If you’ve found yourself facing water damage in your Santa Rosa home, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to handle it alone either. At Bravo Restoration & Construction (BRC), we’ve helped hundreds of Sonoma County homeowners navigate water damage repairs and the insurance process that comes with it.
We know that figuring out what’s covered (and what’s not), how to file a claim, and how to get everything back to normal can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve created this clear, honest FAQ-style guide to help property owners like you get answers fast.
Let’s walk you through the most common questions we hear about water damage repair in Santa Rosa and how your insurance fits in.
Is Water Damage Covered by Homeowners Insurance?
Yes, but it depends on the cause.
Most standard homeowners insurance policies cover sudden and accidental water damage, such as:
- Burst pipes
- Water heater failure
- Overflow from washing machines or dishwashers
- Rain or stormwater that enters through a damaged roof (if the damage was sudden)
However, policies typically do not cover:
- Gradual leaks (like a long-term pipe drip)
- Flooding from rising ground water
- Sewer backups (unless you have added coverage)
- Mold resulting from unresolved water damage
📌 Pro Tip from BRC: Many Santa Rosa homeowners are surprised to learn that flood damage isn’t covered under standard policies, it requires separate flood insurance, which is important if you live in a flood-prone area.
What’s the First Thing I Should Do After Discovering Water Damage?
Take these three steps, in this order:
- Stop the source if it’s safe to do so (shut off water, turn off appliances).
- Call BRC immediately. Our team responds 24/7 and can begin emergency water removal and assessment.
- Notify your insurance company. Starting the claims process early is critical.
Time is everything with water damage. The faster we respond, the more we can save, from flooring to furniture to walls.
What Documentation Do I Need for My Insurance Claim?
Solid documentation helps move your claim forward faster. Here’s what to gather:
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- Photos or videos of the damage before cleanup
- A written description of the event (date, time, cause)
- A list of damaged belongings and estimated value
- BRC’s inspection report and repair estimate
Our team provides detailed, insurance-friendly documentation that aligns with what adjusters need.
Does BRC Work with Insurance Companies?
Absolutely.
BRC has extensive experience working with local and national insurance carriers. Our office regularly coordinates with insurance adjusters, and we speak the “insurance language” to help streamline approvals.
Here’s how we help:
- We provide complete scopes of work and cost breakdowns
- We use Xactimate® software, an industry standard for insurance estimates
- We stay in contact with your adjuster to prevent claim delays
- We advocate for the full scope of necessary repairs, not just surface fixes
Our job is to restore your home and reduce your stress. That means helping ensure you get the coverage you’re entitled to.
Will My Insurance Cover Mold from Water Damage?
Only if the mold was caused by a covered water event, and only if you acted quickly.
For example:
✅ Covered – A sudden pipe burst leads to mold growth, and you called a professional immediately
❌ Not Covered – You noticed a slow leak over months and didn’t report or repair it
That’s why it’s crucial to act fast and bring in experts like BRC. We’re certified in microbial remediation and can document everything for insurance to increase your chance of mold-related coverage.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?
Most insurance policies require you to file a claim “promptly” or within a “reasonable time”, usually within 30 to 60 days of the damage.
Waiting too long can cause your claim to be denied, especially if damage gets worse from inaction. BRC helps you meet these deadlines by:
- Responding within hours of your call
- Supplying all the required claim documentation ASAP
- Keeping a clear timeline of mitigation steps
How Much Will My Insurance Pay for Water Damage Repair?
It depends on:
- Your policy limits
- Your deductible
- The type and extent of damage
- What was deemed a covered loss
Typically, insurance covers:
- Drying and dehumidification
- Structural repairs
- Content cleaning or replacement
- Mold remediation (in covered cases)
Homeowners are responsible for paying the deductible and any exclusions. BRC provides clear, upfront estimates, so you’re never surprised by costs.
Why Choose BRC for Water Damage Repair in Santa Rosa?
Bravo Restoration & Construction isn’t a faceless franchise, we’re locally owned, woman-led, and proud to serve Sonoma County with integrity. Our team is made up of neighbors who live right here in the communities we serve.
When you call BRC, you get:
- 24/7 emergency service
- Licensed and IICRC-certified technicians
- State-of-the-art drying and cleanup technology
- Personal help navigating insurance claims
- Honest, transparent communication every step of the way
We’re not just here to fix walls, we’re here to help restore peace of mind.
What If My Claim Is Denied?
If your insurance company denies a claim you believe should be covered, don’t panic. Here’s what to do:
- Request the denial in writing with a full explanation.
- Review your policy and compare it to your situation.
- Get a second opinion. BRC can review the damage and help you build a stronger case.
- Appeal the decision, you have the right to challenge it.
We’ve worked with many homeowners whose claims were initially denied but eventually approved after clarification or additional documentation.
Don’t Navigate Water Damage Alone
Water damage in Santa Rosa can feel like it flips your world upside down. Insurance policies, claims adjusters, and repairs are a lot to handle when all you want is your home back.
That’s where BRC comes in.
We specialize in water damage repair in Santa Rosa and across Sonoma County. But more than that, we specialize in supporting our neighbors, from the first call to the final inspection.
If you’re dealing with water damage, call us anytime at (707)837-0675 or contact us online. We’re ready to help.