The short answer
Start with Your Insurance Policy
Locate your homeowner's or renter's insurance policy document, including the declarations pages and any special endorsements for flood or storm coverage. This paperwork outlines your coverage limits, deductibles, and specific exclusions. Having it ready gives you a clear understanding of your potential benefits before you make that initial call. It is the foundational document for any detailed claim discussion with your assigned adjuster, helping you ask the right questions.
Create a Detailed Inventory of Loss
Make a thorough list of every damaged item, moving room by room. Include descriptions, brands, models, and approximate ages or purchase dates if you know them. Note whether each item is a total loss or might be repaired. An organized, detailed inventory prevents you from forgetting valuable possessions later. This list becomes a crucial part of your claim submission, used to justify the reimbursement amounts you are seeking from your insurer.
Gather Visual Evidence and Proof
Take extensive photos and videos of all damage from multiple angles before any cleanup or temporary repairs begin. Capture water lines, damaged furniture, soaked drywall, and ruined flooring. Also, photograph the source of the water intrusion, such as a broken window or damaged roof, if it is safe to do so. This comprehensive visual proof strongly supports your written inventory and clearly shows the full extent of the loss to your insurance company.
Document Communication and Next Steps
Maintain a dedicated folder, digital or physical, for all claim-related paperwork from day one. Log every interaction with your insurer, including dates, the names of representatives, and the key points discussed. After filing, your adjuster will schedule an inspection of the property. For water damage, you may also consider getting a separate assessment from local water damage pros to understand the full scope of necessary restoration work. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.
- Your claim number and adjuster's contact information.
- Dated notes from every conversation with your insurance company.
- Copies of all emails and written correspondence.
- A timeline of the storm event and damage discovery.
- Receipts and reports from any professional inspections.
- A copy of any police or fire department report, if applicable.
Talk to someone now
Call (504) 608-0810 any time, day or night, and describe what happened.
Call Now (504) 608-0810Frequently asked questions
What if I don't have receipts for damaged items?
Use old photos or videos from your phone that show the items in your home. Bank or credit card statements can also prove purchases. For unique items, provide a detailed description and note where and when you bought them. Your adjuster will work with the evidence you can provide.
Should I make repairs before the adjuster comes?
Only perform temporary, necessary repairs to prevent further damage, like placing a tarp on a roof. Take photos before and after these emergency fixes. Save all receipts for materials. Avoid permanent repairs until the insurance adjuster has inspected the property to assess the original storm damage.
How long do I have to file a storm claim?
Check your policy for specific deadlines, often ranging from 48 hours to one year after the event. It is best to notify your insurer as soon as possible after the storm. Delaying can complicate the process and may affect your coverage. Prompt action helps ensure a smoother claims process.
More questions and answers
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- What Is a Habitability Claim in a Rental Property?
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