First steps after a home or auto loss

Safety comes first. Move away from traffic, fire, structural damage, standing water, or any other immediate hazard, and contact emergency services when needed. Do not take a photograph or protect property if doing so would put anyone at risk.

When it is safe, record the scene with photographs or video, write down what happened, collect contact information, and preserve receipts for urgent expenses. For property losses, take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage, but avoid permanent repairs or disposal until the carrier provides instructions when possible.

Report the loss through the appropriate carrier or agency channel and keep the claim number, adjuster information, dates, and requested documents together. Describe what you know without guessing about fault, cause, scope, or final cost.

Coverage and claim handling depend on the policy and facts. An agency can help explain the process and organize questions