Whether you’re recovering from a natural disaster or a sudden storm, navigating your home repairs can feel overwhelming. That’s where your insurance provider comes in. Homeowner’s insurance alleviates the burden of home repairs by helping to pay for losses, repair damages, and streamline the process. However, you may not know where to start, especially if you’ve never worked with an insurance adjuster before. Use this step-by-step guide to help you master your home insurance claims.

1. Contact Your Insurance Company

As soon as damage occurs, you’ll need to contact your insurance provider. Since many policies require damage reports by a specific deadline, you should report incidents right away to help move along with their approval. It also helps to review your policy to familiarize yourself with what’s required and what they’ll cover.

2. Document Everything

Your insurance adjuster needs proof of what occurred to cover costs. That’s why it’s important to document everything that occurs to make a stronger claim. Some common information you’ll need to provide includes:

  • Time, Date, and Location
  • Photographs or Videos of Damage
  • Lists and Receipts for Damaged Items
  • Repair Estimates
  • Any Police Reports

3. Make Emergency Repairs

Although storm restoration companies work quickly to come out, they may not be able to start until your insurance claims are approved. In the meantime, make sure to make any emergency repairs that prevent your home from future damage. Some simple steps include:

  • Tarping Your Roof and Windows
  • Using Temporary Patches
  • Removing Fallen Debris and Hazardous Items
  • Moving Out Your Family
  • Drying Out Furniture

4. Meet With Your Insurance Adjuster

Now that your insurance provider has all of your information, they’ll send out an adjuster to inspect your property in person. Make sure to be there to work with the adjuster to go through all signs of damage and loss. Your adjuster is key to figuring out your damage valuation and repair estimate. Oftentimes, your storm damage repair company will work with you and your adjuster to make more accurate repair estimates.

5. Schedule Professional Repairs for Your Minneapolis-St. Paul Storm Damage

Once your insurance claims are approved and settled, you can get started with your home restoration. But you don’t need to do it alone! Call Sharp Exteriors to schedule your professional storm damage inspection and cost estimate. Since 2011, we’ve helped Minneapolis-St. Paul homeowners take care of their properties with comprehensive storm repairs, roofing, siding, and windows. Just fill out our online form to get started with your no-obligation quote.