According to the Insurance Information Institute, water damage is among the most common and costly home insurance claims, accounting for nearly 24% of all claims filed annually. With such a high likelihood, homeowners need to be prepared. Water can silently invade your space—whether it’s from a broken pipe, overflowing appliance, or a sudden storm—and knowing how to navigate the insurance process is your best defense against stress, delays, and costly repairs.

Whether you’re dealing with a minor leak or a major flood, understanding the steps to properly file a claim can save you time, stress, and money. This guide breaks it down into manageable stages—so you can go from chaos to calm with confidence. And if you're in a similar situation, having trusted support like Rainbow International of Des Moines by your side makes all the difference.

Let’s guide you through the Insurance claim process.

Step 1: Safety First, Documentation Second

When water damage hits, your first responsibility is to ensure the safety of everyone in the home. If water is near electrical outlets or appliances, turn off the electricity at the breaker panel immediately. Avoid stepping into the water until you’re certain it’s safe—especially if the water may be contaminated from a sewer backup or gray water source.

Once you're safe, begin the crucial step of documenting everything:

Use your smartphone or camera to take clear, high-resolution photos and videos of all affected areas. Ensure that timestamps are enabled or saved with the files.
Capture wide shots to show overall damage as well as close-ups to highlight specific issues, like swelling drywall, peeling paint, warped floorboards, or damaged furniture.
Don’t forget to document personal belongings that are damaged—electronics, books, clothing, furniture, and sentimental items.
Take a picture of the source of the damage, if visible, like a burst pipe or appliance leak.
Keep any receipts for immediate purchases, such as fans, dehumidifiers, sump pumps, or temporary lodging if your home is uninhabitable.

All of this documentation serves as powerful evidence for your insurance claim and makes the process smoother when you work with a Water Damage Restoration company.

Step 2: Understand Your Policy Like a Pro

Before making your insurance claim, it’s crucial to understand what your policy covers. Dig out your homeowner’s insurance policy and read through it carefully—or access it online if available.

What’s usually covered:

Sudden and accidental water damage, such as pipe bursts or appliance malfunctions.
Water damage resulting from storms that cause leaks in the roof or through windows.
Damage from extinguishing a fire.

What’s commonly excluded:

Gradual water damage due to lack of maintenance or long-standing issues.
Sewer backups or sump pump failures—unless you’ve purchased a special endorsement.
Flood damage from rising water levels outside the home typically requires separate flood insurance.

Understanding this upfront will help set realistic expectations. If any part of the policy seems unclear, a reputable Des Moines water restoration company can help you interpret it and prepare you for your next move.

Step 3: Call Your Insurance Provider Without Delay

Acting quickly is essential when filing an insurance claim for water damage. Call your insurer as soon as the incident occurs—ideally within the first 24 hours. Delays could give the company a reason to reduce or deny your claim.

When you contact your insurer:

Have your policy number handy.
Provide the date, time, and cause of the damage.
Be prepared to give an overview of affected areas and items.

Ask your insurance rep:

Is the damage covered?
How much is your deductible?
Should you get your contractor or use a preferred vendor?
What’s the expected timeline for the adjuster’s visit and claim processing?
What documentation do they need from you?

Clear communication here sets the tone for a smooth claim experience.

Step 4: Mitigate Further Damage Immediately

Your insurance policy requires you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage, a responsibility known as your "duty to mitigate."

This doesn’t mean you need to do all the repairs yourself, but you should:

Mop up or vacuum standing water using wet/dry vacs.
Remove soaked carpets, rugs, and personal items to reduce moisture.
Use fans and dehumidifiers to start drying out the space.
Board up windows or patch roof leaks temporarily if the damage was caused by a storm.

This is also the perfect time to call Water restoration services near me like Rainbow International of Des Moines. They have specialized equipment like industrial-grade dehumidifiers, air movers, and moisture meters to prevent mold growth and structural issues.

Document these mitigation steps so you can be reimbursed later for supplies or services.

