What are the most important steps to take immediately after a loss?

The hours and days right after a loss are critical, and the actions you take early can have a real impact on how smoothly your claim moves forward.

First, make sure everyone in the household is safe and, if needed, contact emergency services. Once you have confirmed safety, notify your insurance carrier as soon as reasonably possible. Most policies require prompt notice of loss as a condition of coverage, and delays can complicate your claim. When you call, have your policy number ready and be prepared to give a brief description of what happened, the date, and the location of the damage.

Before anything is moved or repaired, document the damage thoroughly. Take photographs and video of every affected area, including close-up shots of individual items and wide-angle shots that show the overall scope. If items were destroyed, photograph the debris before removal. This visual record becomes evidence that supports your claim.

Make a written list of damaged or destroyed property as early as possible, including descriptions, approximate purchase dates, and any known values. Receipts, bank statements, and prior appraisals can help establish value, so gather those if they are accessible.

Keep all receipts from emergency expenses you incur because of the loss, including hotel stays, meals, or emergency board-up services. Many policies include coverage for additional living expenses or emergency service costs, and documentation is required to recover them.

Avoid discarding damaged items until the adjuster has had a chance to inspect them, unless they pose a health or safety hazard. Your carrier may want to examine them or have them assessed by a specialist. When in doubt, take photos before disposal and note why you needed to remove the items.