The wind has died down, the rain has stopped, and you’re looking at damage to your home. It’s a stressful, disorienting moment — and what you do in the hours and days that follow can make a real difference in how smoothly your insurance claim goes. As a coastal South Carolina agency, we’ve walked many families through this process. Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide.
Step 1: Make Sure Everyone Is Safe
Before anything else, prioritize safety. Watch for downed power lines, standing water (which may be electrified or contaminated), gas leaks, and structural hazards like sagging ceilings. If your home isn’t safe to occupy, don’t stay in it. No claim is worth a preventable injury.
Step 2: Document Everything Before You Touch a Thing
This is the step that protects your claim. Before you move or remove anything, document the damage thoroughly.
-
Take lots of photos and video from multiple angles — wide shots and close-ups.
-
Capture both structural damage and damaged personal property.
-
Note when the damage occurred and what caused it.
-
Don’t discard damaged items yet — your adjuster will generally want to see them.
If you took a home inventory before the storm, now’s when it pays off.
Step 3: Prevent Further Damage — But Only Temporarily
Most policies require you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage after a loss — tarping a roof, boarding a window, moving belongings to a dry area. Two cautions: make only temporary repairs until your adjuster has assessed the damage, and keep every receipt, since these costs are often reimbursable.
Step 4: Call Your Agent and File the Claim
Contact your agent or company as soon as it’s practical. The sooner you file, the sooner the process moves — and after a major storm, adjusters get busy fast. This is where having a local agent helps. At Perry Insurance Group, we can help you understand your coverage and what your deductible will be (remember, coastal policies often have a separate percentage-based hurricane deductible).
Step 5: Work With the Adjuster
-
Walk them through all the damage and share your photos, video, and receipts.
-
Point out anything not obvious, including damage in attics, crawl spaces, or behind walls.
-
Take notes and get names and contact information.
-
Don’t feel rushed to accept an initial estimate if it doesn’t reflect the full damage.
Step 6: Beware of Storm-Chasing Scams
After every major storm, bad actors descend on affected areas. Be cautious with anyone who shows up uninvited, pressures you to sign immediately, asks for large sums upfront, or wants you to sign over your insurance rights before you understand the agreement. Stick with reputable, licensed local contractors, and call us before you sign anything.
Step 7: Keep Records Through Completion
Keep a dedicated file with all claim-related documents: photos, receipts, the adjuster’s estimate, correspondence, and contractor invoices. Track your claim through to completion and make sure the settlement reflects the agreed scope of repairs.
We’ll Be in Your Corner
Filing a storm claim is never fun, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. At Perry Insurance Group, we’re here when you need to use your policy, not just when you buy it. If your home has been damaged, reach out and we’ll help you move through the claims process as smoothly as possible.
This article is for general informational purposes and is not a statement of coverage. Claim procedures, requirements, and coverage vary by policy and carrier. Contact Perry Insurance Group for guidance on your specific situation.
