A colleague of ours, Rachel Painter, mentioned that she used to be the assistant to an insurance claims adjuster. Those are the people who investigate insurance claims on behalf of the insurance companies, to determine the extent of their liability (how much they have to pay you). We asked if, based on her unique experience, she would share any advice with our readers, and to our delight she obliged! Here is what she thinks is important for homeowners who need to replace a damaged floor.

Preparing for a new floor...

Whether due to accidents or natural disasters, replacing damaged flooring can be a costly endeavor. When faced with this situation, you may be eligible for a reimbursement on your flooring replacement expenses if you have homeowners insurance. By properly filing a claim and obtaining a refund, you could really offset the financial burden associated with many flooring repairs.

Following these six tips will help you work toward as smooth and successful an insurance claim process as possible, allowing you to minimize your out-of-pocket expenses while you restore the beauty and functionality of your home.

1. Document the Damage:

Before cleaning, removing or replacing any damaged flooring, take detailed photographs and videos that clearly depict the extent of the damage. If you’re not sure you’ve got it covered, take more. Shoot from different angles. Get close, get far, move your lighting around – less is not more here. This is crucial evidence, which will support your claim and help ensure a fair assessment by the insurance company.

2. Keep Your Documents:

As you go through this process, keep all records of any related expenses, such as professional assessments or temporary repairs, which may also be reimbursable. It is also important to keep records of all communication with your insurer and to provide any required documentation promptly. When filing an insurance claim, documentation will be key.

3. Understand What Your Policy Covers:

Prior to filing a claim, it is important to ensure that your policy covers the kind of damage that has occurred. Read it carefully to assess the exact coverage, whether your floor damage is eligible for a claim, and any limits or exclusions that may apply regarding repairs or replacements.

Some homeowners get independent legal advice to understand their rights and responsibilities, because it is so crucial to be familiar with the terms and conditions related to property damage, repair coverage, and claim limits. Review your homeowner's insurance policy thoroughly before filing the insurance claim for your floor replacement.

4. Be Aware of Depreciation and Deductibles:

Depreciation refers to the decrease in the value of your home and its components over time, and insurance companies may factor it into their reimbursement calculations. The return on an older floor or for an older home might be less than what you’d get for a newer floor in a newer home. Your policy may also have a deductible. This is the amount you must pay before your insurance coverage begins. Understand how depreciation and deductibles may impact your claim settlement, and prepare accordingly.

5. Notify Your Insurance Company:

Promptly report the flooring damage to your insurance company by contacting the claims department. Provide them with a detailed description of the incident. Include the date, time, and cause of the damage. Follow their instructions regarding the claim submission process and provide all requested documentation, including your pictures and videos, where requested, to avoid any delays or complications.

6. Obtain Multiple Quotes:

To accurately estimate the cost of replacing your damaged flooring, obtain multiple quotes from reputable contractors. Get recommendations from friends, family, a review website that has your confidence, or other professionals you trust to find reliable, local flooring specialists who can provide detailed quotes.

Staying local is important because your flooring specialists will know your area, not just how and where to best get materials, but how important factors like water tables, humidity and temperature levels can affect a new installation. This can differ not only from state to state, but from city to city.

Having multiple quotes will allow you to compare prices and ensure that you are not overcharged for the repairs. Present these quotes to your insurance company to support the reimbursement request.

Conclusion:

When replacing flooring, there are several important factors to consider. Safety and durability should always be the top priorities, but so is the cost. It is essential to begin by documenting the damage thoroughly, understanding your insurance policy, notifying your insurance company promptly, obtaining multiple quotes, and considering limitations, exclusions, depreciation and deductibles in calculating your expected reimbursement.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can ensure that the insurance claim process goes as smoothly as possible and that you receive the maximum benefit for your flooring replacement.

Go from Bad to Better

The bad news is you’ve had a crisis. The good news is that you’re getting a brand new floor. New flooring can bring a multitude of new benefits that can enhance both the aesthetic appeal and functionality of your space. It has the power to transform the overall ambiance, bringing a fresh and updated look to any room. Whether it's elegant hardwood, sleek laminate, all at hard to beat outlet prices, new flooring adds a touch of sophistication and style, and Floors to Your Home offers an unusually wide selection of flooring options, including a variety of kinds of waterproof floors.

Modern flooring options are also designed to be  highly durable and easy to maintain, saving both time and effort in cleaning and upkeep. They are often resistant to stains, scratches, and wear, making them ideal for high-traffic areas. This used to be a particular strength of Laminate Flooring, but it’s more and more a feature of all categories of flooring.

New flooring can also contribute to improved indoor air quality, as increasingly, many materials are eco-friendly and  hypoallergenic, reducing the presence of dust, allergens, and pollutants.

Any investment in new flooring is a worthwhile endeavor that not only enhances the visual appeal of your home, but also elevates comfort, durability, and overall livability within a space.

Talk to a flooring specialist at Floors to Your Home today to find the best deals on your flooring selection. And it’s your selection that interests us. We have too many options to want to push this or that floor; we want to help you find what you need, and what you want in your home. That’s why we’re specialists, not sales people.

Other posts like this one: 

Properly Handling Your Flooring Installers  

Acclimating Your New Floors (this is essential!)  
 

Follow Team Floors To Your Home on  Facebook