What To Do
1. Make Sure the Area Is Safe
Do not enter damaged buildings or areas that may contain electrical hazards, gas leaks, or structural damage.
Do not enter damaged buildings or areas that may contain electrical hazards, gas leaks, or structural damage.
2. Take Photographs and Videos
Document damage from several angles, including both wide views and close-up photos. If possible, capture the date and time your photos were taken.
Document damage from several angles, including both wide views and close-up photos. If possible, capture the date and time your photos were taken.
3. Make a List of Damaged Property
Write down the items or areas that were damaged and include a brief description of what you observed.
Write down the items or areas that were damaged and include a brief description of what you observed.
4. Save Receipts and Records
Keep receipts for reasonable temporary measures taken to help prevent additional damage, along with any other documents related to the event.
Keep receipts for reasonable temporary measures taken to help prevent additional damage, along with any other documents related to the event.
5. Contact Your Insurance Company
Report the damage according to your insurance company’s claims process and ask what documentation they recommend providing.
Report the damage according to your insurance company’s claims process and ask what documentation they recommend providing.
6. Have the Damage Inspected
Contact a qualified local contractor who can inspect the damage and discuss appropriate repair options.
Contact a qualified local contractor who can inspect the damage and discuss appropriate repair options.
Helpful Reminder
Avoid throwing away damaged materials or making permanent repairs until your insurance company has advised you on the next steps, unless immediate action is necessary to protect people or prevent additional damage.
Avoid throwing away damaged materials or making permanent repairs until your insurance company has advised you on the next steps, unless immediate action is necessary to protect people or prevent additional damage.
Need help repairing storm damage?
Browse JCTC contractor categories to find the type of local professional you need.
Browse JCTC contractor categories to find the type of local professional you need.
This guide is provided for general informational purposes only and is not legal, insurance, or professional advice. Insurance policies and claim procedures vary. Contact your insurance company for guidance regarding your specific claim.