Claims we handle
Water damage claims
Water travels into walls, floors and cabinets long before you see it. We document the damage you can see and the damage you can't, and we make sure the cause is described correctly.
Most homeowners policies cover water that escapes suddenly and accidentally: a burst pipe, a failed supply line, a water heater or appliance that lets go, or a roof leak caused by a covered storm. Most also exclude wear and tear, long-term seepage and flood.
That means two things decide a water claim: how the cause is described, and how much of the spread is found and documented. Get either one wrong and a large loss can be paid as a small one, or not at all.
Paramount is a licensed public adjusting firm in Flowery Branch, Georgia, serving Georgia, Tennessee and South Carolina. We represent the policyholder, never the insurance company, and the first review of your claim is free.
What we document on a water claim
Hidden moisture. Moisture readings in walls, subfloors, insulation and cabinets beyond the obvious wet area.
Access to the source. Tearing out and replacing walls or floors to reach the leak, which many policies pay for even when they don't pay for the failed part itself.
Flooring and cabinets. Flooring that runs continuously into other rooms, and swollen cabinet bases and toe kicks.
Mitigation and drying. Water extraction, drying equipment, tear-out and the invoices that go with them.
Personal property. Furniture, rugs, electronics and stored items damaged by the water.
Living expenses. Hotel or rental costs and other extra expenses if the home isn't livable during repairs.
Sudden or gradual: why the cause matters
Insurers often deny water claims by calling the leak long-term or gradual. Sometimes that's true. Often it's an assumption made from a quick look at staining or a corroded fitting. We look at what failed, when it failed and what the damage pattern shows, and we put that in writing.
Flood is separate coverage
Rising surface water from heavy rain, overflowing creeks or storm surge is usually excluded from homeowners policies and covered only by a separate flood policy. Water that comes in through storm damage to the roof or a window is a different cause. We help you understand which applies before the claim is framed the wrong way.
What to do right away
Stop the water if you can and call a mitigation company to start drying. Your policy expects you to prevent further damage, and waiting can lead to mold. Before anything is torn out, photograph the area, the source and the damaged materials, and keep every receipt and invoice.
Then report the claim. If the carrier's adjuster hasn't seen the damage before demolition, your photos and the mitigation company's moisture logs become the record, so make sure they're complete.
How it works
We handle the claim from start to finish.
Filing a claim is stressful and time-consuming. Here's how we take it off your plate.
- 1
Free claim review
Tell us what happened. We review your policy and the damage at no cost and tell you honestly if we can help.
- 2
Inspect & document
We inspect the property and document every item of damage with photos, measurements and a detailed estimate.
- 3
Negotiate with your insurer
We prepare and present your claim, meet with the carrier's adjuster and handle all of the back-and-forth.
- 4
Settle & rebuild
We work toward the settlement your policy supports so you can repair, rebuild and get back to normal.
FAQ
Water damage claim questions
Don't see your question? Call us and we'll talk through your claim.
My insurer says the leak was long-term and denied the claim. Can you help?
Often, yes. A long-term or gradual leak determination is a judgment about the cause. We review the denial, inspect the source and the damage pattern, and challenge it when the evidence points to a sudden failure.
Does homeowners insurance cover flood damage?
Usually not. Rising surface water is typically covered only by a separate flood policy. Water from a burst pipe, an appliance or a storm-damaged roof is a different cause and is often covered by a homeowners policy.
Should I start drying out the house before the adjuster comes?
Yes. Your policy expects you to prevent further damage. Photograph everything first, keep damaged materials or photos of them, and keep the mitigation company's moisture readings and invoices.
Is mold covered?
It depends on the policy. Many policies limit or exclude mold, but mold that results from a covered sudden water loss may be covered up to a limit. We check your policy's wording.
Other claims we handle
- Storm, wind & hailRoof, siding, gutters, windows and interior damage from storms, high winds, hail and fallen trees.Learn more
- Denied or underpaid claimsAlready got a low offer or a denial letter? We review the policy and the estimate and push back with documentation.Learn more
- Fire & smokeStructure, contents, smoke and soot damage, plus additional living expenses while you're out of your home.Learn more
Request a free claim review
Let's take a look at your claim.
Tell us what happened. A licensed public adjuster will get back to you, usually the same business day.
- We review your policy and damage at no cost
- Honest answer on whether we can help
- No pressure, no obligation