Start with the property and the actual terms.
Safety comes first. Report the claim promptly, document damage before cleanup when safe, protect the property from further damage, preserve receipts, cooperate with the assigned adjuster, and follow the duties in the issued policy.
What to compare
- Personal safety and access restrictions
- Prompt claim reporting
- Photographs and inventory of damaged property
- Reasonable emergency measures to prevent further damage
- Receipts, adjuster access, account-manager communication, and proof-of-loss duties
Information to prepare
- Policy number and insured name
- Property address and contact information
- Description and photographs of damage
- Emergency repair receipts
- Inventory of damaged property and relevant financial records
Frequently asked questions
Should damaged property be discarded immediately?
Preserve and separate damaged property when safely possible so the adjuster can examine it. Follow emergency and health guidance and document anything that must be removed.
Can permanent repairs begin before inspection?
Take reasonable steps to prevent further damage, keep records and receipts, and coordinate permanent repair decisions with the claim contact and policy requirements.
Coverage descriptions are general. Eligibility, coverage, limits, valuation, deductibles, exclusions, pricing, waiting periods, and availability vary. The quotation and issued policy control.