1. Keep people safe
Follow emergency instructions. Do not enter an unsafe structure or disturb hazardous debris. Photograph only when safe.
2. Preserve and protect
Document conditions before temporary work. Save invoices, communications and damaged-item evidence. Record what could not be preserved and why.
3. Notify and identify
Report the loss, keep confirmation and request the full policy. Identify homeowners, flood, earthquake, HOA and other potentially relevant coverage separately.
4. Build the record
Open a timeline, inventory, expense ledger and document index. Confirm required proofs and create a separate deadline calendar.
5. Compare the scope and payments
Track repair quantities, holdbacks, limits, ALE and lender-held funds. Ask for written reasons and submit documented corrections.
6. Resolve the remaining issue
Choose a focused supplement, escalation, complaint, appraisal, mediation or legal consultation based on the actual dispute. Verify deadlines before using any process.
Use the record templates → · Build the deadline calendar →
Public-interest legal education. The policy, applicable law and facts control. This library does not create an attorney-client relationship or accept a claim for representation. Draft prepared October 21, 2026; final legal and editorial review pending.