The steps you take right after property damage occurs can meaningfully affect how smoothly your claim moves forward, so having a general sense of what to do can be helpful before you actually need it.
Prioritize safety first, making sure the property is safe to enter and addressing any immediate hazards, such as structural instability, exposed electrical issues, or standing water, before doing anything else.
Take reasonable steps to prevent further damage, such as covering a damaged roof with a tarp or shutting off water to a leaking pipe, since most policies expect policyholders to take reasonable measures to mitigate additional loss.
Document the damage thoroughly with photographs and video before any cleanup or repairs begin, capturing as much detail as possible about the condition of the property immediately after the loss.
Contact your insurance company promptly to report the claim, and keep a written record of who you spoke with and when, along with any claim number or reference information provided.
Keep receipts for any temporary repairs, mitigation work, or additional living expenses incurred as a result of the damage, since these costs may be relevant to your claim.
This article is general education about how the appraisal process commonly works. It is not legal advice, and specific procedures can vary by state and policy. If you have questions about your own claim, review your policy language and talk with your insurance company, agent, or an attorney familiar with your state’s laws.
Russ Lis is a working property insurance appraiser and umpire based in Minnesota, serving clients nationwide. Have a question about your own claim? Contact Appraisal Resolution.