Poor Flood Response Results in Added Cost to Insurers

By Al Tibbs, CIAQT, CIAQM, CIAQI
CEO & Chairman Closer Look Environmental

Recent floods in Northern Ohio have led to thousands of Ohio homeowners with flooded basements. Poor or slow responses from insurers has led to other problems. Improper assessment of water damage, improper or lack of proper equipment and slow response times are adding to additional costs due to ensuing damage. A fast and appropriate response to basement flooding is critical to managing claim costs. If initial response times are 4-5 days after the flood, the damage may already be done and the cost of cleanup has escalated significantly. Even with a timely response, inexperienced contractors lacking proper equipment to remediate the conditions caused by flooding will do little to reduce claims.