Water Damage Insurance Claims: 5 Costly Mistakes Salt Lake City Homeowners Make

Water Damage Insurance Claims can be confusing, time-consuming, and, if handled incorrectly, expensive. Every year, thousands of Salt Lake City homeowners face water damage from broken pipes, heavy rains, or faulty appliances, only to discover that their insurance coverage isn’t as straightforward as they thought.

According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), water damage is one of the most common and expensive homeowners’ insurance claims, with an average payout exceeding $12,000 per incident. Yet, many claims are delayed, reduced, or denied due to simple mistakes that could have been avoided.

At PuroClean of Bluffdale, we’ve seen it all, from homeowners who forgot to document the damage to those who unknowingly voided their coverage by starting cleanup too late. This guide explains the five costly mistakes homeowners make when filing water damage insurance claims, and how to avoid them so you can recover faster and stress-free.

Understanding Water Damage Insurance Claims in Salt Lake City

Before diving into the mistakes, it’s important to understand how water damage insurance claims actually work.

Most standard homeowners’ insurance policies cover sudden and accidental water damage, for example, from a burst pipe, appliance malfunction, or a roof leak during a storm. However, gradual or preventable damage, such as leaks from poor maintenance or flooding from outside sources, is usually not covered (National Association of Insurance Commissioners, NAIC).

The key is understanding three major distinctions:

1. Sudden and accidental events → Usually covered.
2. Negligence or gradual leaks → Often excluded.
3. Flooding from natural disasters → Requires separate flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

Pro Tip from PuroClean Bluffdale: Always review your policy before disaster strikes. Understanding what’s covered, and what’s not, can prevent major surprises later.

1. Waiting Too Long to Report the Damage

One of the most common, and costly, mistakes homeowners make with water damage insurance claims is waiting too long to contact their insurer. Many assume they should first clean up the mess or get a contractor’s quote before calling the insurance company.

But delaying notification can backfire. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) advises homeowners to notify their insurance provider immediately after discovering water damage. Waiting even a few days can result in claim denial if the insurer determines that the damage worsened due to delayed action.

Why acting fast matters:

• Insurance companies expect “reasonable care” to mitigate damage.
• Mold can start growing within 24–48 hours (Environmental Protection Agency, EPA).
• Delays can increase your deductible exposure if secondary damage occurs.

What to do instead:

• Report the incident as soon as possible.
• Record the claim number, adjuster’s contact details, and next steps.
• Begin mitigation efforts right away (e.g., shutting off the water source, removing standing water).

PuroClean of Bluffdale offers 24/7 emergency response for water damage. Our quick action not only protects your home, it also ensures you stay compliant with your insurer’s mitigation requirements.

2. Failing to Properly Document the Damage

Filing water damage insurance claims without adequate documentation is another major mistake. Insurers need proof of the damage and its cause to process your claim. Without thorough evidence, you risk receiving a lower payout, or no payout at all.

The Insurance Information Institute (III) emphasizes that detailed documentation is crucial for every insurance claim. This includes:

• Photos and videos of the damage before cleanup begins.
• Notes on affected areas, such as rooms, flooring, and furniture.
• Receipts and invoices for repairs or restoration services.
• A written timeline describing when the damage occurred and when it was discovered.

PuroClean Tip: Use your smartphone to capture photos and videos from multiple angles. Date-stamp your images or videos to strengthen your claim evidence.

Additionally, keep damaged materials (like flooring or insulation) until your adjuster has inspected them. This serves as physical proof of the extent of the loss.

3. Trying to Handle the Cleanup Alone

Many homeowners attempt DIY cleanup before calling professionals, thinking it will save time or money. Unfortunately, this is one of the biggest mistakes when filing water damage insurance claims.

Improper cleanup can lead to hidden moisture, mold growth, and even voided insurance coverage. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) states that professional restoration should begin within 24 hours to prevent long-term damage (IICRC).

Why DIY cleanup can hurt your claim:

• You may accidentally discard evidence needed by the adjuster.
• Incomplete drying can cause mold, leading insurers to deny secondary damage claims.
• Insurance companies may reduce coverage if professionals weren’t called promptly.

What to do instead:

• Call a certified restoration company like PuroClean of Bluffdale immediately after reporting your claim.
• Let professionals handle extraction, drying, and moisture detection.
• Request detailed documentation of all restoration steps, this helps your claim move smoothly.

