Perhaps the most important thing to note before filing a claim for flooding is the importance of first determining what constitutes flooding in your insurance policy. Not all flooding in one’s home necessarily constitutes flooding for the purpose of insurance matters. Instead, for insurance purposes a flood often refers to the overflow of a body of water. Other flooding that causes damage to a home, for reasons such as a broken sump pump, for example, may instead be considered water damage for purposes of insurance coverage.

This means that while filing an insurance claim for flooding due to sump pump problems could lead to a denial, filing it as water damage could be successful.

Other things can help an initial insurance claim be accepted. For example, generally, sticking only to the facts you know to be true is a good approach. Offering opinions as to what happened without knowing for sure could unwittingly lead to a denial of claims.

Of course, as we mentioned earlier it may be able to challenge a denied claim. In general, this approach focuses on the specifics of not only the incident that prompted the damage but of the insurance policy as well. Because these disputes can be complex, for many it is a good idea to work with a lawyer who handles insurance matters.

Source: NASDAQ, “Filing a Claim? Here’s What Not to Say to Your Insurer,” Brian O’Connell, Accessed Oct. 24, 2014

Has Your Home Insurance Company Denied Or Undervalued Your Property Damage Claim In Florida?

If your insurance company is dragging their feet regarding your property damage claim you should speak with an experienced insurance claim lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Florida law office directly at 800.451.6786 to schedule your free consultation. We help Florida residents just like you fight the big insurance companies who fail to abide by their own policies. Remember, we work on a contingent basis, meaning you don't pay us anything until we win your case. 

K.C. Williams III
Managing Partner who has spent his entire career representing Florida insurance and personal injury claims.