Whether it’s a burst pipe, a fire, a storm, or a break-in, dealing with damage to your home can be stressful and overwhelming. Knowing what to do right after the damage occurs is crucial not only for your safety but also to ensure that you get the compensation you’re entitled to through your home insurance policy. Here are the first steps to take after home damage to help you stay organized, protect your property, and begin the recovery process.
1. Ensure Safety First
Your safety and the safety of your family is the top priority. Before you even think about assessing the damage, take steps to secure the area and make sure everyone is out of harm’s way.
- Evacuate if Necessary: If the damage is caused by something like a fire, flood, or gas leak, evacuate your home immediately. Don’t try to handle potentially dangerous situations on your own.
- Check for Hazards: Look for obvious safety hazards like downed power lines, gas leaks, structural damage, or exposed electrical wires. If any of these are present, avoid the area and contact emergency services.
- Stay Away from Damaged Areas: If the damage affects your home’s structural integrity, avoid entering rooms that might be unsafe (like those with severe roof or wall damage).
- Once you’re sure it’s safe to do so, you can start assessing the damage in more detail.
2. Document the Damage
Your home insurance company will need proof of the damage in order to process your claim. The more thorough and detailed your documentation, the smoother the process will be.
- Take Photos and Videos: Use your phone or a camera to capture as many photos and videos as possible of the damaged areas, both from a distance and up close. Don’t throw anything away or make repairs until you’ve documented the damage thoroughly.
- Make a List of Damaged Items: List the damaged items, including their make, model, and approximate value (e.g., electronics, furniture, appliances). If possible, find receipts or proof of purchase for high-value items.
- Capture the Cause of Damage: If the cause of the damage is clear (like a broken window, storm debris, or a burst pipe), document this as well, as it can affect your claim.
3. Contact Your Insurance Company
Once you’ve documented the damage, the next crucial step is to contact your home insurance company. Most insurers have a 24/7 claims line, so don’t hesitate to reach out as soon as possible.
- File a Claim: Report the damage and file your claim as soon as possible. Your insurer will guide you through the process, including providing any forms you need to complete.
- Provide Documentation: Send over the photos, videos, and list of damaged items you’ve gathered. Be as detailed as possible to help the insurance adjuster assess the damage quickly.
- Ask About Coverage: Inquire about what your policy covers and any exclusions. It’s important to understand the scope of your coverage, especially if the damage is extensive or the cause of loss is a bit more complicated (like water damage or mold).
- Get Your Claim Number: Make sure you get a claim number and any contact information for the claims adjuster. This will be your reference point throughout the claims process.
4. Prevent Further Damage
Once the immediate safety concerns are addressed and you’ve documented the damage, you’ll need to take steps to prevent further damage. Many policies require you to make reasonable efforts to mitigate damage, or else your claim may be impacted.
- Stop Water Flow: If the damage is water-related (e.g., a burst pipe or roof leak), shut off the water supply to your home if possible. If you can’t locate the shutoff valve, call a plumber or a professional.
- Board Up Windows or Doors: If windows or doors are broken and there’s a risk of further exposure (like rain, snow, or theft), use plywood, plastic sheeting, or tarps to cover the openings. Many insurance companies will reimburse the cost of these emergency repairs.
- Cover Roof Damage: If your roof has been compromised, use tarps or a temporary covering to prevent rain or snow from causing more damage to the interior.
- Turn Off Electricity: If there’s significant water damage or risk of electrical hazards, turn off the power to your home. If you’re unsure how to do this safely, contact an electrician.
5. Contact Professionals for Cleanup and Repairs
While you’ll want to avoid making permanent repairs until after the insurance adjuster has reviewed the damage, it’s important to get professional help for immediate cleanup and temporary fixes.
- Professional Cleanup: For major damage like flooding, fire, or mold, hire a professional restoration company to handle cleanup and mitigate further risks. They can remove water, dry out areas, clean soot, and even address mold issues, preventing long-term damage.
- Temporary Repairs: If your home is no longer livable (e.g., after a fire or storm), contact a contractor or handyman to make emergency repairs, such as securing a roof or boarding up windows.
- Save Receipts: Keep all receipts for emergency repairs and temporary fixes, as these can often be reimbursed by your insurance company.
6. Contact Your Mortgage Lender (If Applicable)
If you have a mortgage on your home, contact your lender right after the damage occurs. Most mortgage lenders require that they be included in the home insurance claim process to ensure that any payout is handled properly.
- Inform the Lender: Notify them of the damage and file a claim. If the damage is significant, they may want to inspect the property as well.
- Understand Your Policy: Your lender may also have specific requirements related to how claims are paid out, especially if the home is uninhabitable and you need temporary housing.
7. Arrange Temporary Housing (If Needed)
If the damage has rendered your home uninhabitable (due to fire, severe flooding, or structural damage), your homeowner’s insurance policy might cover loss of use expenses, which pay for temporary housing while repairs are underway.
- Find Temporary Accommodation: Look for short-term rentals, hotels, or even family or friends who can accommodate you.
- Keep Track of Expenses: If you’re staying in temporary housing, keep a detailed record of your expenses (e.g., lodging, meals) so that you can submit them for reimbursement through your insurance claim.
8. Work with an Insurance Adjuster
After you’ve filed your claim, your insurer will likely send an adjuster to inspect the damage. This is the person who will assess the extent of the loss and determine how much your insurer will pay out.
- Be Present During the Inspection: Try to be there when the adjuster arrives so you can point out all the damage and answer any questions they might have.
- Ask Questions: If you don’t understand something or want clarification on your coverage, don’t hesitate to ask. The adjuster’s job is to help you understand the process.
- Review the Settlement: Once the adjuster has completed their assessment, they’ll provide a damage report and settlement offer.
- Review this carefully to ensure all damage is included, and if something seems missing or incorrect, you can request a re-evaluation.
9. Review Your Policy and Make Necessary Adjustments
After the damage has been repaired, take time to review your home insurance policy. This can help you avoid future surprises and ensure you’re adequately covered going forward.
- Increase Coverage: If your home was significantly damaged, it might be time to reassess your coverage limits to ensure you’re not underinsured.
- Add Additional Coverage: If the damage was caused by something not covered (like flooding), consider adding that specific coverage moving forward.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with home damage is never easy, but by staying calm, documenting everything, and taking the proper steps, you can make the recovery process smoother and faster. Don’t rush into repairs until you’ve talked to your insurance company, and always take steps to prevent further damage from occurring. By doing so, you’ll be well on your way to getting your home back in shape and making sure you’re properly compensated for your losses.
Have any additional tips for handling home damage or filing insurance claims? Share your thoughts or ask questions in the comments below!