When to request an extension from insurance after Orlando fl water damage?

Dealing with water damage in your Orlando home can be incredibly stressful.  The whole process can take months from start to finish. Many homeowners find that their insurance company expects repairs and the claims process to move faster than is feasible. If you’ve experienced extensive water damage to your Orlando home, don’t panic about insurance deadlines.

Usually allows for water damage claims

1. Insurance companies will give you around 30 days to complete any repairs and submit all related expenses and documentation. This timeframe may be extended to 60 or 90 days for major damage like flooding.
2. While these periods seem reasonable on paper, the reality of drying out a home and completing repairs makes them difficult to achieve. Water damage restoration requires extensive dry time. Nothing can be rebuilt until materials are completely dry. That alone takes days or weeks. Gathering repair estimates, hiring contractors, getting permits, and ordering special order items can drag the process out even further.
3. Insurance companies know that 30 days is a tight timeline. The key is communicating early and often about the need for extra time. As long as the claims process remains open, your insurer likely has some flexibility to allow more time for you to submit any outstanding documents or invoices.

Request additional extensions

If you’ve already obtained one extension but need more time, don’t panic. It’s fairly common to request an additional 30-60 days to finalize a big water loss claim after extensive damage. Severe flooding, storms, and pipe bursts can take months to recover from. Keep your adjuster updated on timeframes for drying, repairs, and closing out the claim.  Follow up on any verbal extension requests in writing via email check more about here for useful it damagecontrol-911.com.

Maintain a paper trail in case any issues arise down the road. Be specific in your requests. For example, states ‘we are requesting an additional 45-day extension to allow the structure to fully dry before beginning repairs.’ Provide enough detail to justify the timeframe. Also, reiterate that you are moving as quickly as possible. Outline your efforts, like hiring drying technicians, meeting with contractors, selecting materials, etc. Assure the insurance company that you are motivated to wrap up the claim.

Extensions can you get

There is no magic number of extensions you can obtain. Much depends on your individual situation and insurance company. But in general, insurers will continue granting reasonable requests, as long as you demonstrate progress. Asking for 6 months upfront would likely raise red flags. However, requesting 30 days at a time as you move through drying, repairs, and the claims documentation process is often approved without issue.

Be aware that adjusting the timeframe does not change your policy limits or other coverage provisions. They still have to submit estimates, invoices, and other paperwork showing that you have used the funds appropriately.

Using extensions strategically

Extensions exist to protect policyholders who experience extensive damages. Take advantage of this buffer period so you can get your home repaired correctly. Trying to rush the process often leads to headaches later. Instead, focus on your end goals:

1. Allowing plenty of dry time to prevent mold
2. Selecting qualified contractors for repairs
3. Ensuring all damage is properly remediated
4. Collecting estimates and invoices to get your home restored fully
5. Meticulously documenting every expense for your claim

With large water losses, it’s perfectly acceptable to think in terms of months. Set reasonable goals and milestones. Keep your insurance adjuster updated.