Deductible Dilemma

1/18/2021 (Permalink)

Deductible Dilemma

Just last week SERVPRO of Southern McHenry County received a call from Mrs. homeowner who had a dishwasher malfunction on the main level. She was told to by her insurance provider to call us to inspect the damage. The water proceeded to obey the laws of gravity and went into the basement below affecting the drywall ceiling and a small amount of flooring. She had laminate flooring in the kitchen on the main level. SERVPRO arranged to come by after 5:00 PM when she was home from work. Enter Mr. homeowner on stage left. The following conversation followed the lines of "well I don't really see that much damage," and "I don’t want to pay a deductible". SERVPRO stressed that our visit, even on after hours time, was FREE of charge. In the end, SERVPRO was not allowed to look at the loss. So what next? It is a fact that before the sub floor under the laminate in the kitchen dries, there will be mold growth. It is highly likely that there will be mold growth on the back side of the ceiling drywall in the basement and walls behind the main level kitchen cabinets before it dries. At this point, any material removed by a mitigation company would result in full replacement. If we had to pull any laminate flooring in the kitchen, all the corresponding laminate in the kitchen/dining room, and living room would be replaced to match. Any drywall removal would result in new drywall, texture, and painting of all the affected area. All affected materials left in place would be dried to eliminate the chance for mold growth. So, two weeks down the road, maybe something starts to smell. If SERVPRO is called back, the loss then is considered not sudden and catastrophic as the homeowners decided not to take action. There is a very high probability of absolutely no coverage at all at this point and the homeowner is stuck with paying out of pocket, or permanent home damage. In addition, SERVPRO documents the drying process, keeps all photos and drying logs in a file, and leaves the homeowner with drying documentation. Now, when the home is sold and water damage has to be disclosed, the potential buyers can see it was handled professionally and the sale can proceed. Remember, free is free, let SERVPRO at least help you determine your best options.