Emergency
What to Do Right Now
In order. The first four items matter more than choosing a contractor, and none of them requires us.
Photographs, moisture readings and a written scope. If you should not file a claim, that is what you will be told.
In this order
If water is actively entering, the first three items matter more than who you hire. Do them before you start ringing round.
- Stop the source. Water off at the main for a supply leak; tarp or board up for a storm opening.
- Make it safe. Power off to affected circuits if water is near electrics. Leave if the structure looks unsound.
- Photograph everything, before anything is moved, cleared or covered.
- Start air movement and dehumidification if you safely can. Do not open the windows.
- Keep every receipt — tarps, a hotel, a generator, fans. Mitigation costs are frequently reimbursable.
- Only then decide about the claim, and about who to hire.
What not to do in the first week
This is when the doorstep pressure is highest and judgement is worst.
- Do not sign an assignment of benefits. It transfers your claim rights to a contractor.
- Do not pay a large deposit up front.
- Do not accept an offer to cover or waive your deductible — that is insurance fraud in Florida and it makes you a party to it.
- Do not throw damaged items away before they are photographed and documented.
- Do not sign a contract you have not read in daylight.
Why we say take the tarp from someone else
If your roof is open and we are three days out, take the tarp from whoever can be there today. Stopping water matters more than which company you eventually use, and preventable further damage is frequently excluded from coverage.
What you should not do that week is sign over your claim to whoever happens to arrive first.
FAQ
Common questions
- Should I open windows to dry the house?
- No, for most of the Florida year. You would be adding humid air to a space you are trying to dry.
- Can I throw out ruined carpet?
- Photograph and document it first. Once it is gone it is very hard to claim for.
- Do I have to use the contractor my insurer suggests?
- Generally no — you choose your contractor. Ask your carrier to confirm for your policy.
- What if I already signed an AOB?
- Read it and speak to an attorney. Some have cancellation windows. This is legal advice we cannot give you.
Next step
Find out what is actually wrong with it.
An inspection, photographs of what we found, and a written scope. If the honest answer is that it can wait another season, that is the answer you will get.