Filing & Managing Your Claim

Section 1

Immediate Actions After Property Damage

Critical first steps to protect your property, ensure safety, and preserve your insurance claim rights.

Emergency Protection & Mitigation

What to do in the first 24-48 hours after damage occurs. How to make temporary repairs, prevent further damage, and document everything properly. Safety precautions and when to evacuate. Contact information for emergency services and your insurance agent.

Ensure everyone is safe and evacuate if necessary

critical

Call 911 if there is immediate danger

critical

Shut off water, gas, or electricity if safe to do so

critical

Take photos and videos of all visible damage

high

Make temporary repairs to prevent additional damage

high

Do not throw away damaged items until adjuster sees them

high

Contact your insurance agent or company

high

Save all receipts for emergency repairs and expenses

medium

How to Properly Notify Your Insurance Company

Step-by-step instructions for reporting your claim. What information to have ready, best communication methods, and what to say (and not say). How to document all communications and get claim numbers and adjuster contact information.

Locate your policy number and insurance card

critical

Call the 24/7 claims hotline from your policy

critical

Get and write down your claim number

critical

Get adjuster's name, phone, and email

high

Note date, time, and name of person you spoke with

high

Request written confirmation of your claim

medium

Ask about next steps and expected timeline

medium

Complete Documentation Requirements

How to document your loss thoroughly for maximum recovery. Photo/video guidelines, inventory creation for damaged contents, receipt organization, and communication logs. Digital tools and apps that can help with documentation.

Photograph all affected rooms from multiple angles

critical

Record a video walkthrough describing the damage

high

Take close-up photos of each damaged area

high

Create a list of all damaged personal property

high

Gather receipts, manuals, or photos of damaged items

medium

Keep a log of all calls and emails with insurance

medium

Backup all photos and documents to cloud storage

medium

Track Your Progress

Sign in to save your checklist progress and pick up where you left off

Section 2

Working with Insurance Adjusters

How to effectively communicate and cooperate with insurance company representatives while protecting your interests.

Preparing for the Adjuster's Inspection

How to prepare your property and documentation for the adjuster's visit. What to have ready, points to highlight, and how to conduct yourself during the inspection. Do's and don'ts for the meeting.

Confirm appointment date and time with adjuster

critical

Organize all photos, videos, and damage documentation

critical

Prepare a written list of all damaged areas

high

Ensure adjuster has access to all damaged areas

high

Have your policy documents available for reference

medium

Write down questions to ask the adjuster

medium

Take notes during the inspection

medium

Understanding & Reviewing the Insurance Estimate

How to read and interpret the adjuster's estimate line by line. Identifying missing items, understanding depreciation, and comparing with contractor estimates. Common discrepancies and how to address them.

Review estimate summary page for totals

critical

Verify all damaged rooms are included

critical

Compare line items to actual damage

high

Understand depreciation withheld

high

Get contractor estimate for comparison

high

Identify any missing items or areas

high

Document any discrepancies found

medium

Insurance Payment Process Explained

How insurance payments are issued, including initial payment vs. recoverable depreciation, multiple check scenarios, mortgage company requirements, and direct payment to contractors. Timeline expectations and how to track payments.

Receive initial ACV payment

critical

Understand payment breakdown (ACV vs withheld depreciation)

critical

Contact mortgage company if check requires endorsement

high

Track all payments received

high

Submit completion documentation for depreciation recovery

high

Request final depreciation recovery payment

medium

Verify total payments match estimate

medium

Track Your Progress

Sign in to save your checklist progress and pick up where you left off

Section 3

When You Disagree: Dispute Resolution

Options and procedures for when you believe the settlement offer is inadequate or incorrect.

Formal Appeal & Supplement Process

How to formally dispute an insurance company's findings. Required documentation, written communication templates, and escalation procedures. Understanding the difference between a supplement request and a formal appeal.

Identify specific items in dispute

critical

Gather supporting evidence (photos, contractor estimates)

critical

Write formal appeal or supplement letter

high

Cite relevant policy language supporting your position

high

Send via certified mail or email with read receipt

high

Request supervisor or manager review

medium

Document all communications and responses

medium

Third-Party Options: Appraisal & Mediation

When and how to invoke the appraisal clause in your policy. Selecting appraisers, understanding the process, and costs involved. Alternative dispute resolution options including mediation and department of insurance complaints.

Review appraisal clause in your policy

critical

Determine if appraisal is appropriate for dispute

critical

Select a qualified appraiser

high

Submit formal appraisal demand letter

high

Understand cost split (you pay your appraiser)

high

Consider DOI complaint if bad faith suspected

medium

Explore mediation as alternative option

low

When to Consider a Public Adjuster

Understanding what public adjusters do, typical fee structures (usually 10-20% of settlement), and when their services make financial sense. How to vet and select a reputable public adjuster, and what to expect during the process.

Evaluate if claim complexity warrants PA

critical

Calculate potential benefit vs PA fee (10-20%)

critical

Verify PA is licensed in your state

high

Check references and online reviews

high

Review contract terms and fee structure

high

Understand what services are included

medium

Ask about expected timeline and process

medium

Track Your Progress

Sign in to save your checklist progress and pick up where you left off

Filing & Managing Your Claim

Immediate Actions After Property Damage

Emergency Protection & Mitigation

How to Properly Notify Your Insurance Company

Complete Documentation Requirements

Discussion

Track Your Progress

Working with Insurance Adjusters

Preparing for the Adjuster's Inspection

Understanding & Reviewing the Insurance Estimate

Insurance Payment Process Explained

Discussion

Track Your Progress

When You Disagree: Dispute Resolution

Formal Appeal & Supplement Process

Third-Party Options: Appraisal & Mediation

When to Consider a Public Adjuster

Discussion

Track Your Progress