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Water is something that we all can’t live without, it covers over 70% of the earth.  It is ironic that water also causes around 70% of all insurance claims.  Heavy, torrential rains, hurricanes, winter storms, and flood all are culprits of water damage.  Having water in your home is very stressful expensive for homeowners, property owners, and even the insurance companies.

Although it is somewhat common for a homeowner to find themselves with some water damage at one time or another, not all kinds of water damage are covered by insurance.  For example, if there is a rainstorm and rivers overflow and floods your basement, such an event is not covered in a regular homeowner’s Flood coverage is an add-on service you must purchase separately in many instances.

It also makes a difference on how the flooding occurred.  If a homeowner has a standard insurance policy and the water damage occurred because a tornado ripped off the roof, then your insurance will would take care of the water damages associated with the claim.  However, if it happened due to a storm surge, there’s a chance it won’t be covered.

Flooding and Natural disasters cause water-related insurance losses on a regular basis.  They are covered in the news quite often.  $40 billion dollars worth of damage in Hurricane Katrina is a shocking number.  On a smaller scale, there are practically daily water related insurance claims that amount to significant losses of money and property lost each year.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, “water damage and freezing claims occur about 1.5 times for each 100 home owner’s policies per year”.  That average is much higher than other homeowner claims like fire or theft.

There are ways to prevent some of these water damage claims.  You cannot control natural disasters, but you can prevent other types of water claims with regular maintenance.  Inspect your basement and roof on a regular basis.If you stay on top of home repairs, the odds of something catastrophic like water damage are smaller.  You can also clean out your gutters, which will help the water drain off of your roof.

It is important to utilize some tools to prevent damage as well.  If you live in a colder climate, insulate your water pipes.  It will make a big difference in them not freezing and bursting. You can also run your water very slowly overnight when it is really cold, or leave cabinets open by pipes.  If you live in a place where there are earthquakes, strap in your water heater.

You can also buy a sump pump and keep it handy in your basement.  You could hire a service to slant your lawn so water doesn’t collect against your house. Educate all members of your family how to turn off the main water shut-off valve, it is important to take action quickly if a problem is spotted.

Water is essential.  We can’t live without it.  It flows through our oceans and through our homes.  It is important to remember the disaster that water can cause, take preventative measures, and remember how to file a water damage claim if needed.

(C) Joe Brennan is President and owner/operator of Insurance Claims Group, Inc., a national independent adjusting, appraisal, and umpiring firm. We will answer your claim questions FREE as part of our FREE Insurance Claim Consulting Service – Ph: 919-669-9111 . Insurance Claim Help and questions about Independent Appraiser Services is available by visiting Insurance Claims Group | Insurance Appraisal Services | Insurance Appraisal Process | Insurance Appraisal Umpire | Fire Insurance Claims