Help! My basement flooded...

[Miggs]

So, as candrew knows, we had a ton of rain out here last Tuesday-Thursday. In short, my basement flooded, taking on almost six inches of water due to sump pump failure. The water's already been extracted and the basement fixed, with a whole new weeping system line put in and so forth. Any damaged property has been tossed out as we couldn't just let it sit all wet in the basement or elsewhere. We took pics of the water and ruined property as best we could and will provide all that with as many receipts as possible to the adjustor when he comes out.

Does anyone have any experience with claims like this?

When I provide the list to the insurance company, do you recommend putting the purchase price? Listing every single little thing we can?

Help!

 

[franklin]

At the risk of being attacked for not being honest: The adjusters out here way overestimate because the deflation factor pretty much screws home owners over, so leave every picture as vague and arbitrary as possible. For example, in a burnt house they will list something arbitrary like 50-100 shirts instead of 10-12. Since they are valued at about $2 used, you get screwed so the estimators overcompensate.

Also, if you can do any of the work yourself do it. We had a bathtub valve leak and the contractor priced themselves out of a job. $1300 for new vinyl flooring, toilet and sink/vanity re-install. I think I paid less than $200 and it took all of 4 hours max. I'll take $250/hr all day every day.

 

[candrew]

Sorry, I don't have any experience. I was fortunate enough to be in the minority of homes in NJ that didn't take on water damage during Hurricane Sandy.

I do know, at least in NJ, flood insurance is supplemental and not part of a standard policy - I'm guessing you have it. In Cranford you're required to purchase flood insurance based on where your house is situated (flood zones)