Review each of your insurance policies to see if they may cover some or all of your damage.
Pay attention to coverage limits and deductibles as well as peril-specific exclusions (such as wind or flood exclusions).
Notify Your Insurance Companies
Your policy may specify procedures for giving notice to the insurer.
Document Your Loss
Take photographs and videos of the damage – both to your home and to your personal property.
Compile an inventory of damaged personal property items, including the age, approximate value, and description of each item. If you have receipts for any damaged items, gather and save them.
Make emergency repairs. Do what is necessary to secure your property and prevent further damage, but notify your insurer before making any major repairs (if possible).
Save all estimates, receipts, invoices, cancelled checks, and credit card statements documenting the value of the repairs and what you spend to make them.
Obtain written proof of payment from your contractor for labor and materials.
Take photographs and videos of the repairs periodically during reconstruction.
You are entitled to retain your own experts, advisors, adjusters, estimators, and engineers – professionals who can help you document your claim and advocate for you.
Submit your Proof of Loss to insurance company within the required timeframe.
Even after you have submitted your Proof of Loss to the insurance company, you may be able to submit supplemental documentation and seek additional payment.
Get Information from Your Insurance Companies
You are entitled to a copy of your insurance policy. If you ask for it, the insurance company must provide it.
Request a copy of your insurance adjuster’s estimate and photos as well as a copy of the insurance company’s engineering report (if applicable).
Demand a timeline from the insurance companies. Your insurance company must complete certain tasks related to your claim within a given timeframe.