WHAT CLAIMS ADVICE IS NEEDED IMMEDIATELY AFTER A DISASTER?

• Inventory and photograph the debris pile before it “walks away.”
• Photograph all losses immediately.
• Board up and protect the property from further damage as is required by the policy.
• Salvage any financial documents or business records needed to prove and document claims.
• Inventory damaged and undamaged property, and separate them for the insurance company.
• Immediately get an engineer and/or contractor to the property to prepare estimates of repair.
• Put estimates in an Exactimate format, or the format that the insurance companies use.
• Determine the actual cash value and replacement cost of all items that are depreciable including stock, buildings, furniture, fixtures and equipment.
• Submit the claim.
• Document all conversations with the adjuster and insurance company in writing.