With freezing temperatures upon us it is more important than ever to be aware of the impact water damage can have on your home or property and take the proper steps to fix an issue without getting skimped by insurance companies. As a homeowner, approaching your insurance company directly about a water damage problem may lead to unnecessary fees or you might not get the full coverage amount to repair the issue. By going through a professional contractor such as JMC, you can be armed with the right knowledge for the coverage you want and we will even help negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.
Remove and Replace vs. Aesthetic Repair
The primary difference between handling your own claim with your insurance agency or accepting assistance from a contractor is our knowledge of the building process and the materials that must be handled. Insurance companies, especially large ones, are handling hundreds or thousands of claims at a time and are less likely to take out the necessary time to properly assess an issue. At JMC, our focus is attacking the root of the damage and getting the job done right from beginning to end. As an example, upon finding water damage an insurance company may mistakenly put in a claim for a wall repair when more work is necessary. When a wall and insulation becomes wet, a simple repair will not do the trick as the area cannot be salvaged and can potentially grow mold. The issue needs to be addressed as a “Remove and Replace” situation rather than an “Aesthetic Repair” job. Insurance companies may wrongfully undermine the knowledge of the homeowner to keep costs of repair down. However, this will only lead to bigger problems and more expensive claims in the future.
Our aim is not to demean all insurance companies, as this malfeasance is not to be said of all agencies and representatives. Nonetheless, it is beneficial to have another set of knowledgeable eyes to assess important issues that affect your home and your family. We at JMC are committed to getting the job done right the first time and to take all precautionary measures to avoid similar problems in the future. In the end, we are saving both you and your insurance company time and money.
