Storm & Weather Claims
By Mike — Licensed GC & Public Adjuster — 15 min read
After a hurricane, you are dealing with stress, displacement, and the enormous task of rebuilding your life. The insurance process on top of all that can feel overwhelming. This guide walks you through exactly what to do — from the moment the storm clears to your final settlement — based on 30 years of real claim experience.
I have personally worked Hurricane Ian claims. The mistakes I saw homeowners make after Ian cost them tens of thousands of dollars each. This guide is written from that experience.
Stay safe — do not enter your home until authorities confirm it is safe.
Call your insurance company to report the claim — even if damage appears minor.
Take a video walkthrough of every room and the entire exterior before anything is moved or cleaned.
Photograph all damage from multiple angles with timestamps enabled on your phone.
Do not throw anything away — damaged materials are evidence.
Place tarps or temporary covers over openings to prevent additional damage (keep all receipts).
Do not sign any documents from contractors at this stage.
Get your claim number in writing and document the name of your adjuster.
Request a copy of your full policy including all endorsements.
Start a claim journal — log every phone call, email, and conversation with dates.
Hire a licensed contractor for a professional damage assessment.
Separate your personal property losses into categories and document each item.
Track all Additional Living Expenses (ALE) if you cannot stay in your home.
Be present for every inspection — do not let the adjuster inspect alone.
Bring your contractor's estimate to the inspection.
Walk the adjuster through every area of damage — do not assume they will find everything.
Point out interior damage, water intrusion evidence, and structural concerns.
Ask the adjuster to explain every item they are including and excluding.
Take notes and photos during the inspection.
Do not accept the first offer as final — supplements are normal.
Compare the adjuster's line-item estimate against your contractor's estimate.
File supplemental claims for every missed or undervalued item.
Collect and submit all recoverable depreciation once repairs are complete.
Appeal denials in writing and request a detailed explanation for each denial.
If your home is uninhabitable after a hurricane, your policy likely covers Additional Living Expenses — hotel stays, temporary rentals, increased food costs, and even pet boarding. Keep every receipt. This coverage is often overlooked and can be substantial.
Save all hotel and rental receipts from the displacement period.
Track restaurant expenses above your normal grocery spending.
Submit ALE claims separately from your property damage claim.
ALE is typically covered until your home is repaired or for the policy limit period.
Never give a recorded statement to your insurer without understanding what you are agreeing to.
Do not let your contractor start work without a signed contract and confirmed insurance approval.
Watch for coverage exclusions for flood damage in hurricane policies — wind and flood are usually separate.
Everything you just read is built into Claim Advisor Pro. Track photos, estimates, receipts, and policy information — organized and ready when your adjuster arrives. Built by a licensed GC and public adjuster with 3,000+ claims settled.