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Water Damage vs Flood Damage: What Is the Difference?
Many people may not realize that water damage and flood damage are actually two different things. While they may seem similar, they are different when it comes to the insurance industry. It is important to know these differences so you are aware of what may be covered and what is not under your insurance policy.
What Is Water Damage?
Water damage is often caused in a residential home due to a plumbing issue or another internal issue within the home. If you see water trickling down the walls or standing water in your basement, it may be due to several internal issues that need to be addressed and repaired.
Some of the more common causes of water damage in a home are due to a burst pipe, an overflowing toilet, a tub or shower leak, a refrigerator or freezer leak, a washing machine leak, a dishwasher leak, a failing HVAC system, or an automatic fire system.
What Is Flood Damage?
Flood damage is often caused by Mother Nature and other external factors like a storm or river. If you are close to a river, you may experience higher waters that lead to flooding in your own backyard. Other external factors that can cause flood damage include rainstorms and overflowing rivers and lakes.
What About Your Property Claim?
If you have experienced flooding or water damage, you may now wonder what it means for your property claim. Sometimes you are required to have a separate flood insurance policy. So, you want to review your insurance policy carefully, especially if you are in an area prone to flooding.
Steps to Take Following Water Damage or Flooding
If you have suffered from water damage or flooding in the home, you need to file a property claim to cover the repair expenses. You must communicate with the insurance company and negotiate as they will try to pay out as little as possible.
Depending on the extent of the damage, you may need the services of a professional water and flood damage cleanup and restoration company. You want to ensure your claim is not undervalued, and you receive the proper compensation to hire the services needed to fix the water damage or clean up following flooding.
Document the Damage
Whether it is internal water damage or damage due to flooding, you need to document everything carefully. Take photos of the property and keep all the receipts for your appliances and furniture and any major repairs you need to make.
Assess the Situation
Water damage and flooding can cause structural and electrical damage, leading to buckling floors, roof damage, foundation cracks, and weakened doors. You may also have to contend with broken appliances, mold and mildew, broken septic or well systems, and bug infestations.
Contact the Experts
If you have water damage or flooding, don’t hesitate to contact an experienced company to come out and assess the extent of the damage.