Should You Wait For An Insurance Adjuster After Storm Damage?

1/16/2020 (Permalink)

When storm affects the interior of the structure we want to make sure our personal items do not suffer secondary damages and we have to react fast.

If you have experienced damage to your home after a storm in Malibu/Topanga Canyon/ Pacific Palisades, and you are working on filing a flood insurance claim, you might think that the best thing to do is to wait for an adjuster to arrive. However, this might not be such a good idea. Here are just a few reasons why.

1. You Might Be Waiting for a While

During a large storm or a disaster, there will likely be many people who have suffered water damage to their homes or buildings. Because of this, it might take a while before an adjuster is able to get to you. There will be quite a few people who are in the same situation that you are, so waiting might not be reasonable.

2. Water Damage Will Only Get Worse

While you are waiting for an adjuster to arrive, the water will continue to affect your house and belongings. If the water is not removed and the building cannot dry out, you will end up with a much larger problem to deal with. When it is exposed to water for long periods of time, wood can begin to warp and may end up rotting which can affect the structure of the building. Mold damage can occur quickly as well and may begin to spread within 24 hours.

3. It Can Affect Your Insurance Claim

In some cases, doing nothing to prevent further damage can affect the results of your flood insurance claim. You might not be approved for as much as you would have otherwise, and your claim might be denied altogether. Paying for repairs on your own can be expensive, so you want to avoid this if possible.
Instead of waiting for your flood insurance adjuster, the best thing to do after a storm is to document the damage. Take pictures and make lists of affected areas and items to provide as evidence. Once this has been done, a cleanup and water restoration service can begin mitigation to prevent the damage from worsening while you wait to file your claim.