Did you know a single hidden leak could cost you thousands in repairs before you even spot the damage? What would you do if water started pouring through your ceiling tonight? In Los Angeles County, homes range from hillside estates to beachside bungalows. A small leak can quickly escalate into a major structural issue. That’s why understanding when and how to file an insurance claim for water damage is imperative. If not handled correctly, your claim could be delayed, underpaid, or denied entirely. So, are you still figuring out if I should file an insurance claim for water damage or not?
Green Planet Restoration has helped countless Los Angeles homeowners fix the complexities of damage restoration insurance billing. From initial inspection to final repairs, we guide you through every step of the process.
What Does ‘Escape of Water’ Mean?
The term “escape of water” is commonly used by insurers to describe leaks or bursts that originate within your home. It is usually from internal sources like a broken pipe, a faulty water heater, or a leaking appliance. According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), one in four household insurance claims involves water damage, and over 80% of these claims stem from burst or leaking pipes.
That’s especially true in Los Angeles, where many homes are older, have complex plumbing, or are built on uneven terrain. Leaks can appear in ceilings, behind walls, under floorboards, or even travel several feet from the source.
Step-by-Step Process to Fix Water Damage
If you discover a leak, you should follow the complete process given below to fix it.
1. Act Immediately to Minimize the Damage
Insurers expect homeowners to take all reasonable steps to prevent additional water damage after a leak is discovered. This is known as mitigation, and failure to do so can result in a reduced or denied claim.
Even a small, slow leak can cause major structural damage over time. Don’t delay. Call Green Planet Restoration to assess the situation and restore it. We will help you to process an insurance claim for water damage and get a fair amount for repairs.
2. Document Everything
The success of your insurance claim largely depends on the quality of your documentation. Take clear, timestamped photos and videos of any visible damage. Keep all of the receipts for any emergency fixes, leak clean-ups, or temporary housing you need. To back up your claim, Green Planet Restoration can give you thorough inspection reports, expert opinions, and photos.
3. Contact Your Insurance Provider
Notify your insurance company as soon as possible. Have your policy number, documentation, and list of damaged items ready. It’s possible to file a claim online with many insurance companies these days.
For more complicated cases, it may be faster and easier to talk over the phone. Don’t wait too long – damage that looks older could be seen as neglect, which could lead to your claim being rejected.
4. Book a Professional Trace and Access Service
When the source of a leak is unknown, most insurers will require a “trace and access” investigation. This involves the use of non-invasive detection methods to pinpoint the source of the problem. Tools may include:
- Thermal imaging cameras
- Moisture meters
- Tracer gas systems
- Acoustic listening devices
- Pressure Testing
- Borescope cameras
This approach avoids unnecessary property damage and provides reliable evidence for your insurance provider. After locating the source, controlled access (such as opening a small section of wall or ceiling) may be needed to confirm the issue and start repairs.
You should never try to find or fix a leak by yourself. Doing it yourself can cause more damage and could make your claim null and void.
5. Work with the Loss Adjuster
If you have a big or valuable insurance claim for water damage, your insurance company may hire a loss adjuster to help you. This is a professional sent by your insurance company to look at the damage. They are meant to be fair, but in the end, they work for the insurance company.
That’s why it’s so important to hire a damage restoration partner with a lot of knowledge, like Green Planet Restoration. We will help the adjuster see how bad the damage really is and make a fair settlement on your behalf.
6. Get Repair Quotes and Begin Restoration
After your claim is accepted, you will need to get quotes for ‘work to reinstatement’. ‘Reinstatement’ means fixing your home in the way it was before the damage. Among these are:
- Plumbing repairs
- Drywall and insulation replacement
- Flooring and subfloor repairs
- Painting and finishing
- Mold remediation
Green Planet Restoration understands damage restoration insurance billing, so we can speed up the claim process and reduce billing errors or disputes.
What’s the Average Insurance Payout for Water Damage?
The average U.S. insurance payout for water damage is about $11,605, according to industry data. In many LA homes, repair costs can exceed $20,000 when factoring in restoration and mold remediation.
How Common Are Water Damage Claims?
Water damage is not rare; in fact, it’s the second most common home insurance claim in the U.S.
- 1 in 60 insured homes file a claim for water or freezing damage annually.
- That equals 14,000 claims every single day across the country.
- 4% of all home insurance claims are related to water damage and freezing.
In Los Angeles County, homes face additional risks due to shifting soil, aging infrastructure, seasonal rains, and complex plumbing systems. This makes early detection and fast action even more indispensable.
When to Contact Green Planet Restoration
If you suspect water damage or are trying to fix it, don’t go it alone. At Green Planet Restoration, we specialize in:
- Thorough leak detection
- Non-invasive trace and access services
- Certified water damage repair and mold remediation
- Insurance claim support and direct insurance billing
We work directly with your insurer to get your claim and minimize out-of-pocket expenses. We handle every detail with care, urgency, and professionalism. We have many satisfied customers because of our expert method of handling insurance claims for water damage.
Final Thoughts
Filing an insurance claim for water damage is important to protect your investment, your comfort, and your future peace of mind. Time is of the essence: the longer you wait, the harder it may be to recover your losses.
For homeowners in Los Angeles County, Green Planet Restoration is your trusted partner in water damage recovery. From inspection to insurance to full restoration, we are here to help you restore what matters most.
