01
Photograph before you clean up
The instinct to tidy destroys the evidence of extent. Photograph and video everything first, from several angles, with something for scale.
Insurance playbook · 10 tactics
10 Documentation Habits That Win Claims
Claims are a documentation exercise. The people who keep records get better outcomes.
02
Notify immediately, in writing
Late notice is one of the most common grounds for reducing a claim, entirely separate from whether the loss was covered.
03
Ask for the denial in writing with the clause cited
A verbal denial cannot be appealed effectively. A written one naming the policy provision can be checked and challenged.
04
Get an independent estimate
The adjuster's figure is a starting point. An independent contractor estimate is the evidence that moves it.
05
Keep a running expense log
Hotels, meals, mileage, replacement essentials. Additional living expenses are a separate coverage most people never claim.
06
Record every call with a date, name and summary
A contemporaneous log of who said what is remarkably persuasive when a file is escalated.
07
Send preservation requests within days
Surveillance footage and incident reports are overwritten on short retention schedules. A written request stops the clock.
08
Never sign an assignment of benefits under pressure
It transfers control of your claim to a contractor. Read what rights it hands over before signing anything on a wet floor.
09
Track recoverable depreciation to release
On a replacement-cost policy the balance is only paid after the work is proven complete. Claiming it is your job, not the insurer's.
10
Keep the damaged item until the claim closes
Insurers can request inspection. Disposing of the evidence early gives them a reason to reduce or deny.
Put it to work
Calculators for these tactics
Home & Property
Water Damage Restoration & Claim Calculator
Restoration cost by category and class, and what your policy is likely to pay.
InsuranceInsurance Claim Value Calculator
Work out what a property or liability claim should pay after depreciation and deductible.
Home & PropertyRoof Replacement & Insurance Claim Calculator
Replacement cost by material, and what a storm claim actually pays after depreciation.
Legal & InjuryPersonal Injury Settlement Calculator
A general injury claim estimate covering economic damages, non-economic damages and fees.
Estimates, not advice. Every figure here is produced from the inputs you enter and the formula printed on the page. Rules differ by state, carrier, lender and contract, so use these numbers to prepare for a conversation with a qualified professional rather than to replace one. See our full disclaimer.