The First 48 Hours after a Homeowners Insurance Loss
Your house just took a hit. Maybe it was a tree through the roof. Maybe a kitchen fire. Possibly a burst pipe at 2 a.m. that soaked through two floors before anyone noticed. Whatever it was, the next 48 hours matter more than most people realize. And it’s not just for the repair, it’s for your insurance claim.
Here’s what I tell every client who calls me in that window:
Document everything before doing anything. Treat the incident like a crime scene. Take photos and video of every affected area before any cleanup or temporary repairs begin. Walk every room. Get close-ups of the damage and wide shots that show context. If your adjuster never sees the full picture, you'll have a hard time proving what was there.
Notify your insurance company ASAP. Most policies require you to report a loss "as soon as practicable." That language is vague by design — it gives the insurer room to argue against you if you wait. Call the same day if you can.
Keep a record of every conversation. Write down who you spoke to, when, and what they said. Follow up phone calls with emails that summarize what was discussed. This paper trail matters if the claim becomes disputed. It's also helpful for your attorney to understand the scope of any "bad faith" by the insurer in case we also sue for bad faith claim handling.
Keep everything. Damaged furniture, flooring, appliances, e.g. Don't haul it to the curb before the adjuster has seen it. I've had clients lose significant claim value because they cleaned up too quickly and couldn't prove what was destroyed. Proof is everything.
Make only emergency temporary repairs. You have a duty under most policies to prevent further damage, also called “Mitigation of Damages.” Tarp a damaged roof. Stop an active water leak. And of course, if safe to do so, put out any fires with your fire extinguisher. But do not make permanent repairs before the adjuster has documented the loss. And keep every single receipt for items or services purchased out of pocket.
Do not give a recorded statement without speaking to an attorney first. This one surprises people. You are generally required to cooperate with your insurer’s investigation but “cooperation” does not mean you have to submit to an open-ended recorded interview without understanding your rights first. Those statements can and do get used against policyholders.
The insurance claims process isn’t inherently adversarial until it is. Getting these first steps right puts you in the strongest possible position whether your claim resolves smoothly or ends up in litigation.
If you’re not sure where you stand, call us. That’s what the free consultation is for.
