Scopit ClaimsAbout

Guide for homeowners

Before you repair: a water damage claim checklist

Last reviewed
Applies to
Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia

Placeholder. The final text for this page has not been added yet. Do not rely on it.

In short

Before anything is torn out or repaired, take photos, keep the broken part, get the cause in writing from the plumber, and read what your policy asks you to do after a loss. These steps keep your options open, even if you decide not to file.

Stop the water and stay safe

Placeholder. Final text to come. This section will cover shutting off the water and staying away from wet electrical outlets, appliances, and panels.

Photograph everything before it is moved

Placeholder. This section will explain which photos and videos to take, in what order, and how to label them.

Keep the broken part and the plumber’s invoice

Placeholder. This section will explain why the failed part and a written cause of loss matter, and what to ask the plumber to write down.

Write down the timeline

Placeholder. This section will list the dates and times worth recording.

Prevent more damage and keep receipts

Placeholder. This section will cover reasonable steps to stop further damage, and keeping receipts for drying, fans, or emergency work.

Read what your policy asks you to do after a loss

Placeholder. This section will point to the part of a homeowners policy that explains how and when to report a loss.

Decide who to call next

Placeholder. This section will explain the options: the insurer, a licensed public adjuster, or a lawyer, and what each one does.

Sources

Links checked and page last reviewed on .

  1. What You Need to Know When Filing a Homeowners ClaimNational Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) · content.naic.org
  2. How to file a homeowners claimInsurance Information Institute · iii.org
  3. Insured Homeowner's Guide for Loss Due to a DisasterVirginia State Corporation Commission, Bureau of Insurance · scc.virginia.gov
  4. Homeowners ClaimsMaryland Insurance Administration · insurance.maryland.gov
  5. Filing Property Insurance Claims After Storm DamageDC Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking · disb.dc.gov
  6. Floods (After a Flood)Ready.gov, U.S. Department of Homeland Security · ready.gov

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  1. Can you file a claim after the repairs are done?What happens if you already paid for water damage repairs, what records help, and where Virginia, Maryland, and DC set time limits.Reviewed
  2. Will filing a home insurance claim raise your premium?How claims history can affect home insurance premiums, what a C.L.U.E. report is, and how to weigh a claim against your deductible.Reviewed
  3. What is a public adjuster?What a public adjuster does, how they are licensed in Virginia, Maryland, and DC, how to check a license, and what to ask before you sign.Reviewed