We’ve put together a simple INSURANCE CLAIM TO DO LIST
Storm hits.
Roof takes damage.
Water starts creeping in.
And suddenly… you’re expected to make all the right decisions while everything feels chaotic.
Here’s the truth most homeowners don’t realize:
👉 The steps you take immediately after a storm can directly impact how much your insurance company pays you.
Miss a step, and it can cost you thousands.
Do it right, and you protect your property—and your claim.
Let’s walk through the exact checklist.
Step 1: Document Everything (This Is Your Leverage)
Think of documentation as your receipt for the damage.
If it’s not documented, insurance companies can (and often will) argue it didn’t happen the way you say it did.
What to do:
- Take clear photos and videos of all visible damage
- Capture wide shots + close-ups
- Don’t forget interior damage (ceilings, walls, floors)
Pro Tip: Take more photos than you think you need. You’re building a story and details matter.
Step 2: Prevent Further Damage (Without Overdoing It)
Your policy requires you to mitigate damage, not ignore it.
But here’s where people get tripped up…
They either:
- Do nothing (which can hurt their claim), or
- Do too much (which can also hurt their claim)
What to do:
- Make temporary repairs only (tarping, boarding, drying out water)
- Do NOT start full repairs yet
- Keep everything as close to “post-storm condition” as possible
Step 3: Track Every Expense (Yes, Every Single One)
Every dollar you spend could be reimbursable, but only if you can prove it.
What to document:
- Receipts for materials
- Emergency repair invoices
- Hotel stays (if displacement occurs)
- Equipment rentals (fans, tarps, etc.)
📌 No receipt = no reimbursement argument.
Step 4: Get a Contractor Inspection (Before You Trust the Insurance Report)
Insurance adjusters are not there to maximize your claim.
They’re there to evaluate it from the carrier’s perspective.
That’s why a second set of eyes matters.
What to do:
- Have a trusted contractor inspect the property
- Ask for photos + a damage summary
- Compare this with what the insurance company says later
Step 5: Start the Claim Process (But Stay Strategic)
Now you’re ready to notify your insurance company.
What to do:
- Report the damage and open your claim
- Stick to facts, not assumptions
- Avoid guessing the cause or cost of damage
⚠️ The Mistake That Costs Homeowners the Most
Most people assume: “The insurance company will take care of me.”
Sometimes they do.
But we’ve seen thousands of claims where homeowners:
- Were underpaid
- Had damage missed
- Or were told the claim was below deductible
…only to later discover they were owed far more.
Give us a call if you need a second opinion on your claim: (877) 890-6372
