Build the record in stages
- At discovery.Photograph and video the source, the water and each affected room before cleanup. Note the time you found it and when water was shut off.
- Open the claim.Write down the claim number, the adjuster's name and how to reach them. Ask what they want documented.
- During mitigation.Save copies of the contractor's work authorization, moisture readings, equipment list and photos of removed materials.
- During repairs.Keep each estimate, change order and invoice with dates. Note conversations with the adjuster in a log.
- At closing.Keep final drying logs, permit sign-offs and the settlement letter together in one folder.
Daily log template
| Date | Who visited | What was done | Readings or photos taken | Questions raised |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Plumber; drying technician | Source repaired; pad removed; equipment set | Initial moisture map | Is the kitchen ceiling wet? |
| Day 2 | Drying technician | Readings; equipment adjusted | Readings photo | When does the adjuster visit? |
| Day 3 | Adjuster | Inspection | Adjuster photos noted | Is the vanity covered? |
| Day 4 |
Contents and belongings
- Photograph damaged items before they are thrown out, with labels or serial numbers visible
- Keep samples of carpet and pad if the adjuster asks
- List purchase dates and approximate age for furniture and electronics
- Save receipts for emergency purchases such as fans, towels or a hotel night
- Ask before discarding anything expensive or unusual
Terms you may see on claim documents
- Deductible
- The portion of a covered loss you pay before the policy pays.
- ACV and RCV
- Actual cash value accounts for depreciation; replacement cost value is the cost to replace with new. Many policies pay ACV first and the difference after replacement.
- Mitigation
- Work to stop further damage, such as extraction and drying.
- Scope of loss
- The list of damaged items and repairs the adjuster agrees are part of the claim.
- Supplement
- A request to add items discovered after the first estimate, such as hidden wet framing.
Common questions
- How soon should I report a water loss?
- Promptly. Most policies require timely notice, and early reporting lets the adjuster see damage before materials are removed. Mitigation can begin before the adjuster visits.
- Do I need receipts for everything?
- Receipts help, but photos, bank records and product details can support items without them. Make a list while your memory is fresh.
- What if the adjuster's estimate is lower than the contractor's?
- Compare line by line. Many differences come from quantities, materials or missed items. Send photos and readings that support each disputed line.
General information for Highlands Ranch, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.