Insurance & Damage Tips

Do not enter a damaged building or begin documenting losses until it is safe.

Watch for:

• Structural instability
• Downed power lines
• Gas leaks
• Floodwater
• Damaged electrical systems
• Falling trees or debris

Call emergency services or the appropriate utility provider when an immediate hazard exists.

No photograph or damaged possession is worth risking an injury.

Notify your insurer or insurance agent as soon as practical.

Have the following information ready:

• Your name and contact information
• Property address
• Policy number
• Date of the damage
• General description of what happened
• Temporary contact information if you cannot stay home

Ask for:

• Your claim number
• The adjuster’s contact information
• Instructions for submitting photographs and documents
• Guidance before making major repairs
• Information about applicable deductibles
• Deadlines that may apply to your claim

Insurance policies and reporting requirements vary, so follow the instructions given by your own insurer. Consumer guidance from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners recommends contacting the company promptly because policies may contain claim-reporting deadlines.

Create a visual record before moving damaged items or beginning repairs.

Take:

• Wide photographs of every affected room
• Close-up photographs of specific damage
• Exterior photographs from multiple angles
• Video walkthroughs of the property
• Images of water lines, roof openings, and structural damage
• Photographs of damaged personal belongings
• Pictures of model and serial numbers when available

Do not rely on a single photograph.

Capture enough detail to show both the location and severity of the damage. FEMA and NAIC consumer guidance both recommend photographs, videos, and written inventories to support claims and disaster-assistance applications.

Make a room-by-room list of damaged or missing property.

For each item, record:

• Item description
• Brand or manufacturer
• Model number
• Approximate age
• Original purchase price
• Estimated replacement cost
• Type of damage
• Photograph or video reference
• Receipt, invoice, or warranty if available

Include large and small items.

Furniture and appliances are easy to remember, but clothing, cookware, tools, books, electronics, and household supplies can add up quickly.

Hurricanes can cause damage through several different sources, including:

• Wind
• Wind-driven rain
• Falling trees
• Storm surge
• Rising floodwater
• Sewer backup
• Power interruption

These causes may be handled under different policies or coverage sections.

Homeowners and renters insurance commonly differ from separate flood insurance, and the exact cause of damage may affect which policy responds. Do not guess at coverage or describe uncertain damage as a confirmed cause. Photograph conditions carefully and let the insurers and adjusters evaluate the claim under the applicable policies.

After documenting the damage, take reasonable steps to prevent it from becoming worse.

Temporary measures may include:

• Covering a damaged roof
• Boarding broken windows
• Stopping an active plumbing leak
• Moving belongings away from water
• Drying wet areas when safe
• Securing exposed openings
• Placing tarps over vulnerable property

Avoid permanent repairs or major demolition until you have spoken with your insurer unless immediate work is necessary for safety.

NAIC guidance describes this as mitigating additional damage and advises policyholders to retain receipts for temporary repairs and related expenses.

Do not immediately throw everything away.

Your insurer or adjuster may need to inspect damaged property.

When it is safe and sanitary:

• Move items to a protected location.
• Separate damaged belongings from undamaged belongings.
• Label items by room.
• Photograph them before disposal.
• Ask the insurer before discarding expensive items.

Items contaminated by sewage, chemicals, spoiled food, or severe mold may need to be removed quickly for health reasons. Document them thoroughly first and follow local disposal guidance.

Create a dedicated envelope, folder, or digital file for recovery expenses.

Save receipts for:

• Tarps and boards
• Cleanup materials
• Water-removal equipment
• Generator fuel
• Temporary repairs
• Contractor inspections
• Storage
• Hotels
• Additional meals
• Transportation
• Laundry
• Replacement clothing
• Pet boarding

Some policies may provide additional living expense coverage when a covered loss makes the residence uninhabitable, but limits and eligible expenses vary.

Record every conversation connected to the claim.

Include:

• Date and time
• Name of the person
• Company or agency
• Phone number or email
• What was discussed
• Documents requested
• Promises or next steps
• Deadlines provided

After important phone conversations, consider sending a short email summarizing what was discussed.

Written records reduce confusion when a claim involves several contractors, adjusters, inspectors, or agencies.

Before the adjuster arrives:

• Organize photographs and videos.
• Complete your initial damage inventory.
• Gather receipts and ownership records.
• Write down questions.
• Identify every damaged area.
• Keep temporary repair invoices available.
• Make sure the property is safe to inspect.

Walk through the property with the adjuster when possible.

Point out damage rather than assuming everything will be noticed.

After the inspection, you may receive an estimate explaining the insurer’s evaluation of the damage.

Review:

• Covered repairs
• Excluded items
• Deductibles
• Depreciation
• Labor and material estimates
• Emergency repair allowances
• Payments already issued
• Additional documentation needed

Ask for clarification when something is unclear.

