Tips From NS Insurance to Help Your Claim Process Go Smoothly

When property damage occurs — whether it’s from water, fire, a vehicle impact, or another unexpected event — documenting the loss properly can make a big difference on your homeowners insurance coverage and how quickly and smoothly your claim is handled.

At NS Insurance in Green Bay, we encourage our clients to gather as much information as possible after a loss. This helps the insurance adjuster investigate the claim and can be especially important if the insurance company later pursues subrogation (recovering damages from the responsible party).

Below is a helpful checklist of steps to take after property damage occurs.

1. Preserve Evidence and Damaged Parts

If possible, keep any damaged items or parts that may have caused the loss.

Examples include:

• Broken appliance supply lines
• Broken toilet lines or plumbing parts
• Failed sump pumps
• Water heaters
• Malfunctioning appliances

If safe to do so, also:

• Take photos or video of the active leak or failure
• Photograph the make, model, and serial number of the equipment involved

This evidence can help determine the exact cause of the damage.

2. Take Photos Before Repairs Begin

Before any cleanup or repairs start, take photos and videos of:

• The immediate area where the damage occurred
• All affected rooms or spaces
• Any damaged property

These photos help document the condition of the property immediately after the loss.

If possible, also note the age of damaged items, such as flooring, appliances, or furniture.

3. Photograph Items Before Disposing of Them

If items are destroyed and need to be thrown away, make sure they are documented first.

Take photos showing:

• The damaged item
• The condition of the item
• Serial numbers, make, and model
• Any broken parts

This documentation can help verify the value of damaged property during the claim process.

4. Locate Purchase Receipts

If you still have receipts or documentation for items involved in the loss, gather them.

Helpful details include:

• Date of purchase
• Store or retailer where it was purchased
• Installation information
• Contractor or installer name (if applicable)

Receipts can help confirm the age and value of equipment involved in the loss.

5. Write Down a Timeline of Events

Documenting the timeline helps ensure details are not forgotten later.

Your timeline should include:

• When the damage was first discovered
• When the loss likely occurred
• Who you contacted
• When inspections took place
• When repairs began
• Who performed repairs or service work

This information can help adjusters understand exactly what happened.

6. Gather Claim Information from Retailers or Manufacturers

In some situations, the product manufacturer or retailer may be involved in the investigation.

If applicable, gather claim or warranty information from companies such as:

• Lowe’s
• Home Depot
• Appliance manufacturers
• Contractors or installers

Providing this information early can speed up the claims investigation.

7. If a Vehicle Damages Your Home

If a vehicle strikes your home or property:

Take photos of:

• The vehicle
• The license plate
• The driver (if possible)
• The damage to your property

Also make sure your insurance company knows who was driving the vehicle and how the incident occurred.

Example description:

“A driver struck the side of the house while backing out of the driveway.”

8. If a Neighbor’s Tree Poses a Risk

If you believe a neighbor’s tree could damage your property, it’s important to document your concern.

A recommended step is sending a certified letter notifying the neighbor of the potential hazard.

Best practice:

• Send a certified letter with return receipt
• Send a regular mailed copy as well
• Keep records of all correspondence

This documentation can become important if damage occurs later.

9. Ask Plumbers for Written Findings

If a plumber or contractor identifies the cause of the loss, ask them to provide written documentation describing:

• The cause of the damage
• Their findings
• The repairs needed

Written reports help support the claim investigation.

10. Do Not Disturb a Fire Scene

If a fire occurs:

Do not clean, move, or disturb items until the insurance adjuster has inspected the property.

Preserving the scene helps investigators determine the cause of the fire.

11. Rental Property Claims

If the damaged property is a rental property, you may need to provide:

• A copy of the lease agreement
• Tenant contact information
• Documentation of rental income

This information may be needed when calculating damages or loss of income.

12. Contractor Work Documentation

If a contractor performed work prior to the loss, keep copies of:

• The original contract
• Scope of work
• Invoices
• Warranty information

These documents can help determine liability if contractor work contributed to the loss.

13. Loss Originating From Another Property

If damage originated from another property (for example, a neighboring unit or business), it is helpful to collect:

• The exact location of the loss
• Name of the property owner or business owner
• Unit or suite number
• Contact information if available

Providing this information early can significantly speed up the claim process.

Need Help With a Claim?

Experiencing property damage can be stressful. Our goal at NS Insurance is to help guide you through the claims process and make sure everything is handled properly.

If you experience a loss, contact our office and we’ll help you take the right steps.

📞 NS Insurance — Green Bay, Wisconsin
Phone: (920) 264-9791