6 Questions To Ask Your Insurance Adjuster After Water Damage
3/6/2023 (Permalink)

If you've had a water loss, it's normal to have a million questions. You want to know whether or not you're covered for this loss and if there are any changes that might affect the timeline of repairs. Your adjuster should be able to answer all of these questions and more in order for you to reach a fair settlement agreement with their company.
Can you explain my policy and coverage?
When you call your insurance company to report water damage, they will send out an adjuster to assess the damage and determine how much it will cost to fix.
The first thing they'll do is explain what is covered by your policy and what isn't. They may also tell you about any deductibles or exclusions that apply in this situation, such as flooding caused by sewer backup or burst pipes that weren't installed properly.
If there are subrogation clauses or other terms that could affect your claim, it's important for them to explain those too so there are no surprises later on when it comes time for payment processing (e.g., "We won't pay for repairs until you've paid us back for damages done by previous residents").
What is your estimate for this damage?
You should receive an estimate from your insurance adjuster. The estimate should be based on an actual inspection of your property, not just a few photos you send them. The adjuster should also provide a detailed explanation of how they calculated their estimate and why it was necessary for them to take this approach.
The most important thing for you to do when working with an insurance adjuster is to ask questions! Make sure that you understand everything about the process before signing anything or making any decisions about how much money will be paid out by the company as part of their coverage agreement.
When can I expect an advance for my loss?
It is best to ask for an advance as soon as possible, because it may take time for the adjuster to determine the amount of your loss. It is also important to receive an advance in order to go forward with the mitigation and restoration process. Advances are usually paid within 14-60 days of the loss. They are usually based on the amount of damage to your home and whether you have already received any other insurance payments.
How long will it take to repair my home?
How long it will take to repair your home depends on the extent of the damage. If there's only minor damage and you have a contractor ready to start work right away, it might not take more than a few days or weeks. However, if there's significant damage that requires extensive repairs and rebuilding, then this process could take months.
It's important to have an idea of how long it will take to repair your home so you can plan ahead and make arrangements for alternative housing or accommodations while repairs are being made. You can ask your insurance adjuster for an estimate of how long it will take to repair your home after a water damage event occurs; however, keep in mind that this estimate may change depending on several factors.
When will we be able to go back into our home?
When you're dealing with water damage, it's important to know when you can go back into your home. The answer depends on a few factors:
- How long it takes to clean up the mess and repair any damage
- How long it takes for mold to grow in your house
- How long do construction companies need to finish their part of the job
Asking your insurance adjuster this question can give you more insight into when you can plan to return to your home.
Who do I reach out to if I have any more questions?
If you have additional questions or concerns, the adjuster should be happy to answer them for you. It is important to receive the proper contact information from the adjuster so that you can easily contact them with any additional questions.
To help speed up the process, ask for copies of your estimate, policy, and any other documentation that may be relevant to your claim.
If you find yourself in a situation where your home has been damaged by water, it's important to understand what the insurance process is and what questions to ask. Your adjuster will be able to help you navigate through this difficult time, so don't hesitate to ask questions or voice concerns about your coverage.