How Do Commercial Property Owners File Storm Damage Claims?

Before touching anything, walk through your commercial property and take clear photos and videos of every area affected by the storm. Capture close-ups of water stains, fallen debris, broken windows, and any standing water. Also photograph the surrounding exterior to show how the storm impacted the building.

Write down the date and time of the storm, plus a list of damaged items or structural issues. This written record helps you stay organized when you contact your insurance company. If you live in Doral, keep this documentation in a safe, dry place, such as a cloud storage folder, so you can access it later.

• Take photos of each room and the roof
• Record video walking through the property
• List damaged equipment and inventory
• Save receipts for any temporary repairs
• Note the storm date and weather conditions

Contact your insurance company as soon as you have documented the damage. Provide them with your policy number, the date of the storm, and a summary of what happened. The insurer will assign a claims adjuster to inspect your property and assess the loss.

Keep a log of every phone call, email, or letter you exchange with the insurer. Note the name of the person you spoke with and what was discussed. This log helps you track the progress of your claim and provides a record if any disputes arise.

• Call your insurer within a few days of the storm
• Ask for the adjuster's contact information
• Provide your policy number and damage details
• Keep copies of all submitted forms
• Follow up if you do not hear back within a week

Local water damage pros can help you document the extent of the damage and provide a detailed assessment for your claim. They can also perform water damage cleanup and structural drying to prevent mold growth. Their detailed reports often include moisture readings and photos that support your claim.

When you hire the pros, ask for a written report of their findings and any recommended repairs. This documentation can be shared with your insurance adjuster. For commercial properties, the pros understand the need for thorough documentation and can guide you through the restoration process, but they do not file the claim for you.