Getting a Settlement on Water Damage Claim

Flooded Basement Cost

It's been roughly one year since the basement of Frank and Joan Pomellittos' home in Boulder City, Nevada was flooded by a water valve that was stuck and running for three days. Mold had developed and the cost to repair the basement was not covered by their insurance company. Having to fix the problem themselves put a dent in the couple's savings. A year of negotiation with the city insurance carrier, Nevada Public Agency Insurance Pool, and the landscaping and irrigation company responsible for the stuck valve, CEDCO Landscape, has yet to end in an agreed settlement to reimburse the Pomellittos. The couple is still waiting to be reimbursed for the $27,000 they spent to repair their home.

Homeowners Insurance

This situation could happen to many homeowners. In order to protect yourself, read the fine print in your homeowner's insurance policy, especially concerning water damage and renter's insurance. Your insurance may cover damages from storms, or broken windows and doors caused by natural disasters, but long terms damage from plumbing leaks, appliances that use water, and floods are often ignored. The cost of repair depends on the severity of the damage, and should always be done by professionals. Many insurance policies will not cover any damage done by a nonprofessional trying to fix a leak.

Photos

Always notify your Insurance carrier about any floods, water damage, or other incidents that could cause problems, and take photos of your property. Keep a photographic inventory of everything in your home ranging from TVs, VCRs, DVD players, jewelry, furniture, and anything else of value. Before and after photos of the damaged area for any claims filed can be useful, because water damage can be costly to you whether you have insurance or not.