Water Damage Loss Tips

Make sure everyone is safe and that the structure is safe. If everyone is safe and the structure is safe to enter, take photos and/or videos of the damage. Identify and stop the source of the loss. This is evidence for your potential claim. Make sure the damaged plumbing part does not leave the property or your insurance carrier can deny your claim if it is a covered loss. 

Next, you should call Specialized Restoration Solutions for emergency water damage restoration services. If water mitigation is not started to prevent additional damage, you could lose potential  insurance coverage. Our team will assess the situation and stabilize the structure to prevent further damage. Get all communications with your insurer regarding your claim in writing. Keep paid receipts of everything related to the claim for reimbursement, if covered. Keep track of everyone that you talk to and when you talk to them about your claim. Do not be afraid to ask questions or stand up for your rights as a consumer. Do not hesitate to reach out to the State Insurance Department. They exist to protect you, the consumer in your moment of need. 

Any medical questions or concerns should be addressed by a qualified medical care provider. Any legal or coverage questions or concerns should be addressed by a qualified legal representative. 

Take photos, take videos. I cannot stress this enough. Document everything. Keep track of everyone you talk to when you have a claim and when you talk to them. Get everything in writing, verbal does not work. Keep the plumbing part and all damaged contents until written approval is giving by your carrier. Do not hesitate to ask why something is in your best interest. Stay involved in everything on the claim. 

No. In Arkansas, you have the right to chose and to hire who works on your property. An insurance carrier cannot refuse payment on a claim based on your choice of contractor that you hire. Often  insurance carriers will recommend that you hire a specific contractor, often a preferred vendor. When you hire a preferred vendor you think that they are working for you, when in reality they actually may not be. Find out more here. 

Get all communications regarding your claim in writing. You should ask the insurer, "Will you please put in writing that they (the insurer) will be responsible for any and all additional damages to my structure, systems, and contents that occur due to any delays associated with the time required to gather these estimates and/or getting approval to proceed, including any potential damages associated with potential mold growth that exceeds my coverage limits that would not have occurred if I had not had this loss?" Get all communication regarding your claim in writing. 

It is absolutely critical that whatever caused the loss stays on the property. Do not let your plumber carry the part off the property, save it for your insurance carrier if you have a claim. This is evidence for your claim that you are required to preserve and they can deny your claim if the part leaves the property. Take photos of all the damages.  

The short answer is as long as it takes to return it to a pre-loss condition. There are many factors that impact how long it takes to dry a structure and each structure is unique. Be mindful of contractors who promise to dry structures in 3 to 5 days. 

Your insurance policy is a contract. It is a promise to return your structure  to the condition it was prior to the loss based on the policy language. However, some policy limits may apply.  Any insurance policy questions or concerns should be addressed by a qualified legal representative.

Yes. Specialized Restoration Solutions offers comprehensive mold remediation services. Our team will identify the source of the mold, remove any affected materials, and can thoroughly clean and remediate the area to prevent future growth.

The cost of our emergency services depends on the extent of the damage and the services required to return your structure to pre-loss conditions. A written price list of common charges will be included in our contract and agreed upon in writing. 

We do not offer rebuilding or remodeling services. 

A little background research can save a huge headache down the road. In addition to references, proper licensure, and qualifications, make sure they are insured and bonded. If someone does not have the proper background and training to do the work, should you reasonably expect them to do proper work? 

This could be insurance fraud. Some contractors even offer to discount the cost of work to absorb or cover your deductible in exchange for work. This is commonly seen after disasters from individuals going door to door to pursue work. Contractors have even gone to jail for this. Watch out for this. 

Be mindful of who is referring whom prior to hiring a contractor. Check reviews. Are the referrers actual prior customers, or does the individual making the referral have a financial incentive to recommend a specific contractor? When you hire a preferred vendor, are they working for you? 

Often, some contractors will lowball bids to get work. Are they doing the work necessary to return your structure to pre-loss conditions, or are they cutting corners and hoping they don't get caught? Or are they under pressure from another party to reduce the cost of the services they charge for? 

Be careful with people who are unwilling to put something in writing. Watch out for contractors who will not provide written contracts, do not offer you written work plans, or do not provide written third-party reports. Get everything in writing.