The first 72 hours after a storm are critical. What you do—and don't do—in those three days can dramatically impact your insurance claim and final recovery.
Why The First 72 Hours Matter
Insurance companies know this timeline too. They use it to evaluate your claim, assess damage, and sometimes deny coverage. Being proactive during these critical hours protects your rights and demonstrates good faith to your insurer.
Your 72-Hour Checklist
Check for downed power lines, gas leaks, structural hazards. If your home is unsafe, evacuate. Your insurance covers emergency accommodation.
Use your phone to photograph and video ALL damage. Wide shots showing the extent, close-ups showing specific damage. Include recognizable landmarks (street signs, address numbers) for timestamp context.
Report the loss immediately. Get a claim number. Ask for the adjuster's contact info. Ask when they'll inspect. Don't accept their initial damage assessment—it's preliminary.
Take emergency measures to prevent further damage: tarps on roof leaks, boarded windows, drying out water. Keep all receipts—insurance usually covers these mitigation costs.
List all damaged items and property areas. Estimate values (use credit card/insurance policies as reference). Note dates purchased if possible.
Collect receipts, photos, home improvement records, warranties, insurance policies. These prove value and ownership.
Call 2-3 licensed contractors for repair estimates. Get them in writing. These become part of your claim.
Schedule the inspection. Clean up enough to show damage clearly. Plan to be present and point out everything. Take notes on what they inspect and say.
If damage is significant (over $25,000), hire representation NOW. A PA can attend the adjuster inspection with you and ensure nothing is missed.
Create a folder (digital and physical) with all documentation. Track every communication with your insurance company.
Critical "Don'ts"
- Don't accept the initial offer as final. It's always preliminary and often low.
- Don't make major repairs before documentation. Insurance needs photos of damage, not repairs.
- Don't communicate casually. Everything you say can be used against your claim.
- Don't skip getting estimates. Professional estimates establish true repair costs.
- Don't assume the adjuster will find everything. They won't. You need to point it out.
- Don't agree to split settlements. Insurance sometimes suggests settling for 50% of damages. Don't.
The First Inspection: What to Expect
The insurance adjuster will:
- Walk through your property with you (hopefully)
- Document damage with photos and measurements
- Estimate repair costs
- Determine coverage based on your policy
- Provide a written assessment (sometimes weeks later)
What you should do:
- Walk WITH them—don't let them work alone
- Point out all damage clearly
- Ask questions about what they're documenting
- Take your own photos during the visit
- Request a copy of their assessment when complete
When the Assessment Arrives
The insurance company's initial estimate will arrive weeks later. This is where many claims go wrong. The estimate is often:
- Incomplete (damage missed)
- Underestimated (costs too low)
- Improperly coded (damage categorized as not covered)
You have 30 days to respond. If you disagree, you can:
- Request a re-inspection
- Provide your own documentation (contractor estimates, photos)
- Request an appraisal (neutral third-party)
- Hire a public adjuster to appeal
The Bottom Line
Those first 72 hours set the tone for your entire claim. Professional documentation, quick action, and strategic decision-making (like hiring a PA early) can add tens of thousands to your recovery.
Start now. Document everything. Don't accept low initial offers.