Most disputes over a claim come down to missing records: no photos of the damage before cleanup, no dates, no readings. This checklist covers what to do and what to keep from the first hour to the rebuild. It works for a homeowners, condo or renters claim.
In the first hour
- Stop the water, or get everyone out and call 911 for fire, smoke or rising water
- Turn off power to wet rooms from a dry spot
- Photograph the source, the water and every affected room
- Tell the super or managing agent, and the neighbor above or below
The first day
- Report the loss to your insurer and note the claim number
- Ask about additional living expenses if you cannot stay
- Call a restoration crew to extract water, board up or start drying
- Keep receipts for anything you buy or pay for
- Move undamaged belongings to a dry room
During drying and cleanup
- Ask for daily moisture readings and keep a copy
- Keep damaged items until the adjuster has seen them
- Write down the adjuster’s name, visit date and what was discussed
- Keep windows closed and equipment running
Before the rebuild
- Get final dry readings in writing
- Get an itemized scope of what was removed and why
- Confirm what the insurer approved before work starts
- Ask your building whether the repair needs board approval or a permit
Records to keep
- Photos and videos, dated
- The claim number and every letter from the insurer
- Moisture logs and the scope of loss
- Receipts for hotels, meals, laundry and supplies
- Written notices to the managing agent or owner
For how coverage usually works, see does insurance cover water damage, and for how we document a job, see insurance claim documentation.