When storm season hits the tri-state area, property owners face more than just wind and water—they face uncertainty. From flooded basements and damaged roofs to lengthy battles with insurance companies, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
But preparation, smart decision-making, and the right help can make all the difference.
This guide walks you through what to do before, during, and after a property loss, and why working with a licensed public adjuster can be the smartest move for protecting your home, business, and financial future.
Before the Storm: Prepare with Purpose
New York and New Jersey homeowners know how unpredictable storm season can be. That’s why your best defense is a solid plan.
Review Your Insurance Policy
Make sure you understand your coverage, deductibles, and exclusions—especially for flood and wind damage. Most people don’t realize what’s not covered until it’s too late.
Document Your Property
Take clear photos and videos of the interior and exterior of your property. Keep digital copies of receipts, upgrades, and valuables. This documentation becomes crucial if you need to prove pre-storm conditions later.
Create a Storm Checklist
Have a written plan: shutter windows, clear gutters, move valuables off the ground, and gather emergency supplies. Quick action can limit damage.
During the Storm: Stay Safe and Alert
When a storm is active, your priority should always be safety.
Don’t Take Risks
Avoid trying to protect property during high winds or flooding. Leave before roads flood or power lines fall. Your life matters more than your home.
Keep Records in Real Time
If safe to do so, take time-stamped photos or video clips of damage as it happens. This can become powerful evidence during your claim.
After the Storm: Act Strategically
Once the skies clear, the real work begins.
Don’t Rush to Repair Everything
It’s natural to want to clean up and move on—but starting repairs too soon can actually hurt your claim. Insurance companies may deny parts of your payout if they can’t inspect the original damage.
Call a Public Adjuster Early
A licensed public adjuster advocates solely for you—not your insurance company. We inspect your damage, document it thoroughly, and handle all the communication and negotiation on your behalf.
Secure the Property
Make temporary repairs only to prevent additional damage—such as boarding broken windows or tarping a roof. Save receipts for anything you spend.
Inventory All Losses
Don’t just list items—take pictures, write down serial numbers, and gather proof of value. A good public adjuster will help ensure nothing is missed or underreported.
Why Hire a Public Adjuster After Storm Damage?
Storm damage claims are complicated. Insurance policies are filled with technical language, hidden clauses, and deadlines that aren’t always clear. Mistakes can delay or reduce your payout.
Here’s how we help:
- Thorough Damage Assessment: We find damage that insurance company adjusters often miss—like roof damage, mold growth, or compromised structures.
- Professional Documentation: We build a detailed, bulletproof claim that includes photos, contractor estimates, and code compliance considerations.
- Stress-Free Negotiation: We handle all back-and-forth with the insurer so you don’t have to. You get to focus on recovery while we fight for your full compensation.
- No Recovery, No Fee: We work on contingency. If we don’t recover money for you, you owe nothing.
Don’t Face Storm Season Alone
Whether you’re dealing with a tree through the roof or a flooded crawlspace, getting the full insurance payout you deserve is often harder than it should be.
At Direct Public Adjusters, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners and businesses in New York and New Jersey recover faster and more fully after storm season.
Need immediate help? Call us for a free consultation before you file your claim. We’re available 24/7!