North Hills PA – Royal Water / Flood / Sewage Damage Restoration

What Is Subrogation? And how it matters to you.

admin — Tue, 07 May 2013 14:17:02 +0000

Subrogation refers to the process an insurance company uses to seek reimbursement from the responsible party for a claim it has already paid.

Subrogation matters to you if:

You have a covered loss, and
You submit a claim to your insurance company, but
Another party is actually responsible for all or part of the damages (i.e. you have a car accident and the other driver caused the accident, or if damage to your home was caused by a faulty appliance)

In this case, your insurance company may pay your claim, and then seek reimbursement from the other party. This would depend on the circumstances surrounding the loss, the laws in your state, and your policy provisions.

If your company decides to pursue subrogation, the company will work to recover the damages from the responsible party. Damages may involve costs paid by you and the insurance company. Costs paid by you usually means your deductible, but could include amounts over your policy limits not paid by your insurance company. This would depend on the laws in your state and the specific circumstances surrounding the loss.

The subrogation process may also be used if you are at fault for damages. In this case, the other party and/or their insurance company would make a claim against you, usually directly to your insurance company. Your company will review the facts of investigation to determine if you are liable for the damages. Your company may make payment to the other company if you have coverage and it is determined that you would be legally responsible for all or part of the damages. Keep in mind that often times liability is not clear cut. In some cases, both parties may be partially responsible. Dependent on the laws in your state, both parties may share responsibility for payment of damages. For example, one party may be 40% responsible, and the other party may be 60% responsible. This could mean that both companies make subrogation claims against each other, and each company pays their respective portion of the other party’s claim.

In all cases, your participation and cooperation with us in the investigation phase of the claim process is important. Your assistance can help to establish important facts, and preserve evidence, and may help to accelerate the recovery process.

Reimbursement When Money is Recovered

If money is recovered, and part of the recovered amount was paid by you, (you paid your deductible, for example, but it was the other party’s fault) a reimbursement check will be issued. The reimbursement check is usually issued when money is received. Please note that practices vary based on the specific laws for your state.

The amount to be reimbursed is based on the amount claimed and the amount recovered. The amount claimed through subrogation depends on the amount each party was at fault. The amount recovered usually is divided proportionally between the insurance company and the insured, after expenses. This could vary based on the laws in your state.

How Reimbursement Amounts are Calculated

Dependent on the laws in your state, you may be fully reimbursed for your deductible if:

The other party was 100% at fault
The other party paid the damages claimed in full
There were no collection expenses (i.e. collection agency) to recover the money.

Often times though, it is not that simple. Based on the different factors that come into play, the calculation of the reimbursement amount can become quite complicated. The reimbursement of your deductible depends on several factors, including the amount recovered, the amount claimed (based on the amount the various parties were at fault), and state laws.

Generally, you would receive reimbursement of your deductible equal to your proportion of the total amount claimed to the total amount recovered, net of expenses. However, precisely how the reimbursement amount is determined varies by state.

These examples outline general rules that apply in many states—please discuss the specifics of your case with your subrogation claim representative.

Example 1: Other party is 100% liable, but only paid part of the amount

The total amount of damages paid is $10,000. The other party was 100% responsible for the damages. Subrogation claim is for $10,000.

You paid $1,000 and your insurance company paid $9,000.
Your proportion is 1/10 or 10% of the total amount claimed—$1,000.
The amount actually collected is $5,000. There were no collection expenses.
You are reimbursed for $500, or 10% of the amount collected.
Your insurance company is reimbursed for $4,500.

Example 2: Other party is partially liable; only paid part of the amount

The total amount of damages paid is $1000. The other party was 60% responsible for the damages. Subrogation claim is for $6,000.

You paid $1,000 and your insurance company paid $9,000.
Your proportion is 1/10 or 10% of the total amount claimed—$600.
The amount actually collected is $3,000. There were no collection expenses.
You are reimbursed for $300, or 10% of the amount collected.
Your insurance company is reimbursed for $2,700.

Questions? Your Claims Representative Can Help.

Subrogation can be complex and non-intuitive. If you have questions, please let your claims representative know.

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3 Ways to Help Prevent Water Damage in Your Home or Business

admin — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 15:25:05 +0000

A pipe bursts, a hose blows or a steady drip goes unnoticed for months. Whatever causes a leak, it usually results in a messy, costly problem. In fact, the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety reports the average cost of a plumbing failure is more than $5,000 after the insurance deductible was paid.

