Here is the money problem, Patriot Nation: a storm tears a hole in your roof and every hour you wait lets the water do more damage, but fix it wrong and the insurance company may not pay. The rule is simple: temporary repairs now to stop the damage, permanent repairs only after the adjuster signs off. Get the sequence right and you protect both the house and the claim.

Temporary Repairs: What You Should Do Right Away

Your insurance policy requires you to take reasonable steps to protect your property from further damage after a loss. Temporary repairs are not optional; they are part of your responsibility as a policyholder.

• Tarping a damaged roof to prevent rain from entering the home
• Boarding up broken windows and doors with plywood
• Drying out standing water with pumps, wet vacuums, or dehumidifiers
• Shutting off water or gas to prevent further damage or safety hazards
• Moving furniture and valuables away from leaking areas
• Hiring a professional restoration company for water extraction if needed

What it means in dollars: temporary repair costs are typically covered as part of the claim, and the materials are cheap next to the damage they prevent. A $50 tarp can stop thousands of dollars in water damage while you wait on the adjuster.

The real-world catch: insurance expects you to limit damage, but it does not expect you to fully restore the property. Tarp, board, dry, and document, then stop. The permanent work comes later.

Permanent Repairs: Wait for the Adjuster

Permanent repairs should not begin until the adjuster has completed their inspection and you have a settlement agreement in writing. If you start permanent repairs too early, the insurance company may deny coverage because they could not verify the damage.

• Do not replace roofing or siding until the adjuster has seen the damage
• Do not drywall or paint water-damaged interiors until the source is repaired
• Do not discard damaged property until the adjuster has documented it
• Do not sign a repair contract with a contractor until the settlement is approved
• If the damage is severe and you cannot safely live in the home, ask about loss of use coverage for temporary housing

What it means in dollars: a denied claim because the damage was already repaired is the most expensive mistake in this whole process. The written settlement is your proof of what the insurance agreed to pay, so wait for it.

The real-world play: use the waiting time to collect contractor estimates and compare them to the settlement. When the approval lands, you are ready to schedule the work immediately.

Document Everything Before and During Repairs

Documentation is your best friend in the claims process. Take photos and videos before you start any temporary repairs, as you work, and after the work is complete. This creates a chain of evidence that supports your claim.

• Take photos from multiple angles of every damaged area before touching anything
• Record video walkthroughs describing the damage verbally
• Save all receipts for materials, supplies, and contractor work
• Keep a written log of dates, times, and who you spoke with at the insurance company
• Photograph temporary repairs after completion to show you protected the property

What it means in dollars: the receipts for materials and labor are what you submit for reimbursement. No receipts, no reimbursement, no matter how reasonable the expense was.

The real-world move: photograph the damage before you touch anything, then photograph every step of the temporary repair. That chain of evidence is what turns a disputed claim into a paid one.

Patrick's take: protect the house and the claim

The biggest mistake I see homeowners make after a storm is jumping straight into permanent repairs before the adjuster arrives. They mean well, they want to fix things, but they end up damaging their claim. Your insurance policy requires you to prevent further damage, not to fully restore the property before it has been inspected.

Make it a great one: tarp the roof, board the windows, dry the floors, and keep every single receipt. Temporary repairs are reimbursable if you document them properly, and the permanent work waits for the signature. That sequence protects your home and your claim at the same time.