How to Properly Document Property Damage After a Storm

3/22/2022 (Permalink)

Documenting the damage in your property after the storm is important to speed up the storm damage restoration and insurance claim process.

It's been a few weeks since the storm hit, and you've finally had some time to assess the damage. Your home is in shambles, trees are down all over your property, and there's water damage everywhere. You know you need to start the insurance claim process, but where do you begin? 

Follow these steps to make the storm damage cleanup process as smooth as possible.

Hire storm damage cleanup services.

The most important step you can take after a storm is to hire professional storm damage cleanup services. A reputable company will have the experience and equipment necessary to assess and then clean up your property safely and effectively. They will also be able to provide you with a detailed report of the damage, which will be essential for your insurance claim.

Storm damage restoration can be a lot more complicated than you think. It's important to let professionals do their job so that you can avoid any further damage.

Take photos and videos.

You can work with the cleaning company and document the damage by taking photos and videos of every damage and loss. This will help you provide a visual representation to your insurance company. Make sure to photograph both the exterior and interior of your home and document any damage to personal property. That way, you can be sure that you won't miss anything when filing your claim. More importantly, take photos and videos before the storm as well.

Photos and videos can also be used as evidence if you need to go to court.

Create a list of all damaged items.

Next, create a list of all the damaged items. Having a list of all damaged items can help you organize things later. You can also easily track what things you need after the storm if you have a list of all damaged items. This can include anything from furniture and appliances to clothes and jewelry. If you have receipts for any of these items, be sure to include them in your claim. Again, this will help ensure that you don't miss anything when filing your claim.

Keep track of all expenses related to the storm damage.

If you must make any repairs or purchases related to the storm damage, be sure to keep all receipts. This way, you will get reimbursed by your insurance company for these. Moreover, it's also important to keep track of expenses like missed workdays or hotel stays. This can also include canceled checks, bank statements, and more. By documenting all your expenses, you can be sure that you won't be left out of pocket after the storm.

Conclusion

Filing an insurance claim after a storm can be overwhelming. But by following these simple steps, you can make the process as smooth as possible. Remember to stay patient and be persistent. The insurance company will want to see all your documentation before deciding on your claim.

If you need help getting started, contact a storm damage restoration company. They will be able to guide you through the entire process and help make sure that you get the reimbursement you deserve.