A leak detection device can be your first line of defense against water damage in your home. Here’s a look at what’s available:

Passive systems are alarm-only detectors. They are relatively inexpensive and should be placed near appliances and fixtures that use water, in the basement and in other areas where you may have a concern about leaks. The units emit a loud noise or whistle when a leak is detected. Typically battery-powered, they are portable and require no hard wiring, so they’re ideal for do-it-yourselfers.
Appliance leak detectors are connected to specific appliances that could leak, such as a washing machine or a refrigerator with a water dispenser. These detectors also issue an alarm, but because they turn off the water to the appliance when a leak is detected they are considered “active” leak detection systems. Some appliance leak detectors can be installed by a homeowner; others may require professional plumbing assistance for best results.
Whole-house leak detection systems provide widespread protection. A shut-off valve is installed on the main water line; the system’s primary unit is typically hard-wired to an electrical source to power the valve. When a leak is detected, the sensors transmit an alert to the main unit, which shuts off the water to the entire house. Moisture-sensing technologies for these systems vary by manufacturer and generally are either internal components of the shut off valve or external moisture sensors that are installed at all appliances and fixtures where leaks can occur. Sophisticated systems can be connected to a home security or fire alarm system, and can be programmed to send an electronic message about the leak to you or a security company. Plumber contractors often install whole-house systems.

In addition to installing leak detection devices, homeowners should stay on the lookout for potential water problems around the home.

Pay attention to damp or discolored areas under sinks or near refrigerators, and around bathroom fixtures.
Look for rust on the exterior or base of a water heater.
Replace hoses on the washing machine every 3-5 years as part of a proactive maintenance plan.
Investigate musty smells in the basement or near water fixtures.
Clean and test your sump pump periodically.
If a leak is discovered, have it repaired immediately.
If you suspect a problem, consider having a plumber check your pipes, fittings and water pressure.

If you do incur water damage be sure to call us for a FREE Estimate and Evaluation at 215-657-2244.

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Mold Growth from Water Damage or Flooding

admin — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 14:03:34 +0000

Water damage mold is a type of fungus that produces a growth of damp or decaying organic matter on the surfaces where a lot of moisture tends to be present.

Although mold is a natural substance and water damage mold and is not the greatest of diseases to be felt by the human beings, the fungus might cause some serious problems like irritation to lungs and eyes, allergies, asthma attacks and sinus congestion. If a house has water damage it takes as little as 24-48 hours for mold to develop in those places. In the household, water damage mold tends to be prevalent where there is enough moisture present for the fungus to feed on. The most vulnerable place for water damage mold to grow is bathrooms which are not hygienically maintained and it can also be hidden under carpets or floor tiles which are generally not cleaned regularly.

When your basement gives you musty smell and walls are decolorized that is when you confirm that you have water damage mold in your house. Restoration must be quickly adopted in order that the mold does not cause considerable health hazards. There are a number of things you must take care of if you have this growing around you. The first thing to do before you contact Royal Water Damage is to open your doors and windows so that clean air can get through your house so that the moist condition on which the mold lives will be reduced. Dry up all the house hold blankets and carpets with dehumidifiers.

Water damage mold can be cleaned by relatively simple techniques which can be performed by you. But you have to take suitable precautions like wearing gloves and goggles if you are removing it with your hands. These precautions protect you against harmful mold which are in their advanced stages of growth. A thorough cleaning with Lysol soap solution and water would take care of any mold in household carpets. The floor then has to be painted with an oil paint so that further mold does not accumulate over there.

Besides these there is also dry wall water damage mold which can be reduced by cutting away the dry wall where the mold is suspected to be present. This needs to be followed by cleaning up of any mold seen on the wooden boards by using soap and water. There are a lot of other ways to control water damage mold. A physician’s examination for such water damage mold can also be of great use as a final measure of safety against the spread of any disease.

Call Royal Water Damage for a NO Obligation – FREE Estimate. 215-657-2244

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Cost of Water Damage Repair and Restoration, Water Extraction and Flood Cleanup: Pay or File a Claim?

admin — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 19:09:54 +0000

www.royalwaterdamage.com

How do I know the true cost of water extraction, flood water cleanup, damage repair, or even file a claim? How would I know what proper tools to get the work completed on my own? Here are 5 questions to ask yourself before you go to the hardware store or even have your neighbor come to do the flood cleanup for you at a discounted rate.

Q: Do you know if the claim is covered?

