Your Home’s Been Damaged — Here’s What to Do in the First 24 Hours (Before Calling Insurance)
A burst pipe, a kitchen fire, or a fallen tree — it all happens fast.
And while your first instinct might be to call your insurance company, what you do in the first 24 hours after damage can make or break your claim.
In New Jersey, where storms, water leaks, and frozen pipes are all too common, acting quickly (and correctly) is the difference between getting paid in full and getting denied.
Step 1: Make Sure It’s Safe to Enter
Before you do anything, make sure the home is safe.
- Turn off the electricity if there’s standing water.
- Avoid touching damaged wiring or outlets.
- If there’s structural damage (like after a fire or tree impact), wait until professionals clear it.
If you’re not sure, contact local emergency services or your utility provider before entering the property.
Step 2: Stop the Source of Damage
If possible, stop the problem from getting worse.
Insurance companies expect homeowners to take “reasonable steps” to protect the property after a loss. Failing to do so could reduce your payout.
- Shut off the main water valve if there’s a burst pipe.
- Board up broken windows or doors after a storm.
- If a roof is leaking, cover it temporarily with a tarp until repairs can be made.
Document everything you do — including the materials you use and any receipts from emergency services.
Step 3: Document the Damage (Before You Clean Up)
This is one of the most critical steps that most homeowners get wrong.
Before throwing away a single wet carpet or broken item, take detailed photos and videos of everything.
- Capture wide shots of each affected room.
- Get close-ups of damaged materials and contents.
- Photograph the cause of loss (burst pipe, tree, fire area, etc.).
The goal is to prove both the cause and extent of the damage — insurers rely heavily on this documentation.
Step 4: Prevent Further Damage
Once you’ve documented everything, take steps to prevent more damage from occurring.
This is known as mitigation, and your insurance company requires it.
Examples:
- Run dehumidifiers or fans after water loss.
- Remove wet materials that could grow mold.
- Temporarily patch roof openings.
Keep all receipts for materials, equipment rentals, or professional services. These costs are often reimbursable.
Step 5: Notify Your Insurance Company
Once your home is safe, documented, and stabilized, then contact your insurance company to report the loss.
When you file your claim:
- Provide your policy number and contact details.
- Give a brief description of the damage.
- Do not discard damaged items until the adjuster sees them.
If you’re unsure how to describe the cause or extent of damage, be factual — don’t speculate. Claims can be delayed or disputed based on unclear initial reports.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Rush Into Repairs or Agreements
After a loss, you’ll be flooded with calls from contractors and “preferred vendors.” Some work for the insurance company, not for you.
Always review any paperwork carefully before signing, especially if it assigns benefits or settlement rights to someone else.
The Bottom Line
The hours after a property loss are stressful, but following the right steps ensures your claim starts off strong.
By protecting your home, documenting everything, and understanding what your policy requires, you’ll be in a much better position to recover fully — and avoid unnecessary disputes later.
Serving Homeowners & Business Owners In New Jersey Statewide
Whether you’re dealing with water, fire, storm, or other property damage, we’ll help you get the full settlement you’re entitled to — not just what the insurer is willing to offer.
Think you were underpaid? Let’s find out.
Contact us today for a free policy and settlement review.