Step 5: Partner with a Trusted Water Damage Restoration Company

Once immediate mitigation is underway, it’s time to bring in the professionals. A certified Water Damage Restoration company will handle everything from drying and cleaning to helping you navigate your insurance claim.

Here’s what to look for:

24/7 emergency response
IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification)
Years of experience with Property Restoration in Des Moines
A company willing to communicate directly with your insurance adjuster

Rainbow International of Des Moines fits all these criteria. They will assess the full extent of the damage, provide a detailed scope of work, and begin the restoration process promptly.

Hiring professionals ensures that the damage is thoroughly addressed—not just covered up.

Step 6: Schedule and Prepare for the Adjuster Visit

The insurance adjuster’s visit is one of the most critical moments in the claim process. This person assesses the damage and determines the value of your claim.

To get the most from the visit:

Be present or have your contractor join you to point out all affected areas.
Walk them through your photos and videos.
Provide a room-by-room inventory of damaged items with estimated values.
Show receipts for emergency repairs and accommodations.
Share any reports or estimates your Des Moines water restoration company has prepared.

If possible, have your restoration contractor on-site during the visit. They can help advocate for the necessary scope of work and ensure nothing is missed or underestimated.

Step 7: Review and Negotiate the Settlement Offer

Once the adjuster completes their evaluation, you’ll receive a settlement offer from your insurer. This is your chance to review it carefully and ensure it matches the true cost of restoring your home.

To ensure a fair outcome:

Compare the insurer’s estimate to the one your contractor provides.
If the payout seems too low, request a detailed explanation.
Don’t hesitate to dispute the offer if major items were missed or undervalued.
Provide backup documentation and let your restoration partner help justify necessary repairs.

Having experts in Water Damage Services in Des Moines in your corner can help you navigate this negotiation confidently.

Step 8: Begin the Restoration Process with Confidence

Once the settlement is approved, restoration can officially begin. The timeline and scope will depend on the extent of the damage.

Your professional team will:

Remove all water-damaged materials such as drywall, baseboards, flooring, and insulation
Use industrial-grade drying equipment to eliminate moisture
Disinfect and sanitize all affected areas to prevent mold growth
Perform mold testing and remediation if needed
Begin structural repairs and cosmetic restoration

With the best water restoration near me, you’ll benefit from clear communication, high-quality workmanship, and reliable timelines.

They’ll also help you stay informed on each step of the project, from insurance paperwork to the final coat of paint.

Top Mistakes That Can Sink Your Insurance Claim

Avoiding common errors can make the difference between a smooth process and a denied claim. Here are key mistakes to steer clear of:

Waiting too long to act – Delaying your call to the insurance company or postponing mitigation efforts can lead to claim denials. The longer water sits, the worse the damage gets—and insurers expect swift action.
Failing to document everything – Many homeowners toss out damaged belongings without photographing them. This can lead to disputes about the extent of loss. Always take thorough photos and keep damaged items until told otherwise.
Making permanent repairs too early – Temporary fixes are okay, but making full repairs before the adjuster inspects can complicate the process. Wait for approval before proceeding.
Using non-certified or unlicensed contractors – Hiring the wrong team might void parts of your coverage or lead to subpar repairs. Always work with qualified professionals.
Not reviewing your policy thoroughly – Misunderstanding what’s covered can lead to disappointment. Take time to know your deductibles, limits, and exclusions.

Turn a Crisis Into a Comeback with the Right Help

Water damage is more than a mess—it’s a disruption to your daily life. But with the right plan, tools, and team, it doesn’t have to be a disaster.

Trust Rainbow International of Des Moines, your go-to water restoration company in Des Moines, to guide you every step of the way. Whether you need water damage repair, insurance claim support, or full-service restoration, they’ve got the tools, talent, and compassion to help.

Contact Rainbow International of Des Moines today and take the first step toward restoring your home and your peace of mind.

How to File an Insurance Claim for Water Damage