What to Do in Cases of Storm Damage

It can be difficult to know what to do when a storm hits your home. Careful planning ahead of time can make the process easier and get you back on track as quickly as possible. Basic tips include ensuring that you keep an eye out for hazards like downed power lines, caved-in roofing materials, standing water, and collapsed walls. Take photos of any damaged areas and share them with your insurance company right away. We have listed which steps you can take in order to make this already difficult process a bit easier.

Evacuate

Evacuations occur when a building or city is threatened by a natural disaster, a chemical spill, or a transportation accident. Emergency evacuation plans are developed to ensure that everyone expected to evacuate safely and quickly is able to do so.

The decision to order or defer an evacuation is made based on the level of risk posed to patients, staff, and hospital facilities. An immediate threat to patient or staff safety requires a quick decision to evacuate, whereas a situation that does not yet require immediate action could improve (i.e., no risk of patient/staff injury) or worsen and require a more careful assessment of the situation.

Often, an evacuation decision team will decide to shelter-in-place, rather than immediately order an evacuation. This may be a result of a lack of warning, a lack of adequate planning time, or circumstances that have not yet allowed for the implementation of contingency plans.

Cover the Damage

Having a solid insurance policy is key to a happy home owner, so do your homework and read your policy closely. A well crafted homeowners insurance policy will help you out of any disaster with the least amount of stress and worry. The best way to ensure you get the most out of your insurance plan is to shop around for the lowest rate possible. The key is to compare the coverage and claims of each insurance provider and make sure you are not paying for anything you don't need. Using the right insurance company can also mean getting the best rates for your family's medical and dental needs as well as the extra protection you need from an unexpected loss of your home or property.

Document the Damage

After a storm, it is important to document the damage in your home. This will help you start the insurance claims process quickly and effectively.

Taking pictures of damaged areas is an excellent way to show how much damage has been done. This is a crucial step that will also help the insurance company assess how to best fix your home.

Be sure to take photos of every area that has been affected by the storm. Go room to room and take pictures of damaged items, as well as any structural damages.

It is especially important to make a list of personal belongings that were destroyed or damaged, as this will ensure that they are covered under your insurance policy. Be sure to include the name of the item, its purchase date and brand as well as any other pertinent information about it.

Contact Your Insurance Company

It is always important to contact your insurance company in the event of storm damage. They can provide an adjuster, begin documenting and mitigating the damage, and even help you receive a check for additional living expenses if your home is unlivable.

When an adjuster arrives, he or she will do a walk-through of your home and mark with chalk any damage that may be covered. They will also take a closer look at your roof, siding and deck.

Once an adjuster has inspected your property, they will likely write you a check to replace your damaged items and repair any permanent damage. It is important to keep all receipts for any repairs and purchases that were made.

While some insurance companies operate in good faith and do their best to compensate policyholders for storm-related damages, others are less forthright and may be attempting to deny or underpay your claim. If you believe this is happening, contact your state insurance department for information on their complaint history.


If you are currently in the middle of a situation where you think you need a professionals help, please feel free to contact us. We are here to help you! If you need help straight away, feel free to contact our 24/7 helpdesk:


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Navigating Storm Damage Claims on Your Irish Property

Insurance Policy Essentials: What Irish Homeowners Often Overlook Before Filing a Claim

By Alastair roe • December 4, 2025
Most Irish homeowners only read their insurance policy when something goes wrong. Unfortunately, this usually means they discover key exclusions and conditions at the worst possible moment. Understanding the details of your home insurance policy in advance can prevent disputes and ensure that you know what to expect when filing a claim. Commonly Misunderstood Policy Terms 1. Gradual Damage Exclusions Irish home insurance policies rarely cover issues that develop slowly over time. This includes long-term roof leaks, slow plumbing leaks, dampness, mould, and rot. Insurers frequently reject these claims because they consider them maintenance issues rather than sudden events. 2. Maintenance Requirements Most policies require homeowners to keep the property in good condition. If damage is linked to neglect, insurers may reduce or decline the claim. Examples include worn flashing, loose tiles, deteriorated pipes, or blocked gutters. 3. Confusion About Trace and Access Many homeowners assume their insurer will pay to locate the source of a leak. Some policies include this benefit, but others offer limited cover or none at all. Understanding whether trace and access is included is important, as identifying the source of a leak can be more expensive than repairing it. Why Claims Get Declined  1. Insufficient evidence Lack of photos, videos, or proof of sudden damage can lead to disputes with insurers. 2. Repairs performed too early Fixing damage before reporting the claim removes crucial evidence and can weaken your case. 3. Misinterpreting what the policy covers For example, roof damage is not automatically considered storm damage. Insurers often require proof of strong winds in the area and evidence that the damage occurred during the storm. How to Prepare Before Filing a Claim 1. Review your policy regularly A yearly review can help you stay informed about your coverage and any changes the insurer may have made. 2. Know the difference between sudden damage and gradual deterioration Sudden damage is typically covered, while gradual deterioration is generally excluded. 3. Keep maintenance records Photos, invoices, and receipts can protect you if the insurer questions the condition of the property before the incident. 4. Document damage immediately High-quality evidence is essential when dealing with insurance companies. Understanding your policy before you file a claim can save time, stress, and unnecessary costs. When you know what is covered and what is excluded, you are better prepared to take action after an incident. If you want help interpreting your policy or handling a claim, Property Damage Loss Assessors can provide professional support from start to finish. Call James today to discuss the damage to your property and get expert guidance for your situation.

