Insurance Claims

Your first responsibility is to minimize additional damage. This may include shutting off the water supply, boarding up exposed areas, placing tarps over roof leaks, or arranging emergency drying services. Most insurance policies require property owners to take reasonable steps to prevent further loss after an incident occurs.

For water damage, immediate mitigation is especially important because moisture can quickly spread into drywall, flooring, insulation, and structural materials. Professional restoration companies often provide emergency extraction, drying, and moisture mapping services within hours of the loss.

Before major cleanup or repairs begin, document the damage thoroughly with:

• Photos and videos
• Lists of damaged contents
• Receipts for emergency expenses
• Notes about when and how the damage occurred

Many restoration contractors also provide moisture readings, thermal imaging reports, and itemized estimates that can support your claim submission.

Most insurers recommend reporting the claim as soon as possible — ideally within 24 to 48 hours after discovering the damage. Your insurer will open a claim file and assign an adjuster to investigate the loss.

You will usually need:

• Your policy number
• Date and cause of damage
• Photos and documentation
• Emergency mitigation details
• Contractor estimates if available

An insurance adjuster will inspect the property to determine:

• Cause of loss
• Extent of damage
• Whether the loss is covered under your policy
• Estimated repair costs

The adjuster may coordinate directly with your restoration contractor to review drying reports, demolition requirements, and reconstruction estimates. In Vancouver, many restoration companies regularly work with insurance adjusters and can help simplify communication during the process.

Insurance companies generally approve emergency mitigation work quickly because it helps prevent secondary damage such as mould growth and structural deterioration. This stage may include:

• Water extraction
• Structural drying
• Removal of damaged materials
• Dehumidification
• Sanitizing affected areas
• Temporary protection measures

Professional drying documentation is often required for claim approval and ongoing claim support.

Once the adjuster reviews the scope of damage, repair estimates are approved and reconstruction can begin. Depending on the severity of the loss, repairs may include:

• Drywall replacement
• Flooring repairs
• Painting
• Cabinet replacement
• Plumbing or electrical repairs
• Full room reconstruction

Some insurance companies issue payments in stages as restoration progresses.

After repairs are completed, the insurer may perform a final review before closing the claim. Keep copies of:

• Invoices
• Contractor reports
• Change orders
• Warranty information
• Insurance correspondence

Maintaining organized records can help if questions arise later regarding repairs or future property disclosures.

Vancouver properties often face unique risks related to:

• Heavy rainfall
• Basement flooding
• Older plumbing systems
• Condo and strata water losses
• Coastal humidity and mould growth

Condo and strata claims can sometimes involve multiple insurance policies, including individual unit insurance, strata insurance, and liability coverage between units.

Many local restoration contractors also assist homeowners throughout the insurance process by providing detailed documentation, emergency mitigation, and direct communication with adjusters.