Why Does Your Insurance Company Send an Engineer After a Claim?

An insurance engineer serves as a technical investigator for your insurance company. This individual is often a professional with an engineering background. Their primary job is to examine the property damage and determine its origin. They look for evidence to establish whether the event is covered under your specific policy's terms.

This investigation is separate from the work done by water damage restoration professionals. The pros focus on stopping the water and drying your home, while the engineer focuses on cause and liability. Their findings directly influence the insurer's decision to approve or deny coverage for the loss.

The engineer conducts a thorough site inspection, documenting everything with photos, notes, and sometimes measurements. They examine the damaged materials, trace the path of water, and identify the point of origin. For a water loss, they check for signs of corrosion, poor installation, or lack of maintenance.

They also evaluate if building codes were followed and whether any pre-existing conditions contributed to the failure. Their report will detail the sequence of events, the probable cause, and often an opinion on whether the damage resulted from a single event or gradual deterioration.

• The exact point where the failure began, like a specific pipe joint.
• Evidence of wear, corrosion, or previous repairs near the failure.
• Signs of long-term leakage, such as mineral stains or mold.
• Compliance with local building codes at the time of installation.
• The extent of damage to structural components like framing or subflooring.
• Any contributing factors, like soil movement or frozen pipes.

While the engineer investigates for the insurance company, local water damage pros work to protect your home from further damage. It's important to allow both parties to do their jobs. The pros can document the damage thoroughly from a restoration standpoint, which can support your claim.

Clear communication is helpful. Let the restoration pros know an engineer is involved. They can ensure critical evidence is preserved and may be able to provide helpful observations about the condition of materials during the water extraction process. A detailed log of events can be useful for your claim.