Tips for Reporting a Claim

The steps you need to take after experiencing a loss

Water losses

Weather-caused

• Describe the damages. What is damaged? How many rooms are affected?
• Make note of when you first noticed the water and where it is coming from.
• Place a tarp over damaged area (ex. roof, wall, ceiling, windows) to prevent further leaking and damage.
• Contact an emergency service company to extract the water and dry the property? Check local directory for a list of companies. Save all receipts.
• Take photos of any personal property that was damaged and do not discard the items.  

Plumbing/appliance-caused

• Describe the damages. What is damaged? How many rooms are affected?
• Make note of when you first noticed the water and where it is coming from.
• Turn off the water source to prevent further damage.
• Contact an emergency service company to extract the water and dry the property? Check local directory for a list of companies. Save all receipts.
• Take photos of any personal property that was damaged and do not discard the items.
• Do not discard appliance/plumbing. It may be needed as part of the inspection.

Fire losses

• Describe the damages. What is damaged? How many rooms are affected?
• Make note of where the fire originated.
• If the fire department responded, please obtain a copy of the fire report.
• If appliance and/or electrical involved, please save appliance, wiring, etc.
• Take photos of any personal property that was damaged and do not discard the items.
• Take steps to secure your home if necessary. Save all receipts. 

Wind/tornado losses

• Describe the damages. What is damaged? How many rooms are affected?
• Place a tarp over damaged area (ex. roof, wall, ceiling, windows) to prevent further leaking and damage.
• Take photos of any personal property that was damaged and do not discard the items.
• Take steps to secure your home if necessary. Save all receipts. 

Theft/vandalism losses

• Describe the damages to the home, if any. What is damaged? How many rooms are affected?
• Secure your property and save all receipts.
• Take photos of any damage to the home and any personal property that was damaged. Do not discard damaged items.
• File a police report and obtain a copy for your records.
• Begin collecting proof of ownership of stolen or damaged items; purchase receipts, owner’s manuals or product packaging, appraisals and/or photographs of the items in your home.