Water Damage Insurance Claims: Steps to Take and How We Can Help

Water damage can start small and spread fast. A burst pipe, a failed water heater, an appliance leak or a roof leak can soak floors, walls and belongings in hours. Panther Public Adjusting helps homeowners and business owners document water losses and work through the claim process.

Common Causes of Water Damage Claims

• Burst or leaking pipes
• Water heater failure
• Appliance leaks (washing machine, dishwasher, refrigerator line)
• Roof leaks and storm-driven rain
• AC condensation line overflow

Whether a loss is covered depends on your policy, including how the damage happened and how quickly it was addressed. Flood damage from rising water is usually handled under separate flood coverage.

What to Do Right Away

1. Stop the source if you can do it safely. Shut off the water at the main valve.
2. Stay safe. Avoid standing water near electrical outlets and appliances.
3. Call a public adjuster. Call Panther Public Adjusting at 833-PANTHER (833-726-8437). We review your policy, your coverage and the extent of the damage to determine whether you have a claim, and we handle communication with your insurance company.
4. Document before cleanup. Take photos and video of the source, affected rooms, floors, ceilings and belongings.
5. Prevent further damage. Mitigation such as water extraction and drying is often required. Keep all invoices and ask your insurer what they require.
6. Save damaged items when possible until the adjuster has seen them, and keep a list.

Where Water Claims Get Complicated

• Hidden moisture. Water can sit behind walls, under flooring and in insulation.
• Mold risk. Moisture left too long can lead to mold, which many policies treat with specific limits or conditions.
• Scope disagreements. The insurer’s estimate may not match what your contractor says is needed.
• Policy exclusions and conditions. Wording around sudden versus gradual damage can matter.

How Panther Public Adjusting Helps

We inspect the property, document the damage, and prepare an estimate of the repair scope. We help gather supporting records such as plumber and mitigation reports, communicate with the insurer, and review their estimate with you so you understand where it differs from ours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does homeowners insurance cover a burst pipe?
Many policies address sudden pipe bursts, but terms and exclusions vary. Check your policy or call us to talk through your situation.

Should I hire a restoration company before the adjuster comes?
Emergency drying and mitigation are usually time sensitive. Call your public adjuster, take photos first and keep all invoices.

What if my claim was denied or the estimate seems low?
See our page on denied and underpaid claims, or call us for a review.

Talk to Panther Public Adjusting

Call 833-PANTHER (833-726-8437) or email Claims@PantherPA.com for a claim review.