House Insurance claim for water leak
We had a water leak in our home and called insurance and opened a claim as the water was coming from the floor and cabinets was wet at bottom. Called plumber and got the leak fixed. Restoration company came and demolished dry wall and removed some part of flooring to dry up. Spoke with insurance adjuster and adjuster told estimate provided by Restoration company was approved. Now I have to get the repairs done. Not sure what is the process next, adjuster is not providing any information. This is our first home insurance claim, not sure what is the process from here for repairs, our Insurance(Mercury) is not replying properly and very lazy, worst customer service. For repairs, will insurance pay me? Can I pay for the repair contractor directly and insurance will send check to me? What is the process from here? We have to change flooring, fix dry wall and cabinets. Approx going be $20k
I recommend to don’t pay directly if your insurance company didn’t approve the quote. I’m in the HOA board and we had multiple leaks incidents. All insurance companies try to escape from covering the repair.
How to make them pay then? Who is eventually paying?
Most leaks are paid by insurances (see mu remark about quotes), some are by owner, when insurance denied the coverage. We’re on court right now with one of cases. The insurance denied the coverage for leak through the foundation.
I've had to do this a few times myself. You unfortunately have to drive the process yourself. Get an itemized quote from the contractor, then get that approved by the insurance company before starting work
Once Insurance approve it, Can I start the repairs OR should I wait until the insurance send the check for me + mortgage lender? Mortgage lender will open an escrow account itseems after I endorse the check and send it to lender.
I haven't had any trouble in the past when starting work after insurance approves the quote
Yup- insurance needs to approve the cost of the repairs. You will need to hound them.
Got the quote, did the work myself, redid the entire house. Had to get an attorney at first because the insurance adjuster and the restoration company were in bed with each other and not planning to fix it properly. All it took was one strongly worded letter and the insurance company was happy to cooperate.
Friends family had the same thing. The got a quote which was a value higher than the damages and ended up pocketing the difference lol
Not sure if this is possible, online research says the check for repairs will be send with homeowner + mortgage lender names. Mortgage lender will open an escrow account and provide the funds as repair progress. if home doesn’t have mortgage, then what you said can happen.