The hours right after a storm are stressful, and easy to get wrong in ways that cost real money later. This checklist covers what actually protects a claim.
1. Make sure everyone is safe first
Stay away from downed power lines, standing water near electrical sources, and any structure that looks structurally compromised. No documentation step is worth a safety risk.
2. Photograph and video everything, before touching anything
Wide shots of every room and the exterior, then close-ups of specific damage. Video walkthroughs narrating what you're seeing are useful too. Do this before any cleanup begins — once debris is cleared, that evidence is harder to reconstruct.
3. Make emergency repairs only — and keep every receipt
Most policies require reasonable steps to prevent further damage (tarping a roof, boarding a broken window). Keep it temporary and keep every receipt; permanent repairs before the claim is documented can complicate — or void — coverage for that damage.
4. Report the loss to your insurer
Notify your insurance company promptly. Get a claim number, write down who you spoke with and when, and keep every piece of written correspondence that follows.
5. List damaged belongings, not just the structure
Storm damage claims often focus on the roof and walls and under-document contents — furniture, electronics, clothing. An inventory with approximate age and value strengthens that part of the claim.
6. Don't sign anything you don't understand
Whether it's a repair contract, an insurer's release, or a public adjuster's fee agreement — read it fully and ask questions before signing. Legitimate contracts survive scrutiny.
7. Know you can get help documenting the claim
If the damage is significant or the process feels overwhelming, a licensed public adjuster can inspect the property, build the scope of loss, and handle the back-and-forth with the insurer on your behalf.
See our storm damage claims guide for more on how storm claims are typically evaluated.
Storm damage to document, right now?