What You Must Do After a Property Loss — And Why It’s Not as Simple as It Sounds
If you’ve just discovered property damage — whether from a storm, fire, or plumbing issue — your first instinct might be to clean up and call your insurance company.
But stop right there.
Before you do anything, it’s critical to understand your responsibilities under your insurance policy. These are called “Duties After a Loss,” and missing even one can jeopardize your claim.
Here’s What Your Policy Says You Must Do:
Most insurance policies require you to:
Give prompt notice to the insurance company
Allow the insurer to inspect the damage
Take steps to prevent further loss
Prepare an inventory of damaged property
Submit records, documents, and even a sworn statement if requested
Report thefts to authorities
…and more.
Sounds reasonable, right?
But Here’s Why It’s Not So Simple
Let’s say a storm causes a roof leak. You’re doing your best:
You tarp the roof (reasonable step, right?)
You mop up the water
You throw out soaked drywall and damaged furniture
Now the insurer shows up — and there’s no visible water, no photos of the damage, no physical proof.
They say: “Looks like wear and tear. Denied.”
Real-World Example:
One homeowner we helped had water damage after a storm.
They followed what they thought were the rules — removed wet drywall, cleaned the area, and didn’t document every item they threw away.
The insurer denied the claim, citing “lack of evidence” and “failure to preserve the scene.”
They called us too late.
The Stakes Are High — Let Us Help You Get It Right
Your duties after a loss are more than a checklist — they’re legal obligations.
And insurance companies can (and do) use them to deny or delay claims.
At TrueHaven, we help homeowners:
Document the damage properly
Avoid saying the wrong thing to insurers
Meet every policy condition — without hurting their claim
Call Before You Call Your Carrier
We’ll walk you through what to do — and more importantly, what not to do.
Let us protect your rights while you protect your home.
Call or text (877) 367-4286 before you report your claim.
We’re The Experts on Your Side in Insurance Recovery.
