needless to say, you don't have to experience a major flood to get mold in your home.

What To Do

If you have mold in your home whether it's from a simple leak in a pipe or your basement flooding, you want to assess the extent of the damage. Get into the area and see how bad the mold is. If it is excessive, you probably want to check your insurance policy to see if mold damage is covered and then call the insurance company. In many cases a mold remediation company is necessary to remove the mold safely.

If you just have a minor leak at a pipe that has caused a little area of mold that you may be able to remove yourself. The first thing is to be sure of where the mold this. Remember, it can grow on wood, drywall, carpeting, fabrics and books so you want to check to make sure if any of these items around that they do not have mold on them.

When removing the moldy items, you want to be sure that you seal him in a bag so that the mold spores do not become airborne and find another place to grow in your house. If it is a big job, you want to section off the entire area and be sure to have ventilation to the outside. Also, wear protective clothing when cleaning or removing mold as water damage mold can be very hazardous to your health.

Don't let water damage mold ruin your home! Visit http://www.householdmoldguide.com to find out more about getting rid of mold as well as it's health hazards.

Begin by making sure that you are covered in the event of a flood. Check your insurance policy yearly to be sure you are covered. Many policies do not cover flood and you may need a separate policy for this.

If you are unfortunate enough to suffer flood water damage, immediately contact your insurance agent. They may have a company that they work with or can recommend for quality work.

The most important thing to remember is safety. Be sure that all electricity is turned off at the source and wear rubber boots and gloves before entering your home or business.

If there is basement water damage, you will need to use a pump to clear out the water. After the water is removed, use a mop to finish the job. Remove any water soaked items by washing and drying or placing in the garage. This will help to eliminate moisture from the air.

With water damage on the floor, again, remove any wet carpet and padding. The padding may need to be replaced. Dry the carpet and keep it away from the walls. They will absorb moisture and ruin the baseboards and sheet rock. Remove any other wet items out of the house.

When you speak with a water damage company, be sure they can be there within 24-36 hours. Any longer and dangerous mold will begin to grow. It can be difficult and expensive to clean and remove once there.

Flood water damage, if taken care of quickly and by a professional cleaning company doesn't need to ruin all of your possessions. Be sure to use a qualified company and you will have the best chance of recovering your home and business.

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http://waterdamage.synthasite.com/flood-water-damage.phpfor lots of great information.

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For more information see our Why do you need of home insurance? Visit us http://www.halfvalue.com and http://www.halfvalue.co.uk website for more information.

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How do they come up with an estimate?

The contractors take many factors into consideration when calculating the estimate for the repair of your foundation. After they have done their initial inspection, they will asses the damage and determine how long it will take to fix the foundation. Other than the labor cost the estimates will also depend on the type of material will be used, as well as the cause of the damage.

Before committing to one contractor, you should get at least three estimates to compare the cost. However, you should not automatically go for the cheapest estimate. You should take into consideration the type of materials they will use, as well as the contractor's reputation. Sometimes it will be worth it to pay more in order to get a better quality job. Remember, it will cost you more to have the job redone due to inferior work. Another factor that will determine the cost is the area in which the damage is located. Certain areas of the foundation will cost more to repair than others.

When people have their foundation repaired, they typically opt to take on other home repairs at the same time. These services often include pest control, earthquake proofing, and the installation of seismic anchor bolts. These services will cost you more money; however, it will allow you to have all the necessary services done at one time instead of at different times.

Foundation repair will cost a lot of money. Most people require payment plans and/or loans for this kind of problem, though it is a good idea to see if homeowner's insurance will cover some of the expense.

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Unfortunately, one man's catastrophe is another man's problem. This is true especially when dealing with your insurance company over restoration claims. Is it a catastrophe or is it your problem? Is the flood event covered or not?

Most homeowners insurance policies exclude certain types of flooding so it's useful to review your policy before and during the water restoration claims process. If you have National Flood Insurance, you should be prepared with that information as well.

Water damage and restoration claims are subject to all kinds of rules and loopholes and your insurance company knows exactly what they are doing - do you? If you're getting the runaround from your insurance about a restoration claim, don't take their word for it. Read your insurance policy and find out exactly what is covered. You pay your premiums for the service that the insurer provides. When it's time for restoration for a covered loss, you don't deserve to be short changed.

While many water claims are specifically excluded from an insurance policy, not all are. During hurricanes and major storms, some water damage is specifically excluded such as water damage from a storm surge. However, if your roof blows off and the rain damages the interior of your home, then the water restoration would likely be covered. Beware of the insurance agent that wants to classify damage as something other than it is. For example, if the agent claims the water damage is due to storm surge when it's clear that the reason the home is water damaged is because the roof blew off, then stick up for yourself and demand that the adjuster look at the obvious.

In these cases, restoration compensation could be less than what's needed thanks to an insurance adjuster whose eyes are on the bottom line, not what you are entitled to under the terms of your policy. Get a professional involved if you need help. Public insurance adjusters can act on your behalf and get a better settlement offer while specific contractors, such as roofers and rebuilders, can document the damage, make reasonable efforts, and back you up when you're filing a restoration claim.

Your insurance company wants to save a few bucks while you want to make sure that you can restore your property. You are at odds with each other even though you are business partners. Get a third party involved and ensure that your restoration goes the way it should.

By: Mr. Mark Decherd

For more information and other articles by Mark Decherd go to:

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