Storm and Wind Damage in Ireland: Common Issues and How Homeowners Should Handle Them

By Alastair roe • December 4, 2025
Storms and high winds are becoming increasingly common across Ireland, especially during the winter months. These events often lead to property damage that ranges from minor roof issues to major structural problems. Understanding how storm damage occurs and how to respond correctly is essential for any homeowner. Making the right decisions early on can prevent unnecessary repair costs and improve the outcome of an insurance claim. Common Types of Storm Damage in Ireland 1. Roof Damage The roof is one of the most vulnerable parts of a home during strong winds. Tiles can become loose or fall off entirely, leaving gaps that allow rainwater to enter the property. Even a single missing tile can cause significant internal water damage. 2. Damage from Falling Trees or Branches During storms, heavy branches or entire trees can fall onto roofs, sheds, cars, or fences. Even if the tree comes from a neighbour’s garden, the affected homeowner typically files the claim. 3. Chimney and Masonry Problems High winds often affect older brickwork. Chimney pots, flues, and masonry can shift or crack, which may lead to structural concerns or water ingress. 4. Water Penetration from Wind-Driven Rain Strong winds push rainwater into places where it would not normally reach, such as under flashings, through vents, or into roof edges. This can cause stained ceilings, damp walls, mould growth, and damaged plaster. What To Do After a Storm 1. Assess the damage safely The first priority is safety. Avoid climbing onto the roof. Instead, inspect the property from the ground or use a phone camera with zoom. 2. Document the condition of the property Take detailed photos and videos of missing tiles, broken gutters, fallen branches, cracks, and interior water damage. High-quality documentation helps strengthen an insurance claim. 3. Make temporary protective measures Cover open areas with tarps or strong plastic sheets to prevent more rain from entering the home. Insurers expect you to limit additional damage, but they also expect you to avoid permanent repairs until the inspection is completed. 4. Notify the insurer quickly Reporting storm damage promptly is important. Delays can lead insurers to argue that the damage might be due to poor maintenance instead of the storm.  Frequent Causes of Claim Reductions Insurers sometimes reduce or decline storm-related claims for reasons such as poor maintenance, insufficient evidence, or pre-existing damage. For example, if gutters were already blocked or roof tiles were already loose, insurers may argue that the damage was not caused solely by the storm. Storm and wind damage may be unavoidable, but losing out on a valid insurance claim does not have to be. Proper documentation, prompt reporting, and expert support can help you secure a fair outcome. If you need assistance with a storm damage claim or want a professional assessment, Property Damage Loss Assessors can help you navigate the process. Call James today to discuss your storm damage and get reliable guidance for your claim.

How to Choose the Right Moment to Report Property Damage Before Cleaning or Repairing

By Alastair roe • December 4, 2025
When property damage occurs, most homeowners instinctively begin cleaning up the mess or repairing what has been broken. This reaction is completely understandable, especially when the situation feels stressful or overwhelming. However, starting repairs or removing damaged items too soon can seriously weaken an insurance claim. Timing plays a crucial role, and understanding what to do in the first 24 hours can make a major difference in the outcome of a claim. Insurance companies rely heavily on clear visual evidence to assess a claim. Loss adjusters need to understand exactly what happened, how severe the damage is, and whether the policy covers the issue. If the property has already been cleaned or fixed by the time the claim is reported, insurers may question the extent or even the cause of the damage. This is why the first step after any incident should always be to document the situation before any repairs take place. Why Timing Matters The moment you discover damage, the clock essentially starts ticking. Insurers often require evidence that shows the original condition of the property. If you remove flooring, throw out damaged furniture, repair a pipe, or clean up water before taking proper photos and videos, valuable evidence disappears. For example, if a pipe bursts and causes water damage, cleaning up the water and repairing the pipe before reporting the issue can lead insurers to question how serious the incident really was. The same is true for roof leaks, storm damage, structural issues, oil leaks, and electrical faults. Irish insurers are known for carefully evaluating whether damage was sudden or whether it could have been gradual. Without proper evidence, it becomes harder to prove your case. What To Do in the First 24 Hours 1. Document thoroughly Take photos and videos of everything. Include wide shots of the affected area, close-ups of specific damage, and footage showing the cause of the issue. Make sure the lighting is good and that you capture multiple angles. 2. Prevent further damage Insurers expect you to take reasonable steps to stop the situation from getting worse. Examples include turning off the mains water supply, isolating electricity in a flooded area, or placing a temporary cover over a broken window. These actions help, as long as you do not make permanent repairs. 3. Avoid removing damaged items Do not throw away wet carpets, broken tiles, burnt items, or damaged appliances. Even if they appear ruined, they serve as evidence. 4. Report the claim early Most policies in Ireland require homeowners to notify the insurer within a reasonable timeframe. Reporting within one or two days is ideal, and it reduces the risk of disputes. Common Mistakes to Avoid  Homeowners frequently make the mistake of trying to tidy up before taking photos. Another common issue is assuming insurers will take their word for the extent of the damage. Insurers rely on evidence, not verbal descriptions, so documentation is essential. The best way to protect the success of an insurance claim is to act quickly, document everything, and avoid repairs until the necessary evidence has been captured. Cleaning and rebuilding can always take place later. If you want expert help with documenting your loss or dealing with your insurer, Property Damage Loss Assessors can guide you through the full process. Call James today to discuss the damage to your property and get professional advice before moving forward.