SERVPRO Takes A Look At Water Damage vs. Flood Damage

8/3/2020 (Permalink)

Potential flooding can occur from a hurricane passing through Georgia

When homeowners call about restoration damage to their property, they need to know that water damage and flood damage are not interchangeable. Water and flood damage are different from one another. 

Mistaking the two can be costly when the homeowner tries to file a water damage claim for flooding, filing for a flood is a different claim altogether.

Aswell, flood insurance and water damage insurance are two different things. We have heard terrible stories about insurers getting out of paying for the claim by proving that a homeowner's insurance type does not cover the damage that the property has undergone. 

Breakdown of flood and water damage insurance

Flood Insurance

Flood insurance is separate from homeowner's insurance. Properties that are near an area that is prone to flooding, the homeowner, will be required to buy a separate flood insurance policy. 

Flood insurance covers flood damage to the house's foundation, appliances, carpeting, paneling, and electrical and plumbing systems. 

Water Damage Insurance

Water damage is typically covered under homeowner's insurance, but you should read your policy carefully to determine what kind of water damage your insurer will pay. Typically, water damages are caused by severe rainstorms, pipes bursting, or a hailstorm that breaks your windows and allows water to intrude into your home.

What Is the Difference Between Water Damage and Flood Damage

To quickly differentiate the difference between flood damage and water damage, remember that only one home typically suffers from water damage. On the contrary, when flood damage occurs, multiple surrounding homes suffer from the same problem. 

Black Water Flood damage is a result of the following causes:

• Water overflowing from tidal waters or inland waters. 
• Water runoff from a mountains 
• Mudflow from hills

Similarities Between Water Damage and Flood Damage

Both water damage and flood damages cause structural damage and damage to your personal belongings. The water restoration cleaning process is similar for both types of damages. 

Documentation is essential when filing a claim for water or flood damage. SERVPRO will follow the following step to ensure your insurance company processes the claim:

• Taking pictures and videos of the damage
• Listing the damaged items in your home
• Contacting your insurance company
• Estimating using Xactimate (Prefered estimating software for insurance claims)

Filing a claim for restoration damages 

Typically speaking, homeowner's insurance doesn't cover damages caused by flooding. If you fear that your home is susceptible to flooding, we suggest that you purchase separate flood insurance directly through the federal government's National Flood Insurance Program, also known as the NFIP.

SERVPRO of North Fulton is here to help our residents file any restoration insurance claims. We know the ins and outs of home insurance claims and will look over your policy to ensure you are adequately covered as well as help you get the most out of your insurance claim. If your home has recently suffered from water or flood damage, please call us at (770) 992-2777. We are available 24/7 for all emergency restoration damages. 

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