A Step-by-Step Guide to Filing Water Damage Claims with State Farm Insurance

When unexpected water damage strikes your home—whether it’s from a burst pipe, leaking appliance, or a storm—the stress can be overwhelming. For many homeowners insured with State Farm, the good news is that help may be just a phone call away. But how do you ensure your claim is handled quickly, fairly, and with minimal stress?

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about filing a water damage claim with State Farm, including what’s covered, how the claims process works, what documentation you need, and how to avoid common pitfalls.

As licensed restoration contractors in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, Specialty Contractors has helped hundreds of State Farm policyholders repair their homes and get back to normal—faster. Let’s dive in.

What Water Damage Does State Farm Typically Cover?

State Farm’s standard homeowners insurance policy (HO-3) covers certain types of water damage—but not all. It’s important to understand what is typically covered and what isn’t, so you can set realistic expectations when filing your claim.

✅ Covered Water Damage Examples:

Sudden and accidental discharge from plumbing (burst pipe)

Overflow from appliances (washer, dishwasher, toilet)

Roof leaks caused by a fallen tree or storm damage (if the roof was previously in good condition)

Water damage from putting out a fire

❌ Not Covered (Usually):

Gradual leaks due to poor maintenance (e.g., slow leak behind a wall)

Flooding from rising water (requires flood insurance)

Sewer backup (unless you added a sewer backup endorsement)

Mold, unless it’s a result of a covered peril and you have mold coverage

📌 Pro tip: Check your Declarations Page to confirm any optional endorsements you may have, such as water backup or extended dwelling coverage.

First Steps After Discovering Water Damage

The moment you notice water damage, your first priority should be safety and mitigation. Then, initiate your claim with State Farm as soon as possible.

Step 1: Stop the Water Source

Shut off the main water valve if a pipe burst

Call a plumber immediately to diagnose and fix the issue

Step 2: Take Photos and Videos

Capture clear images of the damage from multiple angles

Include affected rooms, personal belongings, and the source of the water (if visible)

Step 3: Prevent Further Damage

Remove standing water if safe

Place towels or buckets under leaks

Move furniture and belongings out of harm’s way

Step 4: Call a Certified Restoration Contractor

Reach out to a preferred contractor like Specialty Contractors, who works with State Farm and knows their claim protocols. We can:

Document damage using industry software (Xactimate)

Help secure your property

Begin the mitigation process while your claim is under review

How to File a Water Damage Claim with State Farm

State Farm offers multiple ways to start your claim, and it’s best to act within 24–48 hours of discovering the damage.

📱 File Online or Through the App

Log in to StateFarm.com or use the mobile app

Select your homeowners policy and click “Start a Claim”

Upload photos, add a description, and submit

📞 Call State Farm Directly

Call 1-800-SF-CLAIM (1-800-732-5246)

You’ll speak with a claims representative who will initiate the process

👤 Contact Your Local Agent

Some State Farm agents assist directly with filing or assigning a claim rep

Once filed, you’ll receive a claim number and be assigned an adjuster who will handle your case.

H2: What Happens Next? The Claims Process Explained

Once your water damage claim is opened, you can expect the following process:

1. Initial Contact from Adjuster

A State Farm adjuster will call within 1–3 business days. They’ll ask:

What happened?

When did it occur?

Have repairs started?

Are you working with a contractor?

2. On-Site Inspection or Virtual Estimate

Depending on the situation:

The adjuster may come to your home to inspect damage

Or request a virtual walk-through via video

Or use documentation submitted by your contractor (like us)

📌 Important: Make sure your contractor uses Xactimate or Symbility, which matches State Farm’s pricing model—this speeds up approval.

3. Approval of Emergency Services

If water mitigation is required (e.g., drying equipment, demo), approval can be granted quickly if it's urgent. Specialty Contractors often handles this directly with State Farm’s systems.

