How Homeowners Can Document Storm Damage Before Cleanup

Florida storms can be devastating, and no one wants to live with storm damage any longer than is absolutely necessary. But insurance companies often require you to document storm damage before they will honor a claim. Having accurate and thorough documentation of storm damage can mean the difference between a smooth claims process and disputes or a denial of your storm damage claim.

Key Takeaways

• When a storm causes severe property damage, address immediate concerns, then take photos and video of the damage before you begin cleanup. Keep destroyed or damaged items unless safety dictates otherwise, and only throw them away after you have taken photographs and documented the damage.
• Creating a comprehensive inventory of the damaged or destroyed items will help in discussions with the insurance company representatives.
• We identify common mistakes property owners make that can derail their property damage claim after a storm.
• The storm damage attorneys at Saka Bryant, P.A., can protect your legal and contractual rights after a storm.

Document Storm Damage Before Cleanup

Once a hurricane or other storm has passed, the first priority is often cleaning up the damage. But before you begin cleanup, be sure to document your losses. Adequate and thorough documentation helps insurance companies process your claim and ensures you receive the full measure of compensation under your insurance policy. Without adequate and accurate documentation of the loss, policyholders may face delays, reduced compensation, or denied claims. Proper documentation of storm damage can also protect your rights if disputes arise with contractors or local authorities.

How to Document Storm Damage

To help ensure a smooth claims process and reduce the likelihood of delays or coverage denials, carefully and safely document storm damage before you begin cleanup.

Address Immediate Safety Concerns

Before you begin documenting damage after a storm, make sure you and your family are safe. Check for hazards like downed or exposed wires, power lines touching a building, gas leaks or visible line damage, standing water, or weakened or damaged structures. Do not attempt to document storm damage in conditions that compromise your personal safety.

Photograph and Video the Damage First

Visual documentation is some of the most powerful evidence available in a claim for storm damage. Start with wide-angle shots of the exterior of the structure and each interior room. Then take close-up photographs of specific damage, such as broken windows, fallen trees, damaged walls, and flooded areas.

Take a video as you walk through your home. Be sure the video includes a date and time stamp, and verbally identify the damage you observe. Document every area of the house. Commonly overlooked areas include the roof, basement, attic, garage, and yard.

Keep Damaged Items When Possible

Keep samples of damaged items whenever possible to document storm damage. Only dispose of damaged items when safety dictates it, and only after taking photographs of the damage.

Create an Inventory

As you gather photo and video evidence, create an inventory of damaged or destroyed items and any structural damage. The list should include the date of purchase and estimated value. Include receipts, appraisals, and pre-storm photos if they are available.

Save Correspondence and Paperwork

Keep receipts for emergency repairs, like tarping, materials and invoices for boarding up the property, and estimates from contractors.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Review your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy to understand your coverage. Then contact your insurance company to report the damage. Many insurance companies have a dedicated disaster hotline. Write down the names and numbers of the insurance representatives you speak to, and keep track of claim numbers.

What To Do When Documentation Is Complete

Once you have reported the damage to your insurance company and completed immediate repairs, the insurance company may request an adjuster inspection. This is an on-site evaluation by an insurance company representative to document the extent of the damage. You may also consider hiring a private adjuster in cases of major losses or complex damage. If the insurance company denies or undervalues your claim, the storm damage lawyers at Saka Bryant, P.A., can help.

Common Mistakes that Can Harm Your Claim

Unfortunately, despite your best efforts, a series of small mistakes can quietly undermine an otherwise valid claim. Common mistakes that can damage your insurance claim for storm damage include:

• Starting cleanup or repairs before the insurance company has inspected the damage.
• Throwing away damaged items that may be required to support your claim.
• Relying on memory instead of keeping a written and photographic record of the damage.
• Not documenting living expenses while you were displaced from your home, such as the cost of meals and hotel stays.
• Missing notice-of-claim deadlines.

Knowing these common mistakes can help you avoid them and ensure a smooth claim rather than a drawn-out dispute.

How a Storm Damage Attorney Can Help

Many people do not fully understand their legal and contractual rights after a storm damages their property. Unfortunately, some insurance companies deny, delay, or undervalue claims for property damage after a storm.

At Saka Bryant, our storm damage attorneys have extensive experience negotiating with insurance companies. We know how to document storm damage and present a claim to ensure the insurance company honors its commitments. And when they do not, we have the experience, expertise, and resources to take them to court to force them to honor their promises.

Contact the Experienced Storm Damage Attorney Team at Saka Bryant, P.A., Today

The skilled and experienced property damage attorney team at Saka Bryant, P.A., can review your claim and help you determine the best path forward. Contact us online today or call 754-283-8030 to schedule a free, confidential, no-obligation consultation to discuss your options and learn how we can assist you.