Why are so many flood-related insurance claims denied?

When your house floods, you might be left unsure of your next steps. While your immediate action should be focused on drying out the residence and salvaging as much as possible, afterwards you should figure out the best way to pursue an insurance claim. Flood claims are notoriously difficult to succeed on, though, so before putting pen to paper and signing off on one of these claims, it’s imperative that you know why flood-related claims are often denied. Once you do, then you’ll be better positioned to lay out the facts in a light that’s more favorable to your position.

Insurance companies have several avenues to avoid paying out a flood claim. Here are some of the most commonly utilized strategies in these circumstances:

• Your policy didn’t contain a provision covering flood damage.
• The water damage occurred over time and could’ve been stopped sooner.
• The flood was caused by poor maintenance of existing plumbing or drainage systems.
• You didn’t file your claim quickly enough pursuant to the policy’s terms.
• You didn’t properly document the flood and the damage it caused.

What can you do to decrease the chances that your flood-related claim will be denied?

There are several steps that should be taken after a flood. To start, document the flood itself and any resulting damage. Then, review the details of your policy so that you have a full understanding of what’s covered. Then, you can work with your attorney to develop the strongest arguments possible in your claim.

You may need to redouble your efforts if your initial claim is denied, but don’t make the mistake of thinking that an initial denial is the end of the road. On the contrary, you can appeal a claim denial and should speak to your attorney about doing so if you want to protect your interests as fully as possible.