How to document storm damage for an insurance claim
A practical checklist for the first 48 hours.
Clear records make any claim easier to review. This is general information, not legal or insurance advice. Policies differ, so check yours or ask your agent.
1. Safety first
Stay out of areas with sagging ceilings, exposed wiring or standing water. Call 911 for fire, gas or structural danger. Turn off water at the main if a pipe has burst.
2. Photograph before you clean up
- Take wide shots of each affected room or roof slope, then close-ups of each damaged area.
- Include something for scale and keep the date and time on the photos.
- Photograph damaged belongings and keep a written list.
3. Prevent further damage
Most policies expect reasonable temporary protection, such as a tarp or water extraction. Keep receipts. Do not discard damaged materials until your insurer has had the chance to inspect, unless they are a safety hazard.
4. Notify your insurer promptly
Policies set notice requirements. Report the loss, note the claim number, and keep a log of every call: date, person, what was said.
5. Get a written, itemized estimate
An estimate that lists the scope line by line, with measurements and photos, is easier to compare with your insurer's figures than a lump sum.