Water Damage Cleanup and Home Insurance: Records to Keep

Contact your insurer and ask what it needs

Water damage coverage depends on your policy, the source of water, and the facts of the loss. Contact your insurer or agent promptly and ask about deadlines, inspections, emergency work, and records it wants you to keep. A cleanup provider cannot decide whether a claim is covered.

Keep a simple loss file

Save dated photos and video, notes about when water was discovered, messages with your insurer and providers, written estimates, work authorizations, invoices, and receipts for emergency purchases. Keep copies in a place that is not affected by the water loss.

Review every proposed scope

Ask a provider to identify the work it proposes and what is excluded. If additional damage is found, request an updated scope before approving new work. Do not sign documents you do not understand; request time to review and direct questions to your insurer or a qualified adviser.

Our water damage restoration information explains the difference between a referral and a contractor's own services.