A water loss can happen fast. A burst pipe, leaking appliance, roof leak, or storm-related water intrusion can quickly cause major damage to your home or business.

Knowing what to do after a water loss — and doing things in the right order — can help limit damage, prevent delays, and ensure your water damage insurance claim starts the right way.

This guide is designed to walk you through what to do before the insurance adjuster steps in. While it is written primarily for residential water losses, many of these same steps apply to commercial properties as well.

Step 1: Ensure Safety and Stop the Water

Your first priority after any water damage emergency is safety.

• Make sure everyone is safe.

• Avoid standing water if electrical outlets or wiring may be affected.

• Shut off the main water supply if a pipe has burst.

• Turn off appliances that may be leaking.

• Keep children and pets away from affected areas.

Stopping the source of the water quickly helps prevent further damage and plays an important role in how your water damage insurance claim is handled.

Step 2: Call Your Insurance Agent Before Filing a Claim

Before filing a claim online or calling the insurance company directly, contact your insurance agent.

Your agent can help you:

• Determine whether your water damage may be covered by insurance

• Review deductibles and policy limits

• Understand next steps in the claims process

• Avoid mistakes that could delay or complicate the claim

This is where having a good insurance agent truly matters. Anyone can sell a policy. Guidance during a loss is what makes the difference.

Step 3: Document the Water Damage Thoroughly

Proper documentation is critical when dealing with water damage and insurance.

• Take photos and videos of all affected areas

• Capture ceilings, walls, floors, cabinets, furniture, and personal belongings

• Take both wide-angle photos and close-ups

• Record the date and time of the loss

You cannot over-document when preparing for a water damage insurance claim.

Step 4: Take Reasonable Steps to Prevent Further Damage

Most insurance policies require homeowners to take steps to prevent additional damage, often called mitigation.

You may:

• Place buckets under active leaks

• Use fans or dehumidifiers if safe

• Move undamaged belongings to dry areas

• Remove small amounts of standing water

You should avoid:

• Tearing out drywall

• Removing flooring

• Starting permanent repairs

• Throwing away damaged items before documentation

Permanent repairs usually come later.

Step 5: Contact a Professional Water Damage Restoration Company

Professional water damage restoration services are often necessary to properly dry and protect your home.

Certified restoration companies can:

• Extract standing water

• Set commercial drying equipment

• Monitor moisture levels

• Provide documentation used by insurance companies

Water Damage Restoration Companies 

Working with restoration companies familiar with insurance water damage claims helps the process move more smoothly.

Step 6: Keep Track of Water Damage Expenses

Begin tracking expenses related to the loss right away.

Save receipts for:

• Cleanup materials

• Temporary lodging

• Meals if your kitchen cannot be used

• Emergency supplies

Some of these costs may qualify as additional living expenses under your homeowners insurance policy.

Step 7: Avoid Starting Permanent Repairs

Until your water damage insurance claim is officially reviewed:

• Do not replace flooring

• Do not patch drywall

• Do not repaint or rebuild

• Do not dispose of damaged materials without documentation

Temporary mitigation is acceptable. Permanent repairs usually begin after inspection.

Step 8: Prepare for the Insurance Adjuster

At this point, you have completed the pre-claim responsibilities.

You have:

• Stopped the water damage

• Documented the loss

• Prevented further damage

• Spoken with your insurance agent

• Contacted a professional restoration company

Your claim is now properly positioned to move forward.

Step 9: The Insurance Adjuster Begins the Claim Process

Once the claim is officially filed, the insurance adjuster will:

• Inspect the water damage

• Review photos and documentation

• Determine coverage under your policy

• Explain next steps for repairs and settlement

From this point forward, the insurance adjuster and your insurance agent work together to guide the remainder of the water damage insurance claim process.

Final Thoughts

Most problems with water damage insurance claims occur before the adjuster ever arrives.

Knowing what to do after a water loss — and having the right guidance early — helps prevent delays, disputes, and unnecessary stress.

This guide is designed to help homeowners and business owners start their water damage insurance claim the right way, with clarity, documentation, and the right professionals involved from the beginning.