Document storm damage before repairs to ensure full insurance coverage, Consumer Reports advises

If your home or property is damaged by severe weather, making repairs and cleaning up are most likely your top priority. But before you lift a finger, Consumer Reports says it’s important to document any damage.

2026-01-24

“Take pictures, is the very first thing," said Consumer Reports' Lisa Gill. "Write down an inventory of everything that’s lost and that’s been damaged. Contact the insurance company and do not begin to repair or clean up. You want to wait until the adjuster arrives to survey the damage.” 

Wait until you receive written confirmation from your insurance company that you can start the repair process. After that, Consumer Reports' Paul Hope says there are plenty of tools available to help.

“If you’re handy and you live in a heavily wooded or rural area, you probably already know that a chainsaw is a must-have,” said Consumer Reports' Paul Hope. 

If you’re in a more suburban area, consider a battery-powered chainsaw, like an EGO, to help you take care of fallen branches and limbs.

If you have any water damage, you’ll want to address mold growth before it gets out of hand. Use dehumidifiers and fans to dry out damp or flooded areas.

For extra protection in the future, consider installing a backup sump pump system.

“The sump pump can get overwhelmed during a heavy storm or turn off entirely if there’s a power outage," Hope said. "A backup sump pump system will kick on in that moment, to cover whatever your regular sump pump can’t handle.” 

Consumer Reports said Zoeller's sump pump comes with its own battery backup pump and offers water removal.

Hopefully, you won't have to find out if it works, but it’s worth the peace of mind for when the next storm hits.

Sometimes an insurance adjuster can’t get to your home fast enough. In that case, Consumer Reports suggests the next best option is a video tour with the adjuster. Just be sure to also record the video meeting, so you have a record of everything for the claim.

If your home or property has been hit by a storm, Consumer Reports says what you do next is critical.

“If you start cleaning up and even begin repairs, you actually might not get the proper amount of funds to truly fix what you need to," Gill said. “Even before disaster strikes, a pro move is to take video inventory of everything you own, in every room of your home.”