Water Damage Claims in Atlanta

In Atlanta, the first question in any water damage claim is where the water came from. A burst pipe, a sewer backup, a city water main break, and a flooded creek are each covered differently, and some aren't covered at all by a standard homeowners policy. This page covers what's specific to Atlanta. For 35 years, Insurance Claims Consultants has helped property owners across Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina recover what their policies actually owe them.

"My name's on this business, and after 45 years I still take these calls myself — and I stand behind every claim we take." — Jeffrey A. Raines, Founder

Call us directly at (864) 497-2151.

Stop the water if you safely can, then photograph everything before cleanup begins, including the source. Water spreads into walls, subfloors, and insulation quickly, and mold can follow within days, so prompt drying matters, and your policy expects you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage. Keep every receipt. Our water damage claims guide walks through documenting a water loss step by step.

• Burst or leaking pipes inside the home. Sudden, accidental water damage is typically covered by homeowners insurance. Slow, long-term leaks often aren't, which is why the claim has to show the damage was sudden.
• Sewer or drain backup. Standard homeowners policies usually exclude it unless you added a sewer and water backup endorsement. Sewer problems are a known issue in some of Atlanta's older neighborhoods, so this endorsement is worth checking before you need it.
• A city water main break or city sewer failure. Your own policy may pay, depending on how the water entered. The City itself may also be responsible, as covered below.
• Rising water from a creek or storm runoff. That's flood, which homeowners policies exclude. It takes a separate flood policy.

Atlanta's Department of Watershed Management runs the city's water mains and sewer system. Atlanta has seen major water main breaks, including failures downtown and in Midtown that left much of the city under a boil-water advisory. When city infrastructure causes the damage:

• Report it immediately to Watershed Management through 311 or (404) 546-0311, and write down the date, time, and any report number.
• Watch the deadline. Georgia law generally requires a written claim against a city within six months of the damage. Atlanta's claim form must be delivered in person, or sent by certified mail or statutory overnight delivery, to the Mayor or the President of the City Council at Atlanta City Hall, 55 Trinity Avenue. Details are on the City Council website.
• Don't wait on the City. If your own policy covers the loss, file with your insurer too. Your insurer can pursue the City afterward, and you won't be stuck waiting while the damage gets worse.

Atlanta homes are built for mild winters, so a hard freeze catches many of them unprepared. Pipes in crawl spaces, attics, and exterior walls are the most exposed. Freeze damage is usually covered as long as reasonable care was taken to keep the heat on. If the home was vacant or the heat was off, check your policy's freezing and vacancy language before you file.

In older intown homes, aging supply lines and clay or cast-iron sewer laterals fail more often. The lateral between your house and the city main is generally the owner's responsibility, and many policies won't pay to replace the failed pipe itself. They can still cover the water damage it caused, so the claim should separate the two clearly.

Inside Atlanta city limits, which cross both Fulton and DeKalb counties, repair permits go through the City of Atlanta's Office of Buildings in the Department of City Planning. Homes in historic districts may also need review before exterior work.

Outside the city, neighboring cities such as Decatur, Sandy Springs, and Brookhaven, and the counties themselves, run their own permit offices.

Emergencies: Call 911.

Water main breaks and sewer spills: 311 or (404) 546-0311

Local assistance of all kinds: Dial 211 for housing, food, and utility help.

Emotional support: Call or text 988, any time of day.

Talk With Us About Your Atlanta Water Damage Claim

Water claims are often won or lost on one question: where the water came from and which policy, or which party, has to pay. We'll review your coverage, including any sewer backup endorsement, look at what the adjuster's estimate leaves out, and tell you plainly whether we can help.

Click the ICC logo below to talk with us live by phone or video conference, or call us directly at (864) 497-2151. We serve all of Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina.