What to Do in the First 24 Hours After a Claim
Filing an insurance claim can feel overwhelming — especially right after an accident, disaster, or loss. The good news? Taking a few simple steps in the first 24 hours can make the entire process faster and less stressful.
Michael Hagyard
5/19/20261 min read
What to Do in the First 24 Hours After a Claim
Filing an insurance claim can feel overwhelming — especially right after an accident, disaster, or loss. The good news? Taking a few simple steps in the first 24 hours can make the entire process faster and less stressful.
1. Make sure everyone is safe first. Before anything else, address any immediate safety concerns. If it's a car accident, move to a safe location. If it's property damage, prevent further harm if you can do so safely — but don't put yourself at risk. Then contact the proper authorities if needed.
2. Document everything. Pull out your phone and start taking photos and videos. Capture the damage from multiple angles before anything is moved or repaired. The more visual evidence you have, the smoother your claim will go.
3. Write down the details while they're fresh. Jot down exactly what happened, when, and where. If other people were involved, collect their names, contact information, and insurance details. Witness information can also be valuable.
4. Notify your insurance broker or carrier. Contact your broker as soon as possible. Most policies require "prompt notification" after a loss — waiting too long can actually jeopardize your claim. At Hagyard Insurance Group LLC, we're here to walk you through every step and advocate on your behalf so you're never navigating the process alone.
5. Avoid making permanent repairs right away. It's fine to make temporary fixes to prevent further damage, but hold off on permanent repairs until an adjuster has assessed the situation.
The claims process doesn't have to be a nightmare. With the right steps — and the right broker in your corner — you can get back to normal faster than you think.
Have questions about your coverage or need help filing a claim? Contact Hagyard Insurance Group LLC today — we're here to help.
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