What should I do if I have water damage?

What should I do if I have water damage?

First of all, you need to identify the source of the leak and prevent further damage by cutting off the general water supply.


From then on you must respect a period of 5 working days to complete an amicable report. If you do not have one, ask your insurer for one. This type of document is free of charge and therefore cannot be billed to you.


If the leak is coming from your home, remember to check whether any damage related to the leak has occurred at your neighbours' homes. If this is the case, the injured party will have to appear on the joint report and receive a copy.


On the other hand, if you notice traces on your floors, walls or ceiling that could be linked to water damage, immediately look for the origin of the leak, the person responsible for it and together fill out an amicable report.


If the source of the leak comes from communal areas, the third party responsible to be named on the joint report is the co-ownership association.


Please ensure that all the information requested is correctly completed, then forward the form intended for you to your insurer. Depending on the damage and the situation, the latter will appoint an expert or a service company to ascertain the extent of the loss.


If the damage is minor, some insurers may offer you a reciprocal agreement known as "de gré à gré" in which you are offered a sum of money in return for repairing the damage yourself. You can accept or refuse this proposal.


Whatever the amount of damage, you retain the choice of repairer. If you wish to involve a craftsman of your choice, be aware that your insurer may ask you to compensate the craftsman's service and reimburse you for the costs incurred on receipt of the receipted invoice.


Reimbursement times by your insurer can often take 2 to 3 weeks after receipt of the receipted invoice. If you have the opportunity, it's best to use a repairer approved by your insurer to avoid any advance costs.


Published Author Certis Software