Florida Insurance Network

To describe him as frantic might be an overstatement. “Discombobulated” might be a better word. Either way, who could blame the man? I was soggy, too, earlier this year. Believe me, discovering a leak in your wall is about as much fun as finding termites.

The man – a client – called to report that his daughter discovered a slow water leak from the wall of her bedroom, which had gradually saturated her carpet. She noticed just that morning when the carpet squished under her feet. Who knows how long the leak might have been there, causing further unseen damage?

As his insurance agent I really was glad he called my cell phone on a Sunday because it gave me a chance to pass along a little advice – not just as his agent but as a consumer/comrade in arms.

Insurance companies adjust claims and issue checks but, contrary to some advertising, they aren’t necessarily looking out for your best interest as a homeowner. They look out for the least expensive, effective solution to your claim.

When the problem is damage from a water leak, the insurance company will advise you to turn off the water to the house and call a water extraction company. In Florida, anyway, where there is water mold is not far behind.

I called State Farm last summer to report my leak damage, which also involved squishy carpet in a bedroom. The company’s representative was pretty assertive about telling me how a Serv-Pro franchisee was approved to do the drying. She didn’t tell me I had a legal right to determine who would do the job. When I brought it up she was a little less than forthcoming; not misleading but not real encouraging either.

My point is that you, as consumer and property owner, have the right to decide which water-extraction company to hire. The insurance company sends an adjuster to determine value of damages and how much to pay, but it’s up to you to decide who will repair that damage.

I let the Serv-Pro team come to my house. I also called a company called Cure. I found Cure through a little quick research and a friend’s recommendation. Serv-Pro showed up first and told me mold was not an issue. Cure came inside and showed me where mold had already begun to grow on the wooden carpet-tack strips.

Guess which company I hired (Hint: not the one approved by State Farm).

I told my client the same thing and warned him to keep his smart-consumer wits about him. In times like these, the power of suggestion can be overwhelming. Someone in a position of apparent power tells you something and you go along, thinking they’re on your side. Maybe they are. Maybe they aren’t. Maybe they’re someplace in between. Just know your rights and be your own guide.