Experiencing damage to your home can be overwhelming. Whether the loss is caused by a fire, burst pipe, severe storm, or another covered event, knowing what to do next can make a significant difference in both your safety and the outcome of your insurance claim.

This guide is designed to help you take the right steps after a home-related loss — protecting your family, your property, and your financial future. If you ever have questions during this process, the team at O’Malley-Boldt Insurance is here to help guide you every step of the way.

Step 1: Make Safety Your First Priority

Before thinking about insurance, make sure everyone is safe. Depending on the severity of the damage, your home may not be safe to occupy immediately after a loss.

If there is a fire, structural damage, or risk of injury:

• Call 911 or your local emergency services right away

• Do not re-enter the home until authorities say it is safe

• Avoid downed power lines, standing water, or unstable structures

• Follow instructions from fire, police, or utility officials

Your insurance coverage is important — but your safety always comes first.

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Step 2: Take Reasonable Steps to Prevent Further Damage

Most homeowners insurance policies require you to take reasonable action to prevent additional damage after a loss. This does not mean making permanent repairs, but rather temporary steps to stabilize the situation.

Examples include:

• Boarding up broken windows or doors

• Placing tarps over roof openings if it is safe to do so

• Shutting off water to stop active leaks

• Moving undamaged belongings away from affected areas

Be sure to keep receipts for any emergency or temporary repairs, as these costs are often reimbursable.

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Step 3: Document the Damage Thoroughly

Clear documentation is one of the most important parts of a successful insurance claim. The more detailed your records, the smoother the claims process tends to be.

We recommend:

• Taking photos and videos of all damaged areas and belongings

• Capturing damage from multiple angles and distances

• Documenting the condition of the home before cleanup or repairs

• Creating a written list of damaged or destroyed items

If possible, include approximate purchase dates, values, and receipts. Do not discard damaged items until your insurance carrier confirms it is okay to do so.

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Step 4: Contact O’Malley-Boldt Insurance

Before navigating the claims process on your own, reach out to your O’Malley-Boldt Insurance advisor. As an independent agency, we work on your behalf — not the insurance company’s.

We can help you:

• Report the claim accurately and efficiently

• Understand what your policy covers (and what it doesn’t)

• Communicate with the insurance carrier

• Avoid common mistakes that delay or reduce claim payments

Having an experienced advocate early in the process can make a meaningful difference in the outcome of your claim.

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Step 5: Understand What Not to Do

During the stress of a loss, it’s easy to take steps that unintentionally complicate a claim. Here are a few common pitfalls to avoid:

• Do not make permanent repairs without insurer approval

• Do not throw away damaged items prematurely

• Do not sign contracts with restoration contractors without review

• Do not assume all damage is covered without confirming policy details

If you’re unsure about what to do next, pause and contact us — we’re here to help you make informed decisions.

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Special Considerations by Claim Type

Fire Claims

Fire losses often involve more than visible burn damage. Smoke, soot, and water damage from firefighting efforts may also be covered. Temporary housing may be available under your policy’s loss of use coverage.

Water Damage Claims

Coverage depends on the source of the water. Burst pipes are typically covered, while flood damage often requires a separate flood insurance policy. Sewer backups and sump pump failures may require specific endorsements.

Earthquake Claims

Earthquake damage is not covered under standard homeowners policies and usually requires a separate policy or endorsement. If you’re unsure whether you have coverage, we can help review your policy.

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We’re Here to Help — Every Step of the Way

A home insurance claim doesn’t have to be confusing or stressful. At O’Malley-Boldt Insurance, our role is to help protect what matters most — not just when you buy a policy, but when you truly need it.

If you experience damage to your home or have questions about a potential claim, contact us as soon as possible. We’ll help you understand your coverage, guide you through the process, and advocate for a fair outcome.

👉 Download our printable guide: What To Do After a Home-Related Insurance Claim

👉 Contact O’Malley-Boldt Insurance for personalized claims assistance