Chapter 3 / Assessment and Inspection
Step 1. Secure the Property from Further Damage
Most insurance policies require you to secure your property to mitigate further damage. You do not need to perform significant construction or cleanup. For example, if your windows are broken, board them up temporarily to deter vandalism or prevent post-hurricane precipitation from entering your home.
Step 2. Complete All Insurance Forms
Your insurance company will require documentation of your losses to reimburse you. They accomplish this, in part, by having you complete multiple forms, including a household inventory of damaged items. Most insurers have forms on hand that record each individual item, including a description, purchase date, and value. The insurance adjuster will take these details into account when assessing your settlement.
Step 3. Preserve Evidence of the Damage
Take several photos of your property before the insurance adjuster arrives. Conditions could change between now and then, so you will want to have evidence of your property damage as it existed when you filed your claim. Photo, video, or eyewitness evidence can also become a lifesaver if the insurance company denies your claim, in whole or in part.
Step 4. Make No Self-Incriminating Statements
Insurance adjusters visit your property to assess the damage. That means they can also take your statements into account. Avoid speculating about pre-existing damage, damage mitigation efforts, and other relevant details. Otherwise, they could try to reduce your property damage claim settlement based on negligence or failure to mitigate damages under.