A summer storm can do a lot of damage in a short time: shingles torn away, a tree on the garage, rain blowing through a broken window. In the hours afterward, it is hard to think clearly. Knowing the general steps of a homeowners insurance claim ahead of time helps you protect your household, your house and your claim. Every policy and insurer is a little different, so treat this as an outline and follow your insurer’s instructions.
Safety comes first
Stay away from downed power lines and assume any fallen line is live. If you smell gas, leave the house and call the gas utility or 911 from a safe distance. Do not walk into standing water inside the home until you know the electricity is off, and watch for structural damage, broken glass and exposed nails. If the home is not safe to stay in, ask your insurer about loss-of-use coverage for temporary housing.
Document before you clean up
Once it is safe, photograph and video the damage inside and out before moving anything. Capture wide shots of each area and close-ups of specific damage, including the roof as seen from the ground, siding, windows, fences, vehicles and belongings. Make a list of damaged items. A home inventory made before the storm makes this step much easier.
Prevent further damage
Most policies expect you to take reasonable steps to keep damage from getting worse, such as covering a damaged roof with a tarp, boarding a broken window or removing standing water. Keep receipts for supplies and emergency services, since they may be reimbursable. Hold off on permanent repairs until the insurer has inspected the damage or approved the work, unless it tells you otherwise. Photograph damaged items before throwing them away, and ask whether to keep samples, such as a piece of soaked carpet.
Report the claim and meet the adjuster
Contact your insurer or agent promptly, and write down your claim number, the date and the name of everyone you speak with. An adjuster will usually inspect the damage. Be there if you can, share your photos and list and ask how your deductible applies. Written repair estimates from reputable contractors help when you review the adjuster’s figures.
Payments for damage to the house are often made out to both you and your mortgage servicer, which may hold the funds and release them as repairs progress. If you disagree with the insurer’s decision, ask about the policy’s dispute process. Your state’s insurance department offers consumer assistance, and some homeowners hire a licensed public adjuster or consult an attorney for complex claims.
Choose contractors carefully
After big storms, out-of-town crews and door-to-door salespeople often arrive offering fast repairs. Some are legitimate; others are not. Before you hire anyone:
- Verify the contractor’s license and insurance with your state or local licensing agency.
- Ask for a local address and references, and get a detailed written estimate and contract.
- Avoid paying the full cost upfront, and be wary of cash-only deals.
- Read anything you are asked to sign, especially documents that assign your insurance benefits to the contractor, and talk with your insurer or an attorney first.
A claim can take time, but organized records and steady communication make it smoother. Keep every document together until the last repair is finished.
Building a Claim File That Works for You
A claim moves more smoothly when your information is organized from the start. Setting up a simple claim file, paper or digital, helps you answer questions quickly and keep track of what has been done.
What to put in the file
- Your policy number, claim number and the names and contact information of your agent and adjuster
- A log of every call, email and visit, with the date, the person you spoke with and what was discussed
- All photos and videos of the damage, organized by area of the home
- A list of damaged belongings, with descriptions, approximate age and any receipts or proof of purchase
- Receipts for emergency repairs, supplies, temporary housing, meals and other storm-related expenses
- Written estimates from contractors
- Copies of any letters, reports or settlement documents from the insurer
Keeping it current
Update the log after every conversation, and ask for important decisions in writing. If an adjuster changes, note the date and the new contact. Back up digital files to a cloud account or email them to yourself, so they are safe even if a device is damaged.
A Day-by-Day Outline for the First Week After a Storm
Every storm and every claim is different, but this general outline shows how the early days often unfold.
- Day one: Confirm everyone is safe. Contact utilities about outages or hazards. Document damage and take reasonable steps to prevent more, such as tarping or boarding.
- Day one or two: Report the claim to your insurer and note your claim number. Ask what the insurer needs and whether it recommends specific mitigation services.
- Days two through four: Begin drying wet areas. Move undamaged belongings to a safe, dry place. Start your list of damaged items.
- Days three through seven: Meet with the adjuster if an inspection is scheduled. Gather contractor estimates. Keep receipts for every expense.
- After the inspection: Review the insurer’s estimate carefully, compare it with your contractors’ estimates and ask questions about anything you do not understand.
After widespread storms, insurers and contractors may be very busy, and these steps can take longer. Patience and persistent, polite follow-up usually help.
Common Claim Mistakes to Avoid
- Cleaning up before documenting. Photos taken after cleanup cannot show the full extent of the damage.
- Throwing away damaged items too soon. The insurer may want to see them. Ask before discarding.
- Signing contracts under pressure. Take time to verify contractors and read every document before signing.
- Overlooking hidden damage. Water can travel inside walls and under floors. Ask a professional to check for moisture where you cannot see.
- Missing policy deadlines. Policies often set time limits for reporting losses and submitting documentation. Read yours and keep track.
Questions Homeowners Ask About Storm Claims
Will filing a claim raise my premium?
It can, depending on the insurer, the type of claim and your state’s rules. Ask your agent how claims may affect your policy, and weigh that against the cost of the repair and your deductible.
What if a neighbor’s tree fell on my house?
In many cases, your own policy responds to damage to your home, regardless of whose tree it was. Responsibility can vary if the tree was known to be dead or dangerous. Your agent can explain how your policy handles it.
Can I stay in a hotel while repairs are done?
If your home is unlivable because of a covered loss, loss-of-use coverage may help with temporary housing and certain additional expenses, subject to limits. Ask before booking, and keep every receipt.
