What to expect
Insurance claims, explained.
The most common way people lose money on a water loss isn't the water. It's throwing things away before they were photographed, and waiting to see whether it dried.
Call (720) 961-2205We document to adjuster standard and bill your carrier directly
What's usually covered — and what isn't
| Typically covered | Typically not |
|---|---|
| Burst or frozen pipes · failed water heater · overflowing appliance · sudden roof leak from storm or hail · accidental overflow | Gradual seepage and long-term leaks · deferred maintenance · surface flooding from outside (needs flood insurance) · sewer backup without the specific endorsement · mold from a neglected leak |
The distinction carriers apply is nearly always sudden and accidental versus gradual and preventable. That's also why dates matter: if you can show when it happened and that you acted immediately, you're on the right side of that line.
The order that protects you
- 1Make it safe and stop the sourcePower, then water. Nothing else comes before this.
- 2Document before you touch anythingNarrated video of every room, wide photos, close-ups of damage, and a photo of the cause itself.
- 3Report the claimCall your carrier or use their app. Get a claim number and write down who you spoke to and when.
- 4Start mitigation immediatelyMost policies require you to prevent further damage. Prompt drying supports your claim — it doesn't jeopardise it.
- 5Keep everythingReceipts, damaged items in the garage, and the drying log. Don't discard anything before the adjuster has seen it or it's been documented.
"I should wait for the adjuster before anything is touched." Adjusters can take days, and policies specifically obligate you to mitigate further damage in the meantime. Documented emergency mitigation is expected and is a standard, separately-recognised part of a claim.
What we provide the adjuster
Photo documentation, a moisture map with daily readings, an itemised scope of removal with justification, equipment logs, and final verification that the structure reached normal moisture content. Estimates are prepared in the standard industry estimating format carriers use, which is what makes them straightforward to approve.
Your deductible, and the "should I file" question
If the damage is clearly smaller than your deductible, filing may not be worth it. If it's larger — or you genuinely don't know, which is common because water hides — get the free assessment first. Knowing the real scope before you file is better than guessing in either direction.
Common questions
Will filing a claim raise my premium?
It can, and carriers weigh claim history at renewal. That's a real consideration for small losses near your deductible, and a poor reason to leave a significant loss undried. Get the assessment first so you're deciding with a real number.
Can I choose my own restoration company?
Yes. Carriers often suggest a preferred vendor, but in Colorado the choice of who performs the work is yours. A preferred-vendor relationship is with the insurer, not with you.
What if my claim is denied?
Ask for the denial in writing with the specific policy language relied on. Denials frequently turn on the sudden-versus-gradual distinction, and thorough documentation of when the damage occurred and how fast you responded is often what changes the outcome on appeal.
Do you bill my insurance directly?
On most covered claims, yes — you pay your deductible and we invoice the carrier for the rest.
24/7 · Denver metro · we bill your insurer directly