What to do after damage to your property

Damage to your home or business is stressful. These steps can help you protect yourself and your claim. Not every step applies to every claim.

1. Stay safe

Do not enter a building that may be unsafe. If there is danger to life, call the emergency services first. If you smell gas, leave the building and call the emergency services. Do not use switches. Do not touch scorched or wet sockets and fuse boards. Switch off the electricity or the water only if you can do it safely. Wet electrics, fire damage and structural damage can all be dangerous.

2. Stop further damage where you can

If it is safe, take simple steps to stop the damage getting worse. For example, turn off the water at the stopcock. Do not climb on a damaged roof. Ask a competent roofer or contractor to cover it. Do only what is safe and reasonable. For larger repairs, wait until your insurer has been told.

3. Check your policy and tell your insurer

Many policies set conditions about when and how you tell your insurer. Read the notice conditions in your policy. Tell your insurer as soon as you can, and within any time limit in your policy.

You can call us for advice at any point. We can report the claim to your insurer for you. See what we do.

4. Record the damage

Take photos and video before you clean up. Take wide shots and close ones. Record the date. Make a list of damaged items, with a rough age and value if you know them.

5. Keep damaged items

Do not throw away damaged items until your insurer has seen them, or has agreed that you can. Keep a few samples if you must clear space.

6. Keep your receipts

Keep receipts for any emergency repairs, hotel stays or other costs caused by the damage. Your policy may cover some of these. Check your wording.

7. Go through the claim steps carefully

Insurers often ask you to fill in forms and give details. Read what you are asked to sign. Take your time. If you are not sure, ask. See claim refused or offer too low if a decision seems wrong, and Loss Assessor or loss adjuster to see who acts for whom.

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Not sure which fits? Contact us and tell us what happened.