For property owners, understanding insurance coverage for water and fire damage restoration in Mississippi can be challenging. Often, property owners are left trying to navigate these difficult waters in the aftermath of a disaster. However, you can better prepare for the unexpected by educating yourself ahead of time so that when disaster strikes, you know what coverage you’re entitled to.
Types of Insurance Coverage
Different types of insurance policies may cover water and fire damage restoration in Mississippi. These include homeowners insurance, flood insurance, separate fire insurance policies and renters insurance.
Standard Homeowners Insurance
A standard homeowners Insurance policy commonly includes structural and content damage from fire and smoke. It may also include coverage for water damage resulting from burst pipes and sudden leaks, for example from a rainwater breach during a storm. Coverage typically extends to contents inside the property, such as electronics, furniture, flooring and clothing. In some policies, you may have coverage for temporary housing while the fire and water damage remediation in MS is ongoing.
Know What You’re Covered For
When you purchase any kind of insurance like homeowners insurance, flood insurance, separate fire insurance policies and renters insurance, you may only receive a summary of coverage. Be sure to request a copy of your detailed policy coverage. Then, go over it with a fine-toothed comb so you know exactly what’s covered and what isn’t. A good rule of thumb is that, if it’s not expressly stated, then assume you don’t have that coverage. For instance, water damage from natural disasters, slow leaks and sewer line backups are often excluded from a standard issue homeowners policy.
Get Coverage
Next, for anything important not covered by your primary insurance policy, consider purchasing a policy extension or a separate policy. For instance, flood insurance covers water damage in Mississippi from natural flooding events, including those from heavy rains and overflowing riverbanks. You may also want to compare fire and smoke coverage between your standard homeowners policy and a dedicated fire insurance policy. The separate policy might offer more comprehensive coverage protection.
If you’re a renter, consider buying renters insurance. Be advised that your landlord’s insurance coverage usually does not automatically extend to your personal losses, even if your personal losses were caused by events out of your control, like burst pipes or a fire started by a neighboring tenant.
Documenting Damage and Filing Claims
To document damage, take detailed photos and videos of all affected areas, noting the extent of the damage, and submit these with your claim. Clearly differentiate between water and fire damage, as this can affect how your claim is processed. Retain all communication records between you and your insurance company. Keep all related receipts for repairs or temporary housing.
If you reside in Central or South Mississippi, contact Recon Restoration for water, fire and smoke damage remediation. When disaster strikes, we’re there when you need us most.
