Water Damage & Insurance Tips: How to File a Claim the Right Way

Water damage can wreak havoc on your home, disrupt your daily life, and lead to thousands of dollars in repairs. In the midst of the stress, filing an insurance claim might feel overwhelming — especially if you’ve never had to do it before.

At PuroClean of Lawrenceville, we know how critical it is to move fast, act smart, and document everything correctly when water damage strikes. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you understand how to document damage, file a claim, and work with your insurer to recover faster and with less hassle.

Step 1: Act Quickly and Safely

The first few minutes after water damage occurs are crucial. The longer water sits, the more extensive — and expensive — the damage becomes.

Here’s what you should do immediately:

• Ensure safety first – Turn off power in flooded areas to prevent electrical hazards. Avoid walking through standing water if the electricity is still on.
• Stop the water source – If the damage is caused by a burst pipe or appliance, shut off the main water supply.
• Call a professional – Contact a certified water damage restoration company like PuroClean of Lawrenceville. We respond 24/7 and begin the drying and mitigation process right away.

Why it matters: Insurance companies expect you to take “reasonable steps” to prevent further damage. Waiting too long may lead to claim denial or reduced compensation.

Step 2: Document Everything Thoroughly

Before cleanup begins, you must gather as much evidence as possible. Your claim will be evaluated largely based on the documentation you provide.

What to document:

• Photos and Videos:
  • Take wide-angle shots of entire rooms and close-ups of damage.
  • Capture wet walls, soaked furniture, flooring, ceilings, and contents.
  • Don’t forget to include the source of the leak (e.g., broken pipe, water heater, etc.).
• Written Notes:
  • Record when the incident happened, what caused it, and what immediate actions you took.
  • Note the extent of the damage and what areas of the home are affected.
• Inventory List:
  • Make a list of damaged items with descriptions, approximate value, and age.
  • Include brand names, serial numbers (if applicable), and receipts if available.
• Mitigation Expenses:
  • Keep receipts for fans, pumps, wet vacs, tarps, and professional services.
  • Document hotel stays or meals if you were displaced from your home.

Pro Tip: Store all your documentation in a cloud folder or shared drive so it’s safe, organized, and easily accessible.

Step 3: Review Your Insurance Policy

Before filing your claim, take time to understand what’s covered — and what’s not. Water damage coverage varies widely between policies.

What to check:

• Type of Policy:
  • Standard homeowners insurance generally covers sudden and accidental water damage (e.g., burst pipe, appliance failure).
  • It typically does NOT cover flood damage (from heavy rain or overflowing rivers) — that requires separate flood insurance through FEMA/NFIP.
  • Sewer backups may require a policy rider or add-on.
• Coverage Limits & Deductibles:
  • Confirm your policy limit for water damage and whether mold remediation is included.
  • Understand your deductible amount — this is what you’ll pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in.

Tip: If you’re unsure about your coverage, contact your insurance agent directly and ask for a plain-language explanation of your water damage coverage.

Step 4: File Your Claim Promptly

Once you’ve documented the damage and reviewed your policy, you’re ready to file your claim. Don’t wait — most insurance companies require you to report damage within a specific timeframe.

How to file:

• Call your insurance provider’s 24/7 claims line or file online via their website/app.
• Be ready to provide:
  • Your policy number
  • Date and cause of the damage
  • Description of the loss
  • Photos, videos, and receipts
• Ask what documentation they need and when an adjuster will visit your property.

What happens next:

• Your insurer will assign a claims adjuster to inspect the damage.
• You’ll receive a claim number — keep this for all future communications.

Pro Tip: Log every conversation with your insurer — include dates, names, and instructions.

Step 5: Coordinate with Your Restoration Company

At this stage, having a restoration company like PuroClean of Lawrenceville on your side can make a huge difference. We don’t just clean up — we help you navigate the insurance process too.

Here’s how we help:

• Initial Inspection & Moisture Mapping – Our certified technicians use advanced tools to identify hidden moisture and damage.
• Estimates & Reports – We provide detailed documentation and repair estimates insurers can use to approve your claim faster.
• Direct Communication with Adjusters – We coordinate directly with your insurance adjuster to avoid delays and miscommunication.
• Full-Service Restoration – From water extraction and drying to mold prevention and repairs, we handle everything.

Bonus: PuroClean is trusted by insurance professionals nationwide — and we’re proud to be the go-to restoration team in Lawrenceville and the greater Gwinnett County area.

What to Expect During the Insurance Claim Process

• Adjuster Inspection: An adjuster may visit your home within a few days to assess the damage.
• Coverage Determination: The insurer reviews your policy and confirms what’s covered.
• Claim Approval: You’ll receive a settlement amount for the covered damage (minus your deductible).
• Restoration Work: Approved repairs begin, and payments are typically issued in phases.

Important: Don’t discard damaged items until the adjuster sees them — unless they pose a safety risk. Store them somewhere dry and safe.

Final Thoughts: Let PuroClean of Lawrenceville Be Your Restoration Partner

Water damage can be a nightmare, but your insurance claim doesn’t have to be. At PuroClean of Lawrenceville, we offer 24/7 emergency service, professional restoration, and hands-on insurance support to help you recover faster.

We serve homeowners, property managers, and real estate professionals throughout Lawrenceville, Grayson, Snellville, Duluth, and surrounding areas.