Home or Business Flooded by Recent Storms? Here’s What to Do

Driving rain has resulted in widespread flooding across our region this year. During July and August 2024 alone, there have been a number of severe rain and thunderstorms in the TriState as the hurricane season got underway. While the focus for most home and business owners is the potential for a power outage, many have been shocked to discover flood damage to their premises as well. If your home or business has been inundated by floodwaters, there are a number of steps to take. Before you submit a water damage insurance claim, contact United Public Adjusters & Appraisers. As your storm damage insurance adjuster, we can assist you to take action that will result in a positive outcome- the highest insurance settlement that your policy allows- in as short a time as possible.

When your property is flooded, these are the steps to follow:

• Remove the Water: Arrange to have the water removed as quickly as possible to decrease the potential for mold growth and residual damage, which will increase your property damage costs.
• Document Damage and Asset Losses: Take cell phone photos and video of any and all damages. This is essential especially if flooding has driven you from your premises. Images and video will assist your insurance carrier to have the full scope of the damages reported in your claim.
• Contact United Public Adjusters & Appraisers. We’ll help you to assess and record your damages and assist you in preparing your water damage claim. Our team will review your existing property and business insurance policies as well as check for hidden damages behind walls, ceilings, through wall air conditioning units, etc. If your home/business property is temporarily uninhabitable, we can assist your family/business to find interim housing or office or warehousing space as well. United Public Adjusters & Appraisers’ assistance does not end there. Once your claim has been submitted, we will additionally oversee the processing of your claim. This will be especially helpful when most carriers will be inundated with potentially thousands of water damage insurance claims. As your storm damage insurance adjuster, our goal is to bring about a just settlement offer from your carrier for your losses, as expeditiously as possible. Should you or someone you know require additional services, let them know that we provide assistance as a public adjuster for flood insurance claims as well.

If you have been wondering why the Northeast has been so soggy this year, it is due to a consistent storm track that, when combined with tropical moisture, has brought thunderstorms and driving rain conditions to our region along with flash flooding causing widespread damage to homes, properties, and businesses. In addition to providing invaluable assistance with your water damage claim at your time of greatest need, United Public Adjusters & Appraisers also recommends that you take these additional steps to protect yourself for the remainder of the hurricane season and years to come. While you are waiting for your current situation to be resolved, be sure to take action now to prevent future occurrences. These preventive measures include:

• Purchase flood insurance to protect yourself and your assets from future damage.
• Remove debris from your structure’s gutter system. This way water will wick off the roof rather than pool on its surface and leak into your attics and ceilings causing residual damage.
• Buy a waterproof container or safe to store your important documents, deeds, birth certificates, passports, etc. to keep them dry and undamaged.

Even if you have already submitted a water damage insurance claim or have received a settlement offer that will not cover the cost to rebuild, repair, or replace property damage or loss due to a storm, it is not too late to contact United Public Adjusters & Appraisers. We will be glad to step in and take the reins on your water damage insurance claim to bring about a satisfactory conclusion. To learn more, we invite you to contact our team today.