Does Renters Insurance Cover Water Damage in Florida?

Renting an apartment, house, or room in Florida is an exciting prospect, but it is not without its challenges. Renters also have to tackle the same issues faced by homeowners, such as water or fire damage, theft, vandalism, and accidents. In order to equip the renter for these unfortunate circumstances, there is a need to invest in a good renters insurance policy in Florida.

Renters insurance protects renters, their belongings, and their living arrangements. When applying for renters insurance, keep in mind that rates vary depending on the insurance company and the type of coverage selected, among others. There are many insurance companies out there, so it is recommended to research well to find the one most suited to an individual's needs and budget.

In this article, ServiceMaster by Wright discusses the standard coverage of renters insurance and if it covers water damage.

What is the Coverage of Basic Renters Insurance?

As mentioned, renters or tenant insurance is used to cover the cost of replacements or restoration of personal belongings due to unforeseen events, among other benefits. A standard renters insurance is designed to cover the following:

Personal Property Coverage

This covers a renter's personal belongings such as household items, furniture, clothing, and jewelry up to a specified dollar limit. Take note that recreational items such as boats may need a separate policy.

This is designed to protect belongings when away from home or traveling and includes items in the house or those brought in the car or vacation. Certain rules apply, however, when the damage or loss occurred away from home, so always check the provisions of your policy.

Personal Liability Coverage

This is used to cover for damages caused to another person's property (specifics apply) or when you're liable for someone's injury due to an accident that happens inside your home.

Additional Living Expenses

If the rented property becomes uninhabitable after a loss incident, renters insurance can cover the costs for temporary living arrangements, like hotel bills.

The reimbursement process can either be done in cash value or by paying the cost to replace a damaged item. Note that this list is subject to changes depending on the insurance company and the policy a renter purchases, which is why it is important to choose and check your policy thoroughly, ensuring that all your needs are covered.

Does Renters Insurance Cover Water Damage?

While many renters focus on coverage for belongings if their rental is burglarized, it's also important to consider coverage for water damage.

A basic renters insurance policy may provide coverage for personal property losses caused by:

Windstorm or hail

Weight of sleet, snow and/or ice

Smoke

Fire and/or lightning

Explosions

Freezing of plumbing systems

Fire sprinkler failure/accidental discharge

Accidental or sudden discharge of water from a plumbing system or other appliance

Ceiling leaks

Toilet flooding due to accidental overflow

Remember that renters insurance does not cover flood insurance, so to further secure a property, there is a need to purchase a separate policy for flood damage.

What Should I Do if I Have a Water Loss?

In event of water damage in Florida, immediately call your insurance agent and a professional water damage restoration company like ServiceMaster by Wright. The water damage should be isolated so that it does not spread to other areas of the house and cause mold growth. Review your insurance policy and document the damage in detail. Keep receipts of the repairs done as well as the costs incurred if you have to stay somewhere else.

Hire an Insurance-Preferred Vendor in Southwest Florida like ServiceMaster by Wright for Water Damage Restoration Services

When your furniture and other personal belongings experience water damage, look to the professionals at ServiceMaster by Wright for safe, thorough water damage cleanup and restoration. We're here for you, whether it's to clean your rugs and upholstered furniture or to provide pack-out services. We'll help you work with your insurance company during the claims process to get your life back to normal fast.

ServiceMaster by Wright is an IICRC-certified firm offering water damage repair and restoration services in Bonita Springs, Bradenton, Cape Coral, Englewood, Fort Myers, Longboat Key, Naples, Marco Island, Sarasota, Siesta Key, and Venice. Call 239-431-9947.

Categories and Classes of Water Damage

Dealing with water damage can be a daunting task. It can be overwhelming and unending. When your home experiences water damage as a result of a flood or other natural disaster, it is important to act quickly in order to clean up and start the restoration process as soon as possible. That’s why it’s never wise to deal with water damage alone. You will need help from an expert water damage restoration company in St. Augustine. Although you may need help, it’s always better to know the different categories of water damage that you are dealing with. ServiceMaster by PWF is here to help you understand the three (3) types of water damage as designated by the IICRC (the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification).

