How to File a Water Damage Insurance Claim Without Hassle

Water damage is a total nightmare as a homeowner. Who do you call? What do you do first? Dealing with insurance claims doesn’t have to be one more headache during this stressful time. If your home has suffered from a burst pipe, a leaking appliance or a flooded crawl space, filing a water damage insurance claim will help cover the costs associated with the water damage mitigation and repairs. Filing an insurance claim can seem overwhelming. Whether you are a new homeowner or have owned your home for 30+ years it is always confusing as you navigate your insurance claim. You may not know what to expect during the process. That’s why we’ve put together this step-by-step guide to help you file an insurance claim smoothly and get the most out of your coverage.

Step 1: Stop the Source of Water

Before you even call your insurance company, take steps to stop the water source if possible (and safely). First things first:

Shut off the main water supply if a pipe bursts
Turn off appliances that are leaking
Move any furniture and belongings to a dry area
Place towels or buckets to control leaks

Your insurance company expects the homeowner to take action to prevent further water damage. If you fail to do this, they may deny part or all of your claim, so act as fast as possible.

Additionally, call First In Restoration, Georgia's best professional water damage restoration company immediately. We’ll start water extraction and drying to prevent mold growth and further structural damage, which can affect your insurance payout.

Step 2: Review Your Insurance Policy

Before you file a claim, check your homeowners insurance policy to understand what’s covered and what’s not. Policies typically cover:

Sudden and Accidental Water Damage – This includes burst pipes, water heater failures and storm-related damage.

Gradual Damage or Neglect – If a slow leak has been ignored for months, your claim may be denied.

Flood Damage – Homeowners insurance does not cover flooding from ground water. You need a separate flood insurance policy for this.

Look at your deductible (the amount you have to pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in) and your coverage limits to see how much your policy will pay.

Step 3: Document the Damage

Insurance adjusters rely on evidence to determine how much they’ll cover. The more proof of damage you provide the better. Here’s what to do:

Take Photos and Videos – Capture clear visuals of all affected areas, including floors, walls, ceilings and damaged belongings. An example: If you have four inches of water in your kitchen use your phone to do a video grab of you tapping the water with your shoe.

Write Down What Happened – Include the date, time (if you were home) and how the water damage occurred. Take note as to when you first noticed the issue.

Keep a List of Damaged Items – Create an inventory of furniture, electronics and personal belongings that were affected. A great way to keep tally is by taking photos with your phone of all the damaged items, that way you don't leave anything out. Once it's thrown away, it's hard to remember.

Save Receipts – If you’ve had to pay for emergency plumbing repairs or a hotel stay, keep all receipts for potential reimbursement.

Step 4: Call Your Local Insurance Agent to File a Water Damage Insurance Claim

Once you’ve documented everything, call your local insurance agent to officially start the claim process and get the ball rolling. They will ask for:

Your insurance policy number
The date and cause of the water damage
A description of affected areas
Any immediate repairs you’ve made (such as emergency plumbing or mitigation)

They’ll also explain the next steps, which are typically:

Assigning a claims adjuster – This is the person who will typically come to your home to assess the damage and determine how much your insurance will pay.
Providing claim forms – You may need to fill out paperwork describing the incident and listing damaged items.
Scheduling an inspection – The insurance company usually sends the adjuster to inspect the damage before approving your water damage insurance claim.

Pro tip: Always write down the name, phone number and email (if applicable) of everyone you speak to at the insurance company. The better records you keep of your conversations the smoother the process.

Step 5: Begin Repairs

Once the claim is approved, you can move forward with repairs. At First In Restoration, we handle everything, including:

Water cleanup and extraction
Professional drying
Mold removal and air quality testing if needed
Structural repairs (framing, drywall, flooring and more)
Insurance claim assistance – We work with your insurance to ensure all necessary repairs are covered

We don’t just remove water and leave—we will fully restore your home to its original beauty and ensure the job is done thoroughly and correctly.

Step 6: Meet with the Insurance Adjuster

The insurance company will send a claims adjuster to evaluate the damage to your property and estimate the cost for the repairs. This is a critical step because their report will determine how much money you receive.

During the inspection:

Walk through your home with the adjuster and point out all affected areas that have water damage.
Show them photos, videos and all of the receipts you’ve collected (such as emergency plumbing or mitigation).
Ask how they’re calculating costs to ensure they’re covering everything.

Important: Claim adjusters work for your insurance company, NOT FOR YOU. The adjuster's goal is to settle your water damage claim for the lowest amount possible. That’s why having a trusted restoration company like First In Restoration on your side is key. We can communicate directly with the insurance company to advocate for the full repair costs they owe. We use Xactimate in our estimates and speak their "code." We’ll help you to make sure that no damage is overlooked. In some cases we may recommend you hire a public adjuster to fight for you.

Step 8: Track Expenses and Finalize the Claim

Throughout the process, keep records of:

Receipts for repairs and temporary housing (we can't stress this enough)
All communication with the insurance company (remember to record names and dates!)
Any additional costs related to the water damage claim

Once the work is complete, your insurance will issue the final payment.

We Handle Insurance Claims So You Don’t Have To

At First In Restoration, we know that filing an insurance claim can be overwhelming. That’s why we work directly with your insurance company to make the process easier. If you'd rather take charge, we are still happy to help and answer any and all questions you may have. From water damage assessment, to claim documentation, to full restoration, we’re with you every step of the way.

As the #1 water damage restoration company in Georgia, we stand by our work and guarantee that every home gets the professional care it deserves. We proudly serve all of Georgia, focusing on Loganville, Johns Creek and the counties of Gwinnett, Walton, Barrow, Hall, Jackson and Clarke.

Need help with a water damage claim? Call First In Restoration at 470-748-0225 or visit www.firstinrestoration.com.