Documenting Property Damage for Insurance Claims

When disaster strikes, the safety of your loved ones is the number one priority. But in the aftermath, it’s perfectly normal to experience fear, stress, and anxiety and feel overwhelmed by the looming cleanup and repair process.

One of the most important tasks for property owners to address is thorough documentation of the damage in order to file a successful insurance claim. Fire, flooding, severe weather, or other unexpected events can leave a swath of heartbreaking destruction. However, partnering with the team at PuroClean of Evanston can help make the recovery and restoration process more manageable.

In this guide from our experts, we’ll walk you through essential steps and best practices to ensure you’re well-prepared to navigate the claims process and receive fair compensation for your losses.

First Things First

With severe storms and urban flooding becoming more common in the Chicagoland area, it’s crucial to check that you have adequate insurance coverage for your home or business. 

According to CBS News, annual rainfall has increased by 4-6 inches throughout the state of Illinois. Most homeowners insurance policies do not cover damage from flooding — and in many areas, earthquakes, wildfires, and hurricane-force wind destruction are also excluded. Depending on your risk level, you may want to enroll in FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program. 

It’s also a smart move to perform a complete inventory of your property before something bad happens. Photos and videos taken prior to a damage-causing event serve as an invaluable record for insurance purposes. Don’t forget to include architectural features, big-ticket items, and personal possessions. 

When returning to your home after a fire or flood, or recovering from another type of disaster, the wellbeing of your household or employees is paramount. Before beginning any documentation process, prioritize safety:

• Wait for official clearance to re-enter your property.
• Be aware of potential hazards like structural instability, electrical issues, or contaminated water.
• Wear appropriate protective gear, including gloves, masks, and sturdy footwear.
• Work with a professional team to conduct a preliminary assessment of the damage, making note of any hazards such as exposed wiring, broken pipes, or disturbed gas lines.

Notify your insurance company as soon as possible after the incident. Many policies have specific timeframes for reporting damage, and prompt action can prevent claim denials based on delayed reporting. 

If a crime is involved, file a police report immediately, and be sure to carefully document the names of any police department personnel you speak with or who come to inspect your property. Keep all notes of police interaction for insurance purposes and possible legal actions. You may want to consult with your attorney as well. 

Next Steps

A thorough inventory of your damaged belongings is essential for accurate claims assessment. This record should include:

• Description of insured items: Provide written details about your belongings, including brand, model, age, and purchase date.
• Photographs: Take clear photos all around your property, both before and after the damage. This visual evidence can make a huge difference in the amount of your insurance settlement.
• Receipts and paperwork: Gather any available receipts, warranties, or appraisals to support the value of your belongings and property.
• Swatches of damaged materials such as carpeting, upholstery, drywall, or flooring.

Not everyone is an Instagram-worthy photographer, but today’s smartphone cameras can help you capture compelling visual evidence for your insurance claim. 

Use the built-in flash and be sure to take wide-angle shots as well as close-up images, especially for exterior damage, and get photos of serial numbers and model information when possible. Record a video walkthrough of the building’s interior and around the outside of the property, with clear narration describing the damage. 

The insurance company will assign a claim number and adjuster to your loss. PuroClean is the property emergency company of choice for insurance professionals and claims adjusters, and we’re certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC). We’re highly experienced in helping property owners work with their claims adjusters to deliver the best possible outcome.

Looking Forward

“The rebuilding phase of a disaster is the ideal time to consider ways to strengthen your home to protect people and property,” per FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Myra Shird. 

If you’ve been dealing with worsening flooding issues, now is the perfect time to invest in some preventative measures. Raising your electrical boxes, circuit breakers, major appliances, and HVAC equipment by several feet can save you money in replacement and repair costs down the road.

Ensuring your property has adequate drainage can spare you from wet basements and ruined possessions. Investing in a French drain system moves standing water away from vulnerable buildings and toward municipal storm sewers. 

Of course, every property owner should be equipped with fire extinguishers and smoke alarms to reduce the chance of injury and damage. Fire safety is especially important for multi-unit dwellings and households that include children or the mobility-challenged.

Whether you’re reeling from recent devastation or looking for ways to proactively protect your loved ones and property, PuroClean of Evanston has you covered. Our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week — contact us today!