PuroClean Advantage: We work directly with your insurance adjuster, providing photos, moisture readings, and restoration reports to ensure your claim is processed quickly and accurately.

4. Not Understanding the Difference Between Coverage Types

Another mistake many Salt Lake City homeowners make is misunderstanding what kind of water damage insurance coverage they actually have.

As mentioned earlier, standard homeowners’ policies cover sudden and accidental damage, but not flooding. Yet, many homeowners assume flood-related losses are covered, only to face devastating out-of-pocket costs.

According to FEMA, flood damage is excluded from nearly all homeowners’ insurance policies. To be protected, you must purchase flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

Similarly, sewer backups and sump pump overflows often require optional endorsements or “add-ons” to your policy. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) advises reviewing your policy annually and discussing additional riders with your insurance agent.

Examples:

• Covered: Burst pipe from freezing, sudden appliance malfunction.
• Not covered: Gradual leaks, groundwater seepage, natural flooding.
• Optional coverage: Sewer or sump pump backups.

PuroClean Insight: Don’t wait for an emergency to discover a coverage gap. PuroClean can help identify your property’s vulnerabilities, such as basement flooding risks, and advise on how to strengthen your insurance protection.

5. Neglecting to Communicate Clearly With Your Insurance Adjuster

Filing water damage insurance claims requires consistent, clear communication with your insurance adjuster. Many claims get delayed, or denied, because homeowners fail to follow up or misunderstand documentation requests.

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) suggests keeping a communication log for every insurance claim (NAIC). This should include:

• The date and time of every conversation.
• The name and title of the person you spoke with.
• A summary of what was discussed or promised.

Poor communication can cause missed deadlines, duplicate submissions, and confusion about coverage limits.

What to do instead:

• Respond promptly to all adjuster emails or calls.
• Submit requested documents within stated time frames.
• Ask for written confirmation of all coverage decisions.

PuroClean of Bluffdale frequently assists homeowners by working directly with insurance adjusters. We ensure documentation is complete, deadlines are met, and communication stays transparent, reducing stress for homeowners during the claim process.

How PuroClean of Bluffdale Supports You Through Water Damage Insurance Claims

Filing water damage insurance claims can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. At PuroClean of Bluffdale, we specialize in guiding homeowners through every step, from initial inspection to full restoration.

Here’s how we help:

1. Immediate Response (24/7): We’re available day or night to begin mitigation and prevent further damage.
2. Damage Assessment: Our technicians document every detail with photos, readings, and reports to support your claim.
3. Direct Insurance Coordination: We communicate directly with your adjuster, providing complete documentation for faster approvals.
4. Professional Restoration: We use industrial-grade drying, cleaning, and deodorization equipment to restore your property to pre-loss condition.
5. Post-Restoration Support: We help ensure your claim is closed smoothly and your property remains protected.

Local Expertise: Because we’re based in Bluffdale and serve all of Salt Lake City, we understand the region’s unique weather patterns, from heavy fall rains to winter pipe bursts. This local insight helps us anticipate and prevent common claim issues for Utah homeowners.

Avoiding Mistakes = Faster Claims + Peace of Mind

When it comes to water damage insurance claims, preparation and precision make all the difference. By avoiding the five mistakes outlined above, waiting too long, under-documenting, DIY cleanup, misunderstanding coverage, and poor communication, you can protect both your property and your payout.

Working with trusted professionals like PuroClean of Bluffdale ensures you not only get fast restoration but also have a reliable partner advocating for you with your insurer.

Remember: insurance exists to help you recover, but it’s up to you to file correctly and act quickly. With expert help, you can turn a stressful disaster into a smooth recovery.

Your Trusted Partner in Water Damage and Insurance Restoration

Water damage can happen suddenly, but claim success depends on what you do next.

By understanding your policy, documenting thoroughly, and calling professionals immediately, you’ll avoid the pitfalls that delay or deny coverage. PuroClean of Bluffdale is here 24/7 to guide you every step of the way, from emergency cleanup to insurance coordination and full recovery.

If you’ve experienced water damage in Salt Lake City, don’t delay. Contact PuroClean of Bluffdale at (801) 254-6204 today or visit our website, for immediate assistance and expert claim support.

Filing a water damage insurance claim in Salt Lake City? Don’t make costly mistakes. Call PuroClean of Bluffdale at (801) 254-6204 today for 24/7 help, professional restoration, and claim guidance you can trust.