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How do you fight your insurance for classifying a claim as a water claim when it was not caused by water damage and there was no pay out?

Last Updated: 05/12/2010 01:40 PM

That depends on exactly what type of damage you have, and why the insurance company classified it as water damage. This could be a case of the insurance company looking at the underlying cause of the problem rather than the problem itself. For example, if even a small roof leak were found that could cause a prolonged drip inside a wall, it could be classified as water damage.

What you will need to do is contest the classification with the insurance as soon as possible. Provide pictures and expert testimony, such as that provided by a contractor, or property appraiser. State your case in writing, and request an investigation to reevaluate the situation. The more evidence you are able to produce, the better your chances of getting the decision changed will be.

If you have a significant amount of proof that your damage was not caused by water, and the insurance company will not acknowledge the error, you may have to resort to the services of an attorney. This should be used only as a last resort, and you should keep in mind that the the cost of the attorney and any subsequent court costs could substantially reduce your claim even if it is awarded.

Read your policy carefully. Look for any special clauses for damage that can be classified as water damage, such as damage caused by a flood or other natural disaster. Bear in mind, too, that water damage and flood damage are two completely different things, and damage caused by one may not be covered by the other.

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