The Benefits of 3D Technology for Water Damage Claims

When faced with losses caused by burst pipes, malfunctioning appliances, overflows, plumbing leaks, or other forms of water damage, accuracy matters. The more information an adjuster receives from a property damage assessment, the better equipped they are to resolve the claim with confidence. 

For instance, 3D technology brings additional precision to water damage claims by enabling insurance professionals to reference 3D scans of the loss location as it was during the assessment alongside a forensic engineer’s detailed report.  

Incorporating 3D Imaging in the Water Damage Claims Process 

Water damage and freezing account for roughly one-fourth of residential property damage claims over a five-year period, according to the Insurance Information Institute’s most recent data.  

With that frequency, the use of 3D scanning systems like Matterport can add an extra layer of insight to the site evaluation process and make adjusters feel as though they were on-site without leaving their desks. 

The 3D camera technology, used by Alpine Intel’s National Fire Experts (NFE), complements standard photography, allows adjusters to take reliable measurements of a structure, and preserves the site condition at the time of the scan.

The scans, which a desk adjuster can quickly obtain, give a virtual overview of the damage and the loss location, allowing adjusters to review the scene as often as needed after a licensed engineer conducts the initial on-site assessment. 

Matterport 3D scans can provide a well-rounded picture of what damage looks like in water damage claims. 

The files from these cameras eliminate the need for manual sketches and measurements. Because they can take measurements within the scans themselves, adjusters have the scene documentation they need if anything is disputed.

Plus, in many cases, scans are available to adjusters within two business days of a site visit.

With the Matterport technology, adjusters can begin the estimation phase of their work remotely and limit the need for multiple site visits. But there are other benefits to 3D scans. 

How Desk Adjusters Use 3D Scans in Water Damage Claims Assessments 

Adjusters have the scans at their fingertips, alongside the engineer’s report that includes the insured’s statements, historical weather data recorded on or around the date of loss, and building code documents. 

These 3D scans help adjusters: 

• Understand rooms affected 
• Determine if the extent of damage that appears coincides with the reported loss  
• Confirm the presence of personal property or contents cited as damaged in a claim  

By using 3D scans, adjusters can have additional evidence of water damage, such as if there is fungal growth in a bathroom shower. 

This allows adjusters the ability to obtain information more quickly to determine compensability and loss exposure. The 3D images can also help adjusters identify any potential red flags or additional data needs. Plus, it serves as a reference point if questions emerge throughout the claim process or the claim goes into litigation. 

Which Water Damage Claims Warrant 3D Scans? 

Adjusters may be familiar with using 3D scans for fire scenes to commemorate damages long after repairs and replacements have been made. The same goes for water damage claims. 

For instance, if a water damage claim cites a burst pipe as the cause of loss, 3D imaging would show how many rooms were impacted and what items near the failure were exposed to water and to what extent.  

They would be able to see what may have been impacted in the loss location, and can cross-reference those items with the property listed in the claim. 

In some instances, a water damage claim might end up in litigation. Should that occur, 3D scans serve as unbiased, objective evidence that can be presented.  

Adjusters who use 3D scans for water damage claims in addition to an engineer’s comprehensive assessment report based on the scientific method can feel more confident that they’re resolving claims based on accurate information. 

If your water damage claim could benefit from the expertise of a Donan licensed forensic engineer or NFE’s 3D Matterport services, submit an assignment today. 

Alpine Intel’s content is meant to inform and educate readers using general terms and descriptions. They do not replace expert evaluations that determine facts and details related to each unique claim.