Category 1: Clean Water

This type of water that does not pose a threat to humans. Possible causes of this type of damage include broken appliances or sink overflows. However, Category 1 can quickly degrade into Category 2 if not dealt with right away.

Category 2: Grey Water

Contaminated and may cause sickness if ingested. This type of water contains toxic microorganisms that can cause serious threats to our health. Examples of this are broken toilets, broken sump pumps, and seepage.

Category 3: Black Water

Water that contains significant pathogens and is grossly unsanitary. It could cause severe illness or death if ingested. Also called “black water“. Black water category includes sewer backups, flooding from rivers and streams, toilet overflows, and stagnant water that has begun to support bacterial growth.

Classes of Water Damage

The class of damage is important when assessing water damage repair options. 

Class 1 is the least harmful form of damage. Materials absorb very little of the water from this type of damage. Water damage repair is the easiest in this type of situation.

Class 2 has a fast rate of evaporation, which means that carpets and cushions may be damaged. Water damage repair is more difficult when it involves class 2 damage.

Class 3 may need to have a lot more demolition involved. It has the fastest rate of evaporation. In this case, the water may come from broken sprinklers or other overhead sources, soaking the walls and furniture. Ceilings may be wet and damaged, along with other materials such as wet insulation and behind the walls.

Class 4 requires special water restoration and water removal procedures. This type of damage may affect hardwood floors, plaster, and concrete. Special drying methods and longer dry out times are usually involved in these types of situations. This type is the most complicated and hardest to deal with.

What Is Black Water And What Should I Do About It?

Do not run water or use toilets in affected and unaffected areas until the source of the blockage            can be identified and corrected.

Stop up all drain openings to limit the chances of further backup. Additional pressure may be                  needed to be applied to keep openings sealed.

Block toilets with rags or a mop if possible.

Stay away from affected areas so contamination doesn’t spread.

If you absolutely have to occupy contaminated areas, wear rubber boots and gloves.

Power down central heating or air conditioning units and cover vents in the affected areas until          they can be looked at.

Leave contaminated items in affected areas and do not take them to clean areas.

Collect contaminated garments and place them in a container or garbage bag.

Don’t attempt to clean anything that may have come into contact with contaminated water.

Completely avoid any water that appears contaminated and wash immediately if you think that              you may have gotten in contact with contaminated water.

If breakers are safely accessible, turn off power in affected areas.

If the source of the water intrusion can be determined, use the shut-off valve to stop the flow.

If you experience or your business experiences a water loss or water damage, call us first, ServiceMaster by Wright is the leading water removal and restoration company in Southwest Florida.

Protecting Your Home from Storm Water Damage

Hurricanes and storms can wreak havoc and cause danger to your family and property. Being ready for an incoming storm or hurricane is important for staying safe. This prevents your home from incurring extensive damage from the storm. Prepare in advance and make sure you have everything you need to survive the hurricane. 

In this article, we will discuss some ways to protect your home from storm water damage.

Before landfall, make sure you do any needed repairs and protect your home's exterior. 

Storm Shutters and Hurricane Windows

Block and seal windows to guard against water seepage by installing storm shutters. Storm or hurricane shutters are durable enough to block the water. 

Hurricane Impact Doors

You also need to consider installing hurricane impact doors. This type of door is made of materials that have been tested and approved to withstand the most severe weather conditions. 

Roof Inspection 

Inspect your roof for missing, damaged, aging shingles and make necessary repairs. By doing this, you are avoiding any unwanted problems such as roof leaks that could cause water damage.

Downspouts

Remove debris such as leaves or branches that may have accumulated in downspouts and rain gutters. Downspouts must be positioned in a way that they direct the water flow away from the house.

Gutter Guards

Water damage is one of the quickest ways to devalue your home. To prevent water damage to the ceiling, clear your gutters of debris to ensure that water would flows away from your home. In order to keep leaves and foreign objects off your gutter, consider installing gutter guards to prevent debris accumulation.

