Water damage insurance claim checklist

Before the adjuster arrives

1. Stop further damage if safe (shut water, tarp roof).
2. Photograph and video every room, including closets and baseboards.
3. Make a simple inventory of damaged belongings.
4. Write down your claim number and adjuster contact.
5. Keep damaged materials until the insurer says you can discard them, when practical.

Mitigation vs rebuild

Many policies expect you to mitigate — extract water and dry — to keep the loss from growing. Save receipts. Rebuild (new drywall, flooring) often waits on approval.

Talking to contractors

• Ask if they document moisture readings
• Get a written scope
• Do not sign away insurance benefits without reading carefully
• Compare at least one other estimate on larger jobs

Related: insurance tips · cost guide

Honest disclosure: SATX Water Damage Help is a referral service and is not a contractor. We connect San Antonio-area callers with independent local water damage restoration and mold remediation companies. We do not perform the work and do not guarantee pricing or availability. Calls are routed to independent, licensed service providers who may record calls. Availability of providers varies; 24/7 and same-day service are not guaranteed. Always verify a company's licensing (Texas requires a state license for mold remediation), insurance, and references before hiring.