Introduction: Why Illinois Homeowners Struggle With Water Damage Claims
When water damage strikes—whether from burst pipes, roof leaks, or flooded basements—your first instinct is to call your insurance company. But in Illinois, many homeowners quickly discover the hard truth: getting fully reimbursed is often harder than expected. We’ve created this guide to better understand Water damage insurance claims in Illinois.
Insurance adjusters work for the carrier, not for you. Their job is to limit payouts—not maximize them. And unless you know how to document your loss, assert your rights, and navigate Illinois-specific insurance rules, you may end up underpaid or flat-out denied.
This comprehensive guide—crafted by the IICRC-certified experts at ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons—walks you through every step of the process.
Common Water Damage Claim Mistakes Illinois Homeowners Make
1. Not Documenting the Loss Immediately
Photos, videos, written notes, and even water meter readings can make or break your claim.
2. Tossing Damaged Materials Too Early
Don’t discard wet carpet, drywall, or furniture until the adjuster has seen them (or you’ve documented everything).
3. Using an Unlicensed or Unfamiliar Contractor
Insurers may reject claims if the remediation wasn’t done to IICRC standards.
4. Assuming Insurance Covers It All
Most policies exclude:
- Gradual leaks
- Backup from outside sewers (unless you have an endorsement)
- Mold (if caused by neglect)
5. Accepting the First Payout Offer
It’s often a lowball. You don’t have to accept it.
Water Damage Restoration Services
What Your Insurance Adjuster Won’t Tell You
- “You don’t have to accept our estimate.” You can negotiate—and you should.
- “You can hire your own mitigation experts.” The insurer may suggest preferred vendors, but you’re legally allowed to choose who you trust.
- “You have the right to a fair and prompt settlement under Illinois law.” Adjusters don’t usually bring this up.
- “We may undervalue repairs unless you push back.” Especially when hidden damage is involved.
How to Properly Document Water Damage in Illinois
- Take Photos & Video Immediately
Wide shots, close-ups, timestamps. - Write a Loss Narrative
What happened, when, and what you did about it. - Keep Receipts & Communication Logs
Track all expenses, including hotel stays, food, and drying equipment. - Request a Copy of Your Policy
Know your coverage and limits. - Get a Moisture Map
ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons provides these for clear documentation.
What Illinois Law Says About Claim Timelines
Under the Illinois Insurance Code:
- Insurers have 15 days to acknowledge a claim.
- They must investigate within 30 days.
- They must settle or deny within 45 days of proof of loss.
- Unreasonable delays may qualify as bad faith.
If they miss deadlines, you may be entitled to interest or legal relief.
Denied or Underpaid? Know Your Rights in Illinois
- Request a Written Denial Explanation
- File a Complaint with the Illinois Department of Insurance
- Hire a Public Adjuster or Attorney (but proceed cautiously)
When to Call a Public Adjuster (and When Not To)
Call a PA if:
- The claim is large (over $10K)
- You’ve been denied
- You don’t trust the insurance estimate
Don’t call a PA if:
- The claim is small
- You already have documentation and a reliable restoration contractor (like us)
How ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons Helps With Water Damage Insurance Claims
We don’t just dry your space—we help protect your reimbursement.
- IICRC-Certified Documentation
- Moisture Mapping & Photos
- Detailed Service Logs
- Direct Communication With Adjusters
- Assistance with Proof of Loss
And we don’t require upfront payment if insurance is expected to cover the loss.
Downloadable PDF: Water Damage Claim Toolkit
Water Damage Claim Toolkit for Illinois Homeowners
Checklist includes:
- Immediate steps after damage
- What to photograph
- Who to call
- What receipts to keep
- Claim negotiation tips
FAQ Schema Block (to insert separately)
Questions:
- Does homeowners insurance cover basement flooding in Illinois?
- How long do I have to file a water damage claim?
- What’s considered a “sudden and accidental” water loss?
- Can I choose my own restoration company?
- What if my insurance only paid part of my damages?
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About ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons
Based in the Chicagoland Metropolitan Area with offices in Skokie, Chicago, and Deerfield, ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons is a multi-award-winning disaster restoration firm with more than 30 years of experience serving Cook, Lake, and DuPage counties. We specialize in water damage restoration, fire and smoke damage cleanup, mold remediation, and post-disaster reconstruction for both residential and commercial properties. We’ve created this guide to help you better understand water damage insurance claims in Illinois.
Our company is proudly MBE/WBE certified, and we hold the highest industry credentials as an IICRC Certified Firm, including Master Water Restorer, Master Fire Restorer, and Master Textile Cleaner certifications. We’re also proud members of the Restoration Industry Association (RIA), demonstrating our commitment to upholding the highest restoration standards nationwide.
ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons has played a major role in regional and national recovery efforts, from major hurricanes and floods to deep freezes in the Midwest. We’ve received multiple commendations from ServiceMaster Corporate for our leadership in large-scale disaster response.
What truly sets us apart is our personal approach: our management team is hands-on, deeply involved in every project, and focused on helping our clients recover not just their property, but their peace of mind. We’ve also authored the guidebook RESTORE: A Complete Guide To Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset, available on Amazon.