Do you know what to do when you need to file an insurance claim? Here’s your checklist…

A burst pipe. A hailstorm. A fender bender. Property damage at your business. A theft. A liability issue.

Claims rarely happen at a convenient time, and when they do, emotions can run high. In the middle of the chaos, it can be hard to remember what to do first.

At CasaBlanca Insurance, we believe preparation matters just as much as protection. Knowing how to respond in those first few moments can help make the claims process smoother, faster, and far less stressful.

Here’s a practical checklist to help you navigate almost any insurance claim.

Insurance Claim Checklist

1. Protect People First

Before documenting anything, make sure everyone is safe.

☐ Check for injuries
☐ Call 911 if emergency services are needed
☐ Remove yourself or others from immediate danger if possible
☐ Secure pets, children, employees, or customers if applicable

Safety always comes first.

2. Prevent Further Damage (If Safe to Do So)

Insurance policies often expect policyholders to take reasonable steps to prevent additional loss.

Examples may include:

☐ Turn off the water if there’s a leak
☐ Board up broken windows
☐ Cover roof damage with a tarp
☐ Move valuables away from danger
☐ Secure your business or property after theft or vandalism

Always document before making temporary repairs, when possible.

3. Document Everything

Your documentation can become one of the most important parts of your claim.

Take clear photos and videos of:

☐ The damage from multiple angles
☐ The surrounding area
☐ Any items affected
☐ Weather conditions, debris, or contributing factors
☐ Serial numbers, equipment labels, or inventory if relevant

Do not throw damaged items away until your carrier says it’s okay.

4. Write Down What Happened

Memories fade quickly after stressful events.

Write down:

☐ Date and time of incident
☐ What happened
☐ Who was involved
☐ What you noticed first
☐ Any steps you took immediately afterward

These notes can help later if questions come up.

5. Gather Supporting Information

Depending on the type of claim, this might include:

☐ Police reports
☐ Incident reports
☐ Witness names and contact information
☐ Contractor estimates
☐ Repair invoices
☐ Receipts for emergency purchases or temporary repairs

The more organized you are, the easier the process often becomes.

6. Contact Your Insurance Team

Report the claim as soon as reasonably possible.

Have ready:

☐ Policy number
☐ Contact information
☐ Photos and videos
☐ Incident notes
☐ Supporting documents

Your insurance advisor can help guide next steps.

Keep This Claim Checklist Handy

Whether it’s your car, home, business, or personal property, being prepared can make a difficult situation easier to manage.

Quick Claim Checklist

☐ Make sure everyone is safe
☐ Prevent additional damage
☐ Take photos and video
☐ Write down what happened
☐ Gather supporting documents
☐ Contact your insurance provider

At CasaBlanca Insurance, we’re here to help clients navigate not just policies, but real life when the unexpected happens.