Tropical Storm Chantal brought 8-12 inches of rain in just 24 hours across Central and Piedmont regions of North Carolina. Now, nearly ten days later, a State of Emergency has been declared in 13 counties hit hardest by the storm. If your home was damaged, here are our top water damage insurance claim tips to help you move forward.
Initial Water Damage Insurance Claim Tips
Right after a storm, taking the proper steps can make the insurance claims process much smoother:
- Notify your insurance company promptly.
- Document all damage with photos and videos.
- Save receipts for any emergency repairs, temporary lodging
- Review your policy details, especially the differences between floor insurance and standard homeowners insurance (see the chart below).
- Use local disaster assistance resources like FEMA, NCCF Disaster Relief Fund, and more if you’re eligible.
TAG Tip: For local resources or ways to support recovery efforts, check out the UNC Relief Hub. Hosting a relief event? We’d love to help your cause- let us know.
Understanding Water Damage After Chantal
While Chantal moved quickly across the state, its damage is still being examined. Reports of flooding, leaks, wind-blown rain, roof damage, and farmland damage are widespread across counties like Orange, Alamance, Durham, Moore, and Person.
With this damage comes a flurry of insurance claims. For homeowners, it is essential to understand the differences between homeowners’ insurance and flood insurance, as well as what is covered under each policy.
Coverage Area
Homeowners Insurance
Flood insurance
Flooding from natural disasters
Not covered
Covered
Wind-driven rain (roof leaks)
Typically covered
Not needed (covered by homeowners’ insurance)
Burst pipes or plumbing leaks
Typically covered
Not required (covered by homeowners insurance)
Rising water from outside
Not covered
Covered
Mold from flood damage
Not covered
Covered (if caused by flood)
Structure coverage (walls, floors, etc.)
Yes
Yes
Personal belongings
Yes (with limits)
Optional (varies by policy)
Required by the mortgage lender
Yes (most homes)
Yes (if in a high-risk flood zone)
TAG Tip: Orange County alone estimates $54 million in total damages, including $12.7 million in residential property loss (ABC 11). If you are dealing with an insurance claim dispute, our team can provide a non-biased third-party property valuation to support your case.
Why Appraisals Matter After A Storm
You don’t need an appraisal to file an insurance claim, but it can be a big help if your insurance payout doesn’t match real-world costs.
Let’s say your adjuster offers $15 million to replace your roof, but it can be a big help if your insurance payout doesn’t match real-world costs.
Here’s how an appraisal can help:
- Supports claim disputes with documented, market-based evidence
- Strengthens negotiations if your insurance payout seems too low
- Helps with delayed settlements by providing additional information
- Doesn't replace adjusters, but adds an expert, local expertise
TAG Tip: Planning to make repairs or upgrades? We can give you an as-repaired value upfront, so you know how much equity those improvements might add.
If you’re unsure about the current value of your home after the storm or need a neutral opinion, the TAG team is ready to help.
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