APIA Disaster Restoration Process

Damage caused by flooding can seem like a nightmare, and filing an insurance claim due to flood or other water disaster is not just "cut and dry." Who is responsible for payment of a claim, and how much is due to you depends not only on the type of insurance you carry, but also how the water entered your house. Some water damage is covered by a homeowner’s policy, but a flood usually requires a separate policy. In addition, flood insurance may cover direct water damage, but a homeowners policy only covers theft, windstorm or explosion damage.

It is important to consider using a public insurance adjuster who is experienced in dealing with the different types of insurance policies and what to look for in determining the full extent of damage caused by flooding and additional damage that may be covered under a separate homeowners policy. APIA functions as your advocate to all insurance companies involved and will visit your property to inspect, analyze and document a fair and accurate claim for damages, putting you on a more secure, faster path to recovery.

Examples of Flood

• A local river overflows its banks and washes into your home.
• A significant rainstorm or Tropical Windstorms creates and allows leaks into your home because the ground cannot filter the water quickly enough.
• A deluge causes the ground behind or under your house to collapse into a mud slide or sinkhole that flows into your home or business.
• Over-saturation of the ground surrounding your area making it impossible for the water to drain quickly causing you or your neighbors property to flood and damage to ensue.

Thousands of homeowners across the twelve-state APIA coverage area that are affected by fires may not even know if they are covered by insurance in the event of a fire, and even more do not know the full extent they are entitled to receive in a settlement, nor if their policy differs whether the disaster occurred as a result of wildfire, electrical malfunction, explosion, human error or arson.

A licensed and bonded APIA public insurance adjuster acts quickly to review every detail of your fire damage claims including coverage and the damages you received. We will help you document not only structural loss, but also the loss of furniture, business or personal equipment, clothing, contents and other belongings, along with any incurred additional business or living expenses, so you are restored quickly and fully to the life you were leading before the disaster happened.

Common Causes of House Fires:

• Hurricanes - Windstorms - Wildfires and Acts of God
• Cooking
• Heating units
• Careless cigarette smoking
• Electrical equipment
• Unattended burning candles
• Children playing with fire
• Faulty wiring
• Improperly stored flammable liquids
• Christmas trees and decorations
• Barbecue grills

According to the National Hurricane Center, an average of eleven tropical storms and six hurricanes develop along the east coast of the U.S., from Texas to Maine. In an average three-year period, about five of these hurricanes will hit land. Hurricanes can wipe out entire communities and leave massive economic loss in its wake. Damage from hurricanes, especially in our coastline areas, often produce doubly threatening conditions in that they produce high risk for exposure to both wind and water hazards, and typically policy agreements that cover windstorm exclude flood, and flood insurance often excludes windstorm damage. The situation can become controversial when your windstorm and flood carriers disagree on the source of the destruction, and leave you caught up in conflict. APIA public adjusters and their team of experts will research, determine the situation and assist policyholders in sorting out what is wind and what is flood, and work with all insurers to make sure that you receive full compensation from your coverage.

Common Types of Hurricane Damage:

• Broken windows, Destroyed doors, garage door collapse
• Damaged detached building, porches and other structures
• Roof structure lifting/lost shingles, tiles or sheathing
• Lower level or Basement flooding
• Water or Moisture damage
• Landscaping upheaval
• Destroyed Contents and interiors
• Projectile damage
• Aluminum and other types of siding
• Lost or damaged docks, boats or yachts
• Damaged Motorhomes
• Aircraft damage

About 1,200 tornadoes occur annually across the United States, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Wind damage ranges from light to an incredible amount of damage. In fact, half of all severe weather reports in the continental U.S. are due to damaging winds. If you own property in a thunderstorm-prone area, you are more prone to experience tornado activity and other wind damage. Be sure your business or homeowners policy includes coverage of tornado and wind damage.

In a high wind event, debris can break windows and doors, and in the rash of these extreme storms, it is shown that the force of the wind alone can cause weak places in your home to fail. The roof, windows, doors, and garage door are all potential entry points that allow wind to do its worst to your property. It is wise to know that no structure is immune from these catastrophic forces, and safety is of the utmost importance.

As a certified Windstorm Insurance Network, Inc. (WIND) and Insurance Appraisal and Umpire Association (IAUA) Umpire and Appraiser, APIA CEO Roger Borg is an expert in assessing and processing wind damage claims on your behalf.

Facts about Windstorms:

• Falling trees or blowing debris cause most fatalities.
• Power pole and line damage cause widespread power outage.
• Failure of the roof can allow damaging winds and rain to cause damage inside the structure.
• Garage doors are the weakest link in the outer structure of a business, home or condo.
• Exterior load-bearing walls of buildings can fail resulting in roof collapse.
• Weathered, loose window frames are exceptionally vulnerable during severe wind storms.
• A light metal building (pole barn) can totally collapse.
• Office buildings are generally structurally sound, but broken windows can cause wind/water damage and injury.
• Bus stop shelters and other common areas where people seek shelter could collapse and should not be used as cover during a tornado.

When it comes to a water damage claim in your building, the problem may not end even when the water flow is stopped. Assessing this type of damage can be a very complex challenge. When it involves mold, a microscopic fungus, it can destroy your building foundation, structure and any equipment, electronics, furnishings and other goods within it. Not only that, mold causes health problems that can lead to chronic illness and even death. Taking care of water and mold damage quickly and thoroughly is important. APIA public insurance adjusters understand all aspects of exposed and hidden water damage. The need for mold removal, remediation and restoration which includes payments for addressing the proper testing and removal of all mold, restoring your property to safe condition and making sure your furniture, contents and even clothing are mold free and properly treated.

Common Types of Water Damage Claims:

• Floods and sewer or drain pipe backups
• Burst pipes or hidden plumbing leaks
• Water heater or Air conditioner leaks
• Appliances, washers, ice makers
• Roof, Wall or Basement Leaks
• Fire extinguishing systems
• Broken window or seal

Sinkholes are naturally occurring geological events and can happen when rainstorms or groundwater wear away at the limestone under the ground, causing caverns to form. Over time, the soil above pressures the eroding limestone causing collapse. With the spread of human development, sinkholes have become a more commonplace threat to homes, condominium buildings and commercial structures. Sinkholes can cause major damage to property and represent a safety hazard to those who occupy these buildings.

When it comes to sinkholes, it is important to consider retaining a public insurance adjuster to receive your full coverage benefit. APIA will thoroughly analyze your situation and engage any necessary professionals to reach an accurate and full market valuation of your property and verify that the damage you received, was indeed caused by a sinkhole and not some other means. Unfortunately your insurance policy may not guarantee coverage or ensure that an insurance company assessment will provide for the full scope of damages. Accurate Public Insurance Adjusters are experts in determining coverages and understanding policy language.

Common Signs of a Sinkhole:

• Known sinkhole in another part of your neighborhood.
• Recurring depressions on the ground in or around your property.
• Unexplained water stains along the structure’s perimeter.
• Slanting landscaping, light poles or fences.
• Tree root exposure.
• Cracking walls (exterior or interior).
• Cracking ceilings or floors.
• Cracking in decks, porches, pools or driveways.
• Foundation separation from the ground.
• Doorframe, window or corner cracks.
• Wall separation from floor or ceiling.
• Floor sinking or tilting.
• Door or window sticking.
• Unexplained cracking noises in the structure.