The first time I filed a storm claim, I did almost everything out of order. I tossed a soggy rug before photographing it, I couldn't find my policy number, and I signed something at my front door that I didn't fully read. It all worked out, but it was a lot more stressful than it needed to be.
So this is the guide I wish I'd had. It's written for Florida homeowners, but most of it applies anywhere.
Before anything else: stay safe
No claim is worth getting hurt over. Don't go into a building that looks structurally unsound, stay away from downed lines and standing water, and wait until local officials say it's safe to return if you evacuated. Your insurer isn't going anywhere. My guide to the first 48 hours after a storm walks through the safety checks in more detail.
Step 1: Find your policy and your insurer's claim info
You need three things:
- Your insurance company's name (which may be different from your agent's or agency's name)
- Your policy number
- The company's claims line, website or app
If your paperwork is buried in a damp filing cabinet, check your email for renewal notices or log in to your insurer's website. Going forward, keep a photo of your declarations page on your phone and a copy somewhere outside the house.
Step 2: Document everything before you clean up
This is the step people rush, and it's the one that matters most.
- Take wide shots first, then close-ups. Walk the outside of the house, then every room.
- Shoot video while narrating what you see. It's easy and very convincing.
- Photograph the source, like a hole in the ceiling, a missing section of fence or a downed tree on the porch.
- Capture model and serial numbers on damaged appliances and electronics.
- Note the date and time of each batch of photos.
If you have pre-storm photos or a home inventory video, pull those out too. "Before and after" is the strongest evidence you can have.
Step 3: Report the claim promptly
Call, file online or use the app as soon as you reasonably can. Write down the claim number, the date you reported it and the name of anyone you spoke with.
About Florida's deadline
Florida has a firm notice deadline for property claims. Under section 627.70132 of the Florida Statutes, notice of a new or reopened claim must be given to your insurer within 1 year after the date of loss, and a supplemental claim (more damage from the same event that was already adjusted) within 18 months. For hurricanes, the "date of loss" is the date the hurricane made landfall.
A year sounds like plenty of time. It isn't, not when the whole state is recovering at once and you're juggling everything else. Report early, even if you don't know the full extent yet. You can add to it later.
Step 4: Prevent further damage (and keep receipts)
Most policies expect you to take reasonable steps to keep damage from getting worse. That might mean:
- Covering an opening with a tarp
- Boarding a broken window
- Pulling wet carpet and running fans or a dehumidifier
- Shutting off water to a broken pipe
Keep every receipt: tarps, plywood, fans, hotel stays if the house isn't livable. Many policies cover additional living expenses when your home can't be lived in during repairs, so check yours and save proof of what you spend.
Don't start permanent repairs before the adjuster has seen the damage unless your insurer tells you it's okay. Temporary fixes are fine and expected.
Step 5: Make a damage list
Start a simple spreadsheet or notebook page with:
| Item | Room | Approx. age | Est. value | Photo? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sofa | Living room | 4 years | Yes |
It doesn't have to be perfect on day one. Just keep adding to it. If you have receipts, bank statements or online order histories, they help prove age and value.
It's also worth knowing whether your policy pays replacement cost (what it takes to buy new) or actual cash value (replacement cost minus depreciation). That difference can be significant on older belongings.
Step 6: Meet the adjuster
Your insurer will assign an adjuster to inspect the damage. A few things that help:
- Be there in person if you can, and walk them through everything you've documented.
- Have your photo set and damage list ready to share.
- Ask questions: What's the next step? When should I expect an estimate? Who's my contact going forward?
- Take your own notes on what they look at and what they say.
After a big storm, adjusters are stretched thin, and you may wait longer than you'd like. Stay polite and persistent, and keep a log of every call and email.
Step 7: Review the estimate carefully
When the estimate arrives, compare it line by line against your own list. Missing rooms, missed items and low quantities are common. If something's off, respond in writing with your photos attached.
Keep in mind that your hurricane deductible is likely different from your regular deductible. In Florida, most homeowners policies carry a separate, larger deductible for hurricane damage, often a percentage of your dwelling coverage. Knowing that number ahead of time keeps the payout from being a surprise. I go deeper on deductibles and the wind-versus-flood split in what your policy actually covers.
What not to do
A few hard-earned lessons:
- Don't sign anything on the spot. Storm-damaged neighborhoods attract people going door to door. Read every document first, and don't sign anything you don't understand.
- Don't hand over your claim. Assignment of benefits agreements, which signed claim rights over to a third party, are prohibited for property policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2023, so be wary of anyone asking you to sign one.
- Don't throw out damaged items until they've been documented, and ideally until the adjuster says it's fine. Health hazards like spoiled food are an exception, but photograph them first.
- Don't exaggerate. It's not worth it, and it can sink an otherwise legitimate claim.
If you hit a wall
If your claim stalls or you disagree with the outcome, you have options. Start by asking your insurer for a clear written explanation. The Florida Department of Financial Services runs a free consumer helpline and offers mediation for many residential property disputes. Their Hurricane Ready resource page is a good starting point and also has guides on what to expect after filing.
Set yourself up for next time
Once the dust settles, spend an hour getting ready for the next one:
- Record a walk-through video of your home and belongings.
- Save your policy and declarations page in the cloud.
- Read your hurricane deductible and coverage limits.
- Keep a small "claim kit": a notebook, a pen, a flashlight and a phone charger.
None of this is glamorous, but the next time a storm rolls through, you'll be filing from a place of calm instead of scrambling.
Sources
This guide is general information only, not legal or insurance advice. Policies and rules change, so check your own policy documents and current official guidance for your situation.