Water Damage

More claims & insurance terms

• Underpayment

  An underpayment is a claim payment that covers less than the scope of work you can document, whether from missed line items, wrong quantities or a pricing difference. The fix is evidence: photos, measurements and code or manufacturer requirements tied to specific line items, then a written request for the difference.

• Valued Policy Law

  A valued policy law is a state rule that, in a total loss, requires the insurer to pay the policy limit for the insured structure instead of the actual cash value. Only some states have one, most apply it to a total loss of real property and in many states only to fire losses, and the details differ - so check your state's rule and the policy before you rely on it.

• Water Extraction

  Water extraction is the first step of drying a wet building: pumping and vacuuming standing water before air movers and dehumidifiers run. For a claim, log time on site, equipment used and daily moisture readings, because carriers want proof the drying was needed and how long it took.

• Water Mitigation Category

  Water mitigation category is the label for how contaminated the water is, usually clean supply-line water, gray water from a fixture, or black water from sewage or ground water. The IICRC water damage standard defines the categories, and the category drives which materials can be dried in place and which must be removed, so document it before work starts.

• Wind and Hail Deductible

  A wind and hail deductible is a separate deductible, often higher than your general one, that applies only to wind and hail claims. It is usually a percentage of the dwelling limit rather than a flat amount, and it comes off the top of the claim, so figure it before you quote a homeowner.

• Wind claim

  A claim for damage caused by wind, typically lifted shingles, exposed nails, and torn flashing.

Common questions