4. Estimate and Payout

State Farm will review the scope of work and issue an initial payment (ACV—actual cash value)

Once work is complete, they’ll release the remaining recoverable depreciation

If you have a mortgage, checks may be co-payable and require lender sign-off

What You’ll Need to Provide to State Farm

Here’s a quick checklist of what to gather and provide to help move your claim forward:

✅ Photos and video of the damage

✅ Receipts for emergency repairs or plumbing invoices

✅ Documentation of the source of the leak

✅ Inventory of damaged personal items

✅ Any contractor estimates or scopes of work

✅ Mold test reports (if applicable)

Specialty Contractors can compile all this for you and communicate directly with the adjuster to save you time.

How Long Does a Water Damage Claim Take?

Claim timelines vary based on:

Severity of the damage

How quickly documents are submitted

Adjuster workload (especially after storms)

Typically:

Emergency mitigation: Can start immediately

Adjuster contact: Within 1–3 days

Payouts: 5–15 business days from submission of paperwork

Repairs: Start as soon as insurance gives go-ahead and payment is made

Will My Premium Go Up?

This is one of the most common questions homeowners ask.

Here’s what to know:

If the damage was sudden and accidental, like a pipe burst, State Farm usually classifies this as a non-weather water loss

A single claim may not cause a rate increase, especially if it’s your first in 5 years

Multiple claims in a short time can lead to surcharges or even non-renewal

📌 Tip: Speak with your State Farm agent before filing if the damage is minor. In some cases, it may be smarter to pay out of pocket.

Working with a Contractor That Knows State Farm

At Specialty Contractors, we’ve been working with State Farm adjusters and claims systems for over 40 years. We’re a trusted name in insurance restoration in Dallas/Fort Worth, and we know what it takes to get your claim approved quickly and repaired right.

Here’s what we offer:

Direct Xactimate estimating to match State Farm pricing

Emergency water mitigation and mold services

Insurance paperwork assistance

Licensed and insured general contracting for full rebuilds

Warranty on all repairs

Most importantly, we act as your advocate—making sure you get everything you’re entitled to under your policy.

H2: Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these missteps that can slow down or jeopardize your claim:

🚫 Waiting too long to file

🚫 Throwing away damaged items before documenting

🚫 Hiring unlicensed or non-insurance-savvy contractors

🚫 Failing to prevent additional damage (mitigation)

🚫 Not reading your policy or deductible terms

H2: What If My Claim Is Denied?

If your claim is denied:

Ask for a written explanation and refer to your policy language

You can request a re-inspection

Submit additional evidence or get a second contractor’s opinion

Consider involving a public adjuster or attorney if it’s a large loss

We’re happy to help you review the denial and offer guidance—even if we weren’t your original contractor.

Real Example – Water Damage in McKinney, TX

Recently, a homeowner in McKinney had a pipe burst behind the kitchen wall while away on vacation. State Farm initially offered $9,200 based on their adjuster’s virtual estimate. After we were called in:

We conducted a moisture inspection and found mold under the flooring

We submitted a revised estimate using Xactimate: $23,000

State Farm approved the updated scope

We completed the work in 3 weeks—kitchen fully restored

Total additional payout to the homeowner: $13,800

FAQs About State Farm Water Claims

Q: What is my deductible?

Check your policy—deductibles typically range from $1,000–$2,500 for water damage claims.

Q: Do I need to wait for State Farm’s approval to start repairs?

Mitigation (drying) can begin right away. Major repairs should wait until the scope is approved.

Q: Will State Farm pay for mold?

Only if mold resulted from a covered peril—and only up to the policy limit (often $5K–10K if added as an endorsement).

Q: Can I choose my own contractor?

Yes. You are not required to use State Farm’s preferred vendor. Choose someone experienced in insurance restoration.

 Need Help With a Water Damage Claim?

If you’re dealing with water damage and insured by State Farm, don’t go it alone.

Specialty Contractors is here to guide you every step of the way—from the first call to your adjuster to the final coat of paint. We serve homeowners throughout Dallas, Frisco, McKinney, Plano, Highland Park, and beyond.

📞 Call us today at (214) 389-5130

💬 Or request a free consultation at www.callspecialty.com

Let’s turn your insurance headache into a smooth, stress-free recovery.