30/08/2026
This is one of the largest points of confusion in property damage, laid out very nicely by Miller Public Adjusters.
Many homeowners anticipate that they need the green light from their insurance adjuster or an onsite assessor before beginning any emergency action. However, although policy language varies, insurance policies typically require property owners to take reasonable steps to protect the property from further damage.
In our case, this usually involves emergency water extraction and initial dehumidification of the affected areas.
We take photos before beginning work and document the drying conditions and psychrometrics throughout the process. This helps establish a clear record of what was affected, what was done, and the drying progress for the insurance claim.
Many homeowners worry that their insurance company may disapprove of taking these initial preventative steps before an adjuster arrives. In many situations, however, taking reasonable steps to prevent additional damage is exactly what the policyholder is expected to do.
The key is to act reasonably, document everything, and notify your insurance company as soon as practical.
🚧 What Counts as "Temporary Repairs"?
One of the biggest misconceptions after property damage is that you have to wait for the insurance company before doing anything.
In reality, most insurance policies require property owners to take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage. This might include:
-Tarping a damaged roof
-Boarding up broken windows
-Removing standing water
-Drying affected areas
The key is to document everything before and after temporary repairs are made, and keep receipts for any emergency expenses.
Taking action to protect your property today can help prevent bigger problems tomorrow.