An estimate is a line-by-line document and should be reviewed carefully rather than treated as only a final dollar amount.

These terms can significantly affect claim payments.

Actual Cash Value

Actual cash value generally reflects the value of damaged property after depreciation based on factors such as age, condition, and wear.

Replacement Cost

Replacement-cost coverage generally relates to repairing or replacing covered property with comparable materials or items without the same depreciation deduction, subject to policy terms.

Some replacement-cost claims may involve an initial payment followed by an additional payment after repairs or replacement are completed.

Your declarations page and policy language determine which coverage applies. NAIC consumer guidance explains that actual cash value accounts for depreciation, while replacement cost is based on repair or replacement with materials of similar kind and quality.

Major disasters often attract both reputable contractors and opportunistic operators.

Before signing an agreement:

• Verify required licenses.
• Confirm insurance.
• Request written estimates.
• Compare more than one bid when possible.
• Ask for local references.
• Read the entire contract.
• Understand the payment schedule.
• Avoid large unexplained upfront payments.
• Do not sign blank documents.
• Keep copies of everything.

Be especially cautious when someone pressures you to sign immediately or surrender control of your insurance benefits. NAIC warns that post-disaster repair fraud is common and advises consumers to read contracts carefully before signing assignments or other claim-related documents.

The adjuster sent by the insurance company works for the insurer and generally does not charge the policyholder separately for the inspection.

A public adjuster is an independent professional hired by the policyholder to help prepare and negotiate a claim. Public adjusters charge fees, and licensing and contract rules vary by state.

Before hiring one:

• Verify the license.
• Understand the fee.
• Read the cancellation terms.
• Ask exactly what services are included.
• Avoid high-pressure solicitation.
• Keep a complete copy of the contract.

Do not assume a public adjuster is required to file a claim.

When federal individual assistance is authorized, FEMA programs may help eligible households with certain disaster-related needs that are not covered by insurance.

FEMA assistance is not a substitute for insurance and generally does not duplicate benefits already available through another source.

Keep:

• Insurance correspondence
• Damage photographs
• Repair receipts
• Identification
• Proof of occupancy or ownership
• Records of disaster-related expenses

FEMA specifically advises applicants to retain repair receipts and document damage whenever possible.

Start by reviewing:

• The written explanation
• Your policy
• The estimate
• Photographs
• Contractor bids
• Engineering or inspection reports
• Items that may have been overlooked

Ask the insurer to explain the decision in writing.

Provide additional documentation when appropriate and follow the insurer’s process for reconsideration, supplemental claims, appraisal, mediation, or appeal where available.

For legal questions, disputed coverage, or major unresolved losses, consult a qualified insurance professional or attorney familiar with the laws in your state.

Cleaning Before Documenting

Photograph and record the condition first.

Waiting Too Long to Report the Loss

Contact the insurer promptly and ask about deadlines.

Making Permanent Repairs Immediately

Complete necessary emergency work, but consult the insurer before major reconstruction.

Throwing Everything Away

Preserve damaged property when safe and practical.

Losing Receipts

Recovery expenses should be documented from the first day.

Accepting Verbal Promises

Keep important instructions and agreements in writing.

Signing Under Pressure

Read contractor, adjuster, and benefit-assignment documents carefully.

Assuming Every Type of Water Damage Is Covered

Coverage depends on the cause of loss and the policies in force.

Before Cleanup

✔ Confirm the property is safe

✔ Photograph and record all damage

✔ Create a room-by-room inventory

✔ Protect damaged property from further loss

Start the Claim

✔ Contact the insurer

✔ Record the claim number

✔ Ask about deadlines and deductibles

✔ Request instructions before major repairs

Maintain Your Records

✔ Save every receipt

✔ Keep a communication log

✔ Preserve damaged property when possible

✔ Store estimates and contracts

✔ Back up photographs and documents

Continue through the recovery process:

• Reentry Guidance – Return home safely before inspecting damage.
• Cleanup & Safety – Protect yourself while removing debris and water.
• Community Support – Find disaster assistance and local resources.
• Home Preparation – Improve resilience before the next hurricane.
• Real-Time Maps & Alerts – Follow official recovery and utility updates.

After a hurricane, it can feel as though everything needs attention at once.

Slow the process down.

Protect your family, photograph the damage, notify your insurer, prevent additional loss, and keep a record of every expense and conversation.

You may not control how much damage the storm caused, but you can control how carefully you document the recovery.

Insurance Notice: This page provides general educational information and is not legal, insurance, or claims advice. Coverage, deductibles, deadlines, and claim procedures vary by policy, insurer, and jurisdiction. Review your policy and contact your insurance company, licensed insurance professional, or qualified attorney for guidance specific to your situation.