APCO Pools Specialties, Inc.

Insurance Claim Inspections

Pool struck by lightning (see inset photo) damaged all wiring, bonding, and coping resulting in a total renovation of the pool.

APCO often performs damage appraisals for many insurance companies.  This involves us going out to the site of the damage and estimating the cost to restore the pool to the previous condition.  Occasionally it will also require us to verify that the damage could have happened the way the insured stated it happened.  In this scenario we are paid by and represent the insurance company.

Whether the claim is a result of storm damage, ice damage, snow damage, cave-ins, collapsed walls, broken glass, erosion, vandalism, or items blown into the pool, APCO Pool Specialties can handle the repair estimate and any subsequent questions the insurance company may have. We’ll inspect every part of the pool, including the pool coping and any pool liners involved.

If you have a possible insurance claim there are things you either should or must do.  You should document anything you can when you first discover the damage.  APCO always recommend taking pictures, lots of them.  Pictures can make a claim get processed much faster and with fewer questions.  You must do your best to prevent further damage.  This can be as simple as removing the branch that fell into the pool or calling a professional such as APCO Pools to perform emergency pool service.  Not following these simple tasks can jeopardize the claim.

Winter cover installed with cinder blocks which were “blown” into the pool during a storm.

Knowing what to do when damage happens is almost as important as what not to do.  Never pay for an estimate!  An insurance damage appraisal is just an estimate, nothing fancy, and if a contractor wants to be paid for an estimate, then find a new contractor.  Please see our “How to avoid getting soaked while repairing your pool” for further information.  Never sign any authorization that allows the contractor to receive any payments directly from your insurance company.  If payment goes directly to him you lose all control over the repair and your insurance company will not help you recover any payment that you are in dispute of.   Most importantly never let a contractor persuade or pressure you into lying on a claim.  If a claim is fraudulent and the insurance company goes after you, the contractor is free and clear.  Remember, you filed the claim against your policy and you signed the claim stating everything is truthful.  The contractor signed nothing stating the cause of the damage. He only stated the costs to repair.  You are on your own!

APCO Pools has the knowledge and experience to fight with the insurance companies to ensure proper swimming pool repairs.  Contact us for additional information or to schedule an appointment.

Tree branch that fell during a storm damaging both the safety cover and the liner.