Start with the policy and carrier
- Report the event using the carrier's claim process
- Ask whether emergency mitigation may begin before inspection
- Record the claim number and adjuster contact
- Ask what photos, estimates, inventories, or disposal approvals are required
Build a clean documentation file
- Date and cause of the incident if known
- Scene-release or incident information when applicable
- Pre-work photos that are safe and lawful to obtain
- Contractor estimate and written scope
- Change orders, invoices, material inventories, and completion records
Questions to ask before authorizing work
- Who is responsible if insurance pays less than expected?
- Does the contractor bill you or the carrier?
- What services are outside the estimate?
- Can non-emergency work wait for adjuster review?
- How are personal property and disposal decisions documented?
Primary references
General information only. Requirements and circumstances vary by jurisdiction and incident.