When property damage strikes, your first priority is safety. However, once immediate risks are addressed, thoroughly documenting the damage is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your rights. In Rhode Island, insurance companies often deny or minimize claims based on “insufficient documentation.” By carefully recording the extent of your losses, you give yourself the best chance at receiving full and fair compensation.
At PALUMBO LAW, we regularly represent Rhode Island property owners in insurance disputes, and we know that strong documentation often makes or breaks a claim. Below are the key steps to building your strongest case.
Step One: Safety Comes First
Before thinking about documentation, make sure you and your family are safe. Do not enter damaged areas if there are downed power lines, gas leaks, or structural instability. Contact emergency services if needed, and notify utility companies immediately of any hazards. Your well-being is always the first priority.
Once it is safe, you can begin the process of documenting the damage, but only after ensuring no further danger remains.
Step Two: Prevent Further Damage
Insurance companies in Rhode Island often require policyholders to take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage after an initial loss. For example:
- Cover broken windows with plywood or plastic.
- Place tarps over damaged roofs.
- Shut off the water supply if pipes have burst.
Keep receipts for all supplies you purchase; these costs are typically reimbursable as part of your claim. Failing to prevent further damage could give your insurer an excuse to reduce or deny your claim.
Step Three: Photograph and Video Everything
Clear, detailed images are the backbone of your documentation. Take photographs and videos from multiple angles, capturing both close-up details and wide shots of entire rooms. Be sure to include:
- Structural damage (walls, floors, ceilings, roofs).
- Damaged personal property, furniture, and appliances.
- Outdoor damage, including landscaping, fences, or detached structures.
Do not discard damaged items until the insurance adjuster has inspected them or your attorney advises otherwise. Even items that seem worthless may serve as evidence of the extent of your loss.
Step Four: Maintain Damaged Items
It’s tempting to clear out destroyed belongings right away, but resist the urge. Keep all damaged property until your insurance company has had a chance to examine it. If you must remove items for health or safety reasons, like soaked carpeting after flooding, make sure to:
- Take multiple photos before removal.
- Keep small samples (like a piece of carpet or drywall).
- Store items in a safe location if possible.
Preserving evidence strengthens your ability to challenge lowball offers or denials.
Step Five: Create a Detailed Inventory
A thorough inventory is essential for proving the value of your claim. Make a list of all damaged or destroyed items, including:
- Description of each item.
- Brand, model, and serial number (if available).
- Date of purchase and original purchase price.
- Estimated replacement cost.
Whenever possible, attach receipts, credit card statements, or warranty documents to support your valuation. If you don’t have receipts, photographs of the items before the damage occurred, or testimony from others may help.
Step Six: Document Temporary Repairs and Additional Expenses
Many homeowners in Rhode Island need to make temporary repairs or stay elsewhere while their property is uninhabitable. Keep records of every expense, including:
- Hotel or rental housing costs.
- Meals if you’re unable to cook at home.
- Temporary repair costs, such as emergency plumbing or roofing.
- Storage and moving fees if belongings must be relocated.
Insurance policies often cover these “additional living expenses,” but only if you can prove them with receipts. Create a dedicated folder or digital file to organize everything.
Step Seven: Work with an Experienced Attorney
Even with excellent documentation, insurance companies sometimes delay, underpay, or deny claims. An experienced property damage attorney can step in to:
- Ensure your documentation is complete and compelling.
- Handle communications with insurance adjusters.
- Challenge unfair denials or low settlement offers.
- File suit if necessary to enforce your policy rights.
At PALUMBO LAW, we understand the tactics insurers use and fight to ensure Rhode Island property owners receive the coverage they deserve.
Documentation Protects Your Rights in Rhode Island
Property damage is stressful, but careful documentation is the key to building your strongest case. By prioritizing safety, preventing further loss, photographing and preserving damaged items, and tracking expenses, you protect yourself against insurance company pushback.
If you’ve suffered property damage in Rhode Island and are facing a delayed, underpaid, or denied claim, the attorneys at PALUMBO LAW are here to help. Contact us today to ensure your documentation is put to work for your strongest case.
