📸 How to Document Storm Damage for a Smoother Claim

After a hurricane passes, the cleanup begins — but so should your documentation. The more proof you have, the smoother your claim will go.

At Preferred Insurance, we’ve seen it all, and we’re here to make sure you’re prepared to protect your investment, avoid delays, and maximize your payout.


📷 Take Photos Before You Touch Anything

As soon as it’s safe to go outside:

  • Photograph every room in your home if there’s interior damage
  • Get wide shots and close-ups of all damage: roof, windows, fence, siding, flooring, etc.
  • Include timestamped images if possible (most smartphones do this automatically)
  • Take video walkthroughs of major damage areas from multiple angles

📋 Create a Written Damage Inventory

Don’t rely on memory:

  • Write down every damaged item — include brand, model, and estimated value
  • Separate structural/home damage from contents/personal belongings
  • Note the condition of items before the storm, if known

💵 Save Your Receipts & Temporary Repair Records

Need to make emergency repairs? Do it safely — and document everything:

  • Keep all receipts for tarps, plywood, contractors, etc.
  • Save hotel, travel, and food receipts if you can’t stay in your home due to storm damage
  • Take before-and-after photos of any repairs
  • Note names and phone numbers of any service providers you use

🚪 Be Cautious With Who You Let In

After storms, scammers and shady contractors often go door-to-door:

  • Don’t let anyone on your property unless you personally contacted them
  • Ask to see licenses and proof of insurance
  • Never sign anything on the spot — especially Assignment of Benefits (AOB) forms

📞 Be Ready for the Adjuster

When your insurance company sends someone to inspect:

  • Have your photo log and inventory ready
  • Be available to walk them through damage and answer questions
  • Take notes on what they say and when they came

📥 Download our Hurricane Prep Guide
Schedule your free post-storm policy review


“Insurance is easier when your documentation is rock solid. Help your future self by starting smart now.”

📩 Share this with a neighbor or family member before they start cleaning up — it could save their claim.

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john engelman
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Linda was very helpful, quick and knowledgeable. I definitely recommend Preferred Insurance. She will find you a good deal. I bought my homeowners insurance with Linda’s help.
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Jeri Djokic
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I purchased homeowners policy. Andrew was very helpful and knowledgeable. I highly recommend Preferred Insurance. Added bonus they are a Veteran owned company.
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Dale K
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Justin was absolutely great. I found him through a referral on Nextdoor.com. Justin he was very professional, very fast response time and saved me $100 a month on my auto insurance!!! Accomplished in 45 minutes. I will be calling him for my homeowners insurance soon.
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Jerome J Diehl
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I spoke with Linda about auto and home insurance. I appreciated her explanations and follow up communications. After 40 plus years with State Farm, I'm looking forward to the change. Thank you Linda .
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Doug Turner
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Thankfully I found Linda at preferred insurance for my home, very professional saved me money and made it easy and stress free I Highly recommend preferred insurance, call and find out, thank you to Linda for starting my new year out without any pressure, we're very satisfied!
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Christine Gauthier
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Andrew was very friendly, professional, knowledgeable and efficient.
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Norma A
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Professional and available to answer my questions. Top notch!
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Rachel Ilconich
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Linda is an auto insurance goddess! I have been trying to obtain lower rates for a while and no one has been able to help. Called Linda and within a few minutes she was able to cut my rate in half with all of the same coverages!!
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miguel crame
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Linda and Justin were awesome. Don't know what I'd have done without them. Great customer service and knowledge of the service process.
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Henry Aitken
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Linda Rodriguez was very helpful in helping me in my home insurance purchase. Walked me through each stage and explained everything.

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