Why an Insurance Company Might Not Repair or Match All Kitchen Cabinets Damaged by a Water Leak
Homeowners often find themselves in a frustrating situation when trying to get their kitchen cabinets repaired or matched after a water leak through their insurance policy. This article aims to clarify why this might happen and explore available options for resolving the issue.
Scope of Coverage
Insurance companies typically only cover the repairs of items damaged by a water leak. The extent of the damage is usually defined by your policy terms, which may state that only the part of the cabinet that was damaged is to be repaired or replaced. If your cabinet doors or fronts are discontinued, you may end up with a patchy effect. This is because new cabinets may not match the style of the old ones, which can be disappointing for many homeowners.
If you wish to match the cabinets, you have the option to upgrade the rest of the kitchen with new ones that match the newly repaired or replaced parts. However, it's crucial to do this while the discontinued models are still available. This ensures a seamless transition and a consistent look in your kitchen.
Partially Damaged Cabinets
When it comes to water damage, typically only base cabinets are affected. This is due to the water level often remaining at a consistent level, leading to damage primarily in the lower cabinets. However, even in these instances, the doors and fronts of the cabinets can often be salvaged and reinstalled onto new base cabinets, resulting in a nearly perfect match.
In the unfortunate event that your cabinets cannot be salvaged, the insurance company does not owe you to replace or match all cabinets that were not damaged. Your policy clearly states that coverage is limited to repairing or replacing property damaged by a covered cause of loss. Therefore, you might need to consider purchasing new cabinets that match your existing kitchen decor.
Using the Insurance Company's Recommendations
Insurance companies typically have a network of remediation contractors that they refer to their customers for assistance. These contractors are generally skilled and capable of matching cabinets effectively, often resulting in a seamless repair. However, if the insurance company disagrees with the extent of the damage, you can take matters into your own hands and handle the issue internally with the company.
When dealing with contractors referred by your insurance company, it's important to understand that you have the ultimate decision-making power. You can request a consultation or another contractor to provide an alternative assessment. If dissatisfied with the initial contractors' work, you can escalate the issue to the insurance company, which is responsible for ensuring that you receive fair coverage.
Based on my 32 years of handling claims, I have never received anything but glowing reports on the contractors that my insurance company refers. However, it's always a good idea to be proactive and verify the quality of work and the contractor's professionalism before agreeing to any repairs or replacements.
Final Advice
In summary, if you're facing a situation where an insurance company claims that they will not repair or match all your kitchen cabinets damaged by a water leak, it's important to understand the scope of your policy and the limitations it imposes. You can choose to upgrade the kitchen with new matching cabinets while they are still available. Alternatively, work with the contractors referred by your insurance company and maintain a clear line of communication with the insurance provider to ensure fair coverage. Always keep detailed documentation of all interactions and repairs to support your claims.