How to File an Insurance Claim for Water Damage

Most standard homeowner insurance policies cover "sudden and accidental" water damage. This includes burst pipes, appliance malfunctions (washing machine overflow, water heater failure), and water damage from ice dams or storms.

What is typically not covered: gradual leaks, lack of maintenance, flood damage (requires separate flood insurance), and sewer backup (often requires a separate rider). If you are unsure about your coverage, review your policy before an emergency happens — or call your agent for a quick walkthrough of your water damage coverage.

Before cleaning up or making any repairs, document everything. Take photos and video of all damaged areas, including the source of the water if visible. Photograph damaged personal property — furniture, electronics, clothing, documents.

Create an inventory of damaged items with approximate values and purchase dates. This inventory is the foundation of your claim. Insurance companies process claims faster when documentation is thorough from the start.

File your claim as soon as possible — most policies require "prompt" notification. Call your insurance company's claims line (not your agent's personal number) to initiate the claim. You will receive a claim number and be assigned an adjuster.

Write down the claim number, the adjuster's name and direct phone number, and any reference numbers. Ask about your policy's deductible and coverage limits. Ask whether your policy covers additional living expenses (ALE) if you need to temporarily relocate during restoration.

Your insurance policy requires you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage. This means stopping the water source, removing standing water if you can, and starting basic drying. Failure to mitigate can result in denied claims for additional damage.

Keep receipts for any emergency supplies or services you purchase for mitigation. These costs are typically reimbursable under your policy. Do not make permanent repairs until the adjuster has inspected the damage — temporary measures and emergency mitigation are fine.

A professional restoration company documents damage using industry-standard methods that insurance companies recognize. At RestoWorks, we provide detailed moisture readings, photo documentation, and itemized scope-of-work reports that align with insurance requirements.

We work directly with insurance adjusters and can answer their technical questions about the damage and the restoration process. This streamlines your claim and reduces the back-and-forth between you, your insurer, and the restoration team.

Do not throw away damaged items before the adjuster sees them or you have photographed them thoroughly. Do not make permanent repairs before claim approval. Do not accept the first settlement offer without reviewing it carefully against your documentation.

Do not sign a blanket assignment of benefits (AOB) to any contractor without understanding what you are signing. And do not wait to file — delays in reporting can result in reduced payouts or denied claims. The sooner you file, the sooner you can move forward with restoration.