When a major storm hits, dealing with the damage can feel overwhelming long before the insurance paperwork begins. A fallen tree, a leaking roof, shattered windows, or water-soaked belongings can leave you scrambling to protect your property and wondering what your insurance will cover (up to your policy limits). Knowing what to do in the first hours and days after a storm can make a big difference in how smoothly a storm damage claim goes and how quickly you recover.
Safety first
Downed power lines, gas leaks, weakened tree limbs, and structural issues can turn a storm-damaged home into a dangerous one. Before you assess the damage, make sure that it’s safe enough for you and your family to remain on the premises.
Insurance policies typically require policyholders to make reasonable efforts to protect their property from additional loss after a storm. Take steps to prevent further damage to your home (e.g., putting a tarp on a damaged roof or boarding up broken windows), because the insurance company may not cover any losses that occur after the storm passes.
Document everything
After you have safely assessed the damage, you’ll want to document it for your insurance company. Take pictures and video of every impacted area, inside and out. Next, make a list of what was damaged, when you discovered it, and whether the item needs to be repaired or replaced. If possible, gather receipts, product manuals, online order histories, or older photos to help support your claim.
Contact your insurer
Once the storm damage is under control, you should contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Most insurers allow you to file a claim by phone, app, or online portal.
When you file your claim, be sure to ask for the claim number and store it in a safe place, since you will need to refer to it when you contact your insurer going forward. At this point, you can also ask your insurer what documents are needed, whether you can make temporary repairs, and when an adjuster is expected to inspect the damage.
If your home suffers severe storm damage from a natural disaster, you may be eligible for immediate disaster relief funds and special programs through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and various state/local government agencies.
Understand what your policy covers
Carefully review your policy’s declarations page, which summarizes your policy and shows you your coverage limits, deductibles, and policy exclusions. Ideally, your home and its contents should be insured to their full replacement cost, including any new additions, remodels, and furniture.
Keep in mind that certain types of storm damage (e.g., flood and hurricane) are generally not covered by a standard policy or may have a separate deductible. If you have questions about your current coverage or want to explore what additional coverage you might need in the future, contact your insurer.
Monitor your claim
After you have filed a claim, keep a paper trail of the process by saving all emails, letters, estimates, receipts, and claim forms in one place. Keep in mind that delays are common during the claims process, especially after a major storm, so don’t hesitate to follow up to ensure that your claim is moving along.
If your insurer reviews the claim and approves it, payment will be issued in the form of a check, direct deposit, or sent directly to your contractor. If your claim is denied or you are offered less than expected, you can request a re-inspection of the damage or submit additional evidence to support your claim.
This content has been reviewed by FINRA. Prepared by Broadridge Advisor Solutions. © 2026 Broadridge Financial Services, Inc.