Water Leak: should You Call an Insurance Agent or a Plumber First ?

When you discover a water leak within your property, the immediate question that comes to mind is: who do I contact first – the insurance company or a plumber ? This dilemma is more common than one might think and the answer is not as straightforward as it appears. We’ll help unravel this uncertainty by exploring the various factors and responsibilities involved in dealing with a water leak.

First Steps in Case of a Water Leak

Initial Response

In most cases, your first point of call should be your insurance provider. Reporting the damage promptly allows them to assess if you’re covered under your home insurance policy. In parallel, it’s important to limit any further damage: cut off the water supply if possible, and plug the source of the leak if it’s external.

Filing an Insurance Claim

In France, victims are required to file a water damage declaration and transmit an amicable report to their insurer within five days following the incident. About one million such cases are recorded each year across the country.

Before we delve into who bears responsibility for repairs, let’s understand some key differences between a plumber and a leak detector.

Distinguishing Between Plumbers and Leak Detectors

The Role of a Plumber

A plumber’s primary task is fixing plumbing systems. When dealing with leaks, they play an essential role in identifying the source of leakage which then determines who gets billed for repair costs.

The Job of a Leak Detector

Oftentimes confused with plumbers, leak detectors specialize in finding hidden leaks using advanced tools like acoustic devices or thermal imaging cameras. They can locate leaks without causing extensive damage to your property thereby potentially saving you money on unnecessary repairs.

Now that we have a clear understanding of the roles, let’s talk about who is responsible for what when it comes to water leaks and insurance coverage.

Responsibilities and Coverage: insurance or Tenant/Owner ?

Leaks Originating from Private Parts

If the leak originates from private sections, the cost of finding and fixing the leak falls on the occupant. It’s then their responsibility to contact a plumber to identify and rectify the issue.

Leaks Coming from Common Areas

Conversely, if the source is within shared spaces, costs are borne by either the co-ownership syndicate or tenant of the affected dwelling unit.

With knowledge about responsibilities in place, let’s explore how you can ensure your insurer covers these costs.

Key Steps for Insurance Coverage

Reporting Water Damage

The first step towards getting your claim approved is promptly reporting the damage. Keeping them informed helps speed up processing times and increases chances of approval.

Filing an Amicable Report

An amicable report detailing the incident needs to be submitted within five days of discovery. This report plays a crucial role in determining whether your claim will be accepted.

In some instances however, you might want to consider dealing with minor leaks yourself. Here are few suggestions :

Repairing without a Plumber: tips and Alternatives

Cutting off Water Supply

An immediate action that can prevent further damage is shutting off your water supply. This simple step reduces potential damages until professional help arrives.

Patching External Leaks

If you ascertain that the leak is external and minor, consider patching it yourself as a temporary measure. Remember, though, your safety comes first – if you’re unsure about anything, seek professional help.

Water leaks can be stressful but understanding who to contact first and what steps to take can help manage the situation more effectively. Remember that in most cases, your insurance provider should be notified first. Ensure to file a water damage declaration promptly and hire a plumber or leak detector as per requirements. If the leakage is minor and manageable, consider some DIY techniques but never compromise on safety for cost-saving. Knowledge of these steps can save you time, money and unnecessary stress in case of water leaks.