When you experience property damage, it’s important to act quickly and carefully — every step you take can affect how smoothly your insurance claim goes. Here’s what you should do:

Make Sure Everyone Is Safe – Before anything else, confirm that you and your family are out of harm’s way. If the property is unsafe, don’t enter until professionals say it’s okay.

Take Photos and Videos Immediately – Before cleaning or moving anything, capture clear images and video from multiple angles. Show wide shots of each room and close-ups of damaged areas, including ceilings, floors, walls, and contents.

Don’t Throw Anything Away – Keep all damaged items until the insurance adjuster has seen them. Even items that seem worthless — like smoke-damaged clothing or wet carpet — can serve as proof of loss.

Prevent Further Damage – Once it’s safe, take reasonable steps to protect your property from more harm. This might mean boarding up windows, covering the roof, or shutting off water or electricity. Keep all receipts for temporary repairs — your insurance may reimburse these costs.

Notify Your Insurance Company – Contact your insurer as soon as possible to open a claim. They’ll assign a claim number and send an adjuster to inspect the damage. Be sure to write down the adjuster’s name and contact information.

Hire a Public Adjuster – Before meeting with the insurance company’s adjuster, you should hire a licensed public adjuster. We work exclusively for you — not the insurance company — and will help you document the loss, interpret your policy, prepare estimates, and negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.

Create a Detailed Inventory – List every damaged item, including the item name, brand, model, approximate age, and estimated value. Go room by room to make sure nothing is missed.  The more detail you provide, the better. Photos or receipts can help verify each entry.

Save Everything – Keep receipts, repair estimates, and any communication with your insurer. These documents help support your claim and protect you in case of disputes.

Get Repair Estimates – You don’t have to rely solely on the insurance company’s estimate. Obtain your own repair quotes from licensed contractors so you know the true cost of restoration.

Track Additional Living Expenses – If you can’t stay in your home, keep receipts for hotels, meals, and temporary housing. These may be covered under “Additional Living Expenses.”

Be Cautious with What You Say – Stick to facts when speaking with the insurance company and avoid making guesses.  Have youre public adjuster negotiate for you - accepting quick settlements before you understand the full scope of your loss is the most common mistakes homeowners make.

Your licensed public adjuster can handle documentation, negotiations, and ensure your claim is properly valued so you’re not underpaid.