A: Coverage of water damage depends on the insurance company, but most insurance carriers do not cover water damage that enters the home subsurface. Usually there is coverage if the water comes from the home plumbing system and does not enter the home through the foundation. Most water damage repair is covered if it originates from a broken pipe or a leak in the plumbing.

Q: What is the amount of your deductable?

A: Call your Insurance agent. Find out what your flood damage insurance deductible is. This is the part of the flood damage repairs that you will be responsible to pay. If the water damage is small, the cost may not be more than the deductible and you will not need to file a claim.

Q: Who can you call for an estimate of the flood cleanup, repair, restoration of the damage the water has made in your beautiful home?

A: Royal Water Damage will give you a free estimate for your flood cleanup, water damage repair. Most disaster restoration companies charge by square foot for each service needed to clean up your water damage. There are standard prices that are accepted by the insurance companies. At Royal Water Damage we guarantee to match the insurance company’s estimate so you have no out of pocket expenses for the cleanup of your flood restoration.

Q: Do you have the proper tools to get the work done yourself?

A: Sometimes there are small floods in your home that you can handle yourself. If at any time you are not sure that you can handle it give us a call 215-657-2444 and we will be there with all the proper equipment. We can give you a free estimate and scope of work that can assist you in making that decision.

Q: How soon can a disaster cleanup restoration company be at my home to help me with the water damage?

A: Our Certified Technicians will be at your home within 45 minutes. We know how important it is to get the water off your floors and furniture. It can cause some serious damage if left sitting.

Standard flood damage cleanup includes the following:

● Water extraction

● Wet Pad remova

● Pull up wet carpet

● Treat area with disinfectant

● Set carpet dryers

● Set dehumidifiers

As you have read. It all depends on how comfortable you feel about doing the cleanup yourself versus getting someone else to come into your house doing all the work for you. We are the professionals and know what it takes to make things easy on you and your family. Visit us at www.royalwaterdamage.com.

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Water Damage from Frozen or Broken Pipes?

admin — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 15:22:59 +0000

Frozen, Broken Water Pipes Can Be Homeowner Nightmare. If you have water damage from broken or frozen pipes call Royal Water Damage immediately to minimize the damage.

215-657-2244 for a FREE No Obigation Estimate

We don’t often think of damage from frozen and broken water pipes as being on the same scale as a natural disaster, but damage from water is the most prevalent — yet least recognized — catastrophe. In fact, frozen and broken water pipes rank No. 2 behind hurricanes in terms of both the number of homes damaged and the amount of claim costs in the U.S.

Damage from frozen and broken water pipes can be a homeowner’s nightmare. When a pipe bursts, water gushes from the pipe like a fire hydrant, turning a basement into a lake within minutes. Water from frozen and broken pipes causes the most damage while people are away from home, because the plumbing can rupture and water can run unnoticed for several days. Repairs of around $50,000 are common due to water’s wrath.

Frozen and broken water pipes are a significant cause of loss across the nation. Damage can include soaked and ruined drywall. Wallpaper turns moldy. Kitchen cabinets warp, and carpet and draperies can be ruined. Photo albums, paperwork, antiques, furniture and clothing also can be destroyed. Sometimes homes have to be gutted because mold and mildew cover every inch from floor to ceiling.

Potential damage from frozen and broken water pipes is preventable. Efforts to prevent pipes from breaking in your home will save you from the nightmares of water damage and help reduce the enormous insurance claims that result. Policyholders share the financial burden of frozen and broken water pipes through increased homeowners insurance rates. Obviously, preventing broken water pipes is in your best interest

Call today for your No-Obligation, FREE Estimate – (215) 657-2244
Royal Water Damage suggests five easy things you can do to protect your home from frozen and broken water pipes:

1. Disconnect all garden hoses and other outside hose connections. If possible, use an indoor valve to shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets.

2. Insulate all exposed pipes located in your basement, under your home, on outside walls or in attics. For pipes with northern exposures, use heat tape according to the manufacturer’s instructions. (Improper usage may cause a fire.)

3. Set the thermostat to at least 55 degrees even when your home is vacant or unoccupied during the winter. If you plan to be away during cold-weather months, have someone regularly check your home
to make sure it’s staying warm enough to prevent freezing.

4. Winterize sprinkler systems according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Blowing out excess water with a compressor may be the best way to prevent frozen and broken pipes. If you have a swamp cooler, winterize it by disconnecting the water source and clearing the line.

5. Very important is knowing how to shut off the water supply if a pipe bursts. Quick action can minimize damage.

Taking these few precautions before the next freeze sets in may save your home
from the devastating effects of frozen and broken water pipes.

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