Sprinklers and Irrigation Systems 

Got sprinklers or irrigation systems? Inspect occasionally to make sure that they aren't causing water damage to your walls or house foundation. 

Emergency Board-Up

Even if you have storm shutters and hurricane windows, it’s better to install additional protection in the form of emergency board-ups. This will offer added protection to minimize damage as much as possible.

Sand Bags

Properly filled and well-maintained sandbags can be useful in redirecting storm water and debris away from your home. However, remember that sandbags can’t repel heavy water flow. Sandbags offer water protection up to two feet high. 

Cracks and Openings

Seal any cracks or openings outside your home . Always pay attention to holes that could potentially welcome water inside. 

ServiceMaster by Wright is your trusted water damage restoration and repair company. We can handle any water damage issues as well as storm and disaster remediation and reconstruction services. We have the needed equipment and an experienced and knowledgeable team. Call 239-431-9947and we’ll take care of the repairs quickly and efficiently so you can get back to your normal routine, as quickly as possible.

We service businesses and homeowners in Bonita Springs, Bradenton, Cape Coral, Englewood, Fort Myers, Longboat Key, Naples, Marco Island, Sarasota, Siesta Key, and Venice and nearby Counties.

ServiceMaster By Wright Water Extraction, Flood Cleanup, Water Damage Service

Water damage is a tough situation for home and business owners to deal with because the damage can occur in so many different ways. Mother Nature can destroy your home or business through heavy rain or flooding. Sometimes, your property can also experience internal issues, such as pipe leaks or bursts, that can lead to widespread water damage.

If these situations happen, this needs a immediate and crucial action from a professional water damage technician who can perform Water Extraction, Structural Drying, and Dehumidification.

Common Water Damage Scenarios

Any type of water ingress should be taken seriously, and proper water damage restoration or repair is a key part of recovery should your home or business be affected. Here are some common water damage scenarios that can happen to your home or business.

• Flooding and storm damage
• Leaking appliances, water heaters, plumbing, etc.
• Overflowing toilets, bathtubs, and sinks
• Flooded basements
• Tornadoes and thunderstorms
• Hurricanes and tropical storms
• Sewage backups
• Flooding from firefighting efforts

Why do you need professional water damage technicians? It's because they’re faster to any size disaster. These professional water damage technicians must be:

• Dedicated to responding immediately to water emergencies. 
• Highly-skilled to diagnose the origin of the water damage.
• Quick to lessen the damage, limit further damage, and reduce cost.
• Fast turnaround time for responding to any mild or severe water damage cases.
• Highly-trained water damage specialists

These professional water damage technicians must:

• Specialize in water damage restoration
• Have extensive water damage restoration training with an emphasis on monitoring and documenting the drying process until completion.
• Be highly-trained in handling mild to severe cases of water damage.
• Professionally eliminate excess water and moisture.
• Use advanced water restoration equipment and techniques that should be able to detect hidden moisture, quickly remove standing water, and thoroughly clean and dry your home and belongings. 
• Have proper license to operate.
• Know different techniques to handle professional deodorization and sanitizing agents for your comfort and safety.

Although water damage within a home is a major pain to many homeowners, people do not have to feel hopeless at all. ServiceMaster by Wright provides peace of mind with Water Extraction, Structural Drying, and Dehumidification that are available for homeowners. Furthermore, our company is an insurance preferred vendor who can provide excellent cleaning that can prevent mold and mildew from appearing and causing terrible problems. 

24/7/365 Emergency Response

No matter when disaster decides to strike, the team at ServiceMaster by Wright is available seven days a week, 365 days a year, daytime or nighttime.

When in need of a water damage restoration and repair company that does each job correctly, call on ServiceMaster by Wright! Serving customers throughout Bonita Springs, Bradenton, Cape Coral, Englewood, Fort Myers, Longboat Key, Naples, Marco Island, Sarasota, Siesta Key, and Venice, Florida. Contact us at 239-431-9947 or get help now by filling out the form for a free estimate!