Experiencing water damage in our home can be one of the most stressful and overwhelming challenges. The aftermath of unwanted water intrusion often brings confusion and stress, requiring us to make urgent decisions and seek professional water restoration in Queensland.
Queensland homeowners face a common pitfall when completing their water damage insurance claims. Too many of them make the same mistake that can delay or even jeopardise the claim process. Understanding the right approach is essential to ensure your water damage insurance claim is approved smoothly, avoiding costly setbacks.
As your dedicated and experienced water damage restoration specialists, the Pircsa team is standing by to provide exceptional water damage restoration in Queensland once everything is documented.
The Critical Mistake: Cleaning Up Before Documenting
The biggest mistake flood-affected homeowners make is:
- Rushing to clean up before documenting the damage.
While it’s natural to want to restore our homes quickly, especially in the fight to avoid mould and mildew, insurance providers often reject claims if there’s insufficient proof of the damage.
Photos or video evidence taken after cleanup and water damage repair in Queensland don’t reflect the full extent of the situation. This can result in an insurance claim being rejected due to a lack of proper documentation.
Delaying documentation until after the water has been cleaned up can be the difference between an approved claim and a rejected one. The key is to capture clear evidence of the water’s impact before engaging Queensland water damage services, including:
- Structural damage
- Affected possessions
- Any signs of floodwater or leaks
Your 3-Step Damage Documentation Plan
Proper documentation is the most effective way to prevent insurance disputes. Follow this simple three-step plan to document water damage for insurance before undertaking any flood damage restoration in Queensland:
- Capture the damage on video
Before touching anything, walk through and video each affected area of the property, capturing:- The source of the water
- Damage to walls, floors, and ceilings
- Any belongings affected
Having video evidence provides clear video proof of flood damage in case questions or disputes arise.
- Take detailed photos
Snap as many photos as you need to capture all aspects of the damage incurred:- Include both wide-angle shots and close-ups.
- Highlight everything from warped flooring and soaked furniture to waterlines on walls.
These images serve as irrefutable evidence, making it easier for insurers to understand the extent of your loss.
- Make an accurate inventory
Create a detailed list of all damaged items, noting their:- Condition
- Brand
- Estimated value
This itemised list is a clear, organised record of your losses, simplifying discussions with your insurance provider.
What to Do After You’ve Documented Everything
Once you’ve recorded all the necessary evidence, promptly:
- Contact your insurer to lodge your claim
- Provide your videos, photos, and inventory as supporting documentation.
- While waiting for assessment, contact a professional restoration company to prevent further damage.
Knowing what to do after documenting water damage helps protect your property and supports a smoother claims process.
If you have any questions about water damage restoration in Queensland or require expert assistance, please explore our user-friendly site today, and don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss your options. Our home water damage specialists in Queensland will gladly guide you through the recovery process and ensure your insurance claim is adequately supported.
