To file a water damage insurance claim, document the damage thoroughly with photos and video before cleanup, report the claim to your insurer promptly, and take reasonable steps to prevent further damage (which your policy requires) — keeping receipts for anything you spend. The insurer will assign an adjuster to inspect the loss and estimate the payout. Keep detailed records of damaged property, get a professional restoration assessment, and review any settlement carefully before accepting it.
A smooth claim starts with documentation. Before you clean up or throw anything away, photograph and video the standing water, the damaged areas, and every affected belonging. This evidence is the backbone of your claim — once you clean up, the proof of how bad it was is gone.
Report promptly, and understand your duty to mitigate. Insurance policies require you to take reasonable steps to stop ongoing damage — shutting off the water, removing standing water, starting to dry the space. Failing to mitigate can reduce or jeopardize your payout. Keep receipts for emergency expenses, tarps, equipment rental, or professional water removal, since these are often reimbursable.
The insurer assigns an adjuster to inspect and estimate the loss. It helps to be prepared: a written inventory of damaged items with their approximate value, your photos, and ideally an independent estimate from a restoration company. The adjuster’s estimate drives the offer, so having your own documentation gives you a basis to discuss it.
Review the settlement carefully. Make sure it accounts for all the damage, including hidden moisture in walls and floors that a restoration professional can identify. If the offer seems low or misses damage, you can provide additional documentation and ask for a re-inspection before accepting.
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What should I do before filing a water damage claim?
Document everything with photos and video before cleanup, and take reasonable steps to stop further damage (your policy requires this). Keep receipts for any emergency expenses.
Do I have to prevent further damage myself?
Yes — policies require you to mitigate, meaning take reasonable steps to stop ongoing damage like shutting off water and removing it. Keep receipts, as these costs are often reimbursable.
Should I get my own estimate?
It helps. An independent restoration estimate gives you a basis to compare against the adjuster's figure and to make sure hidden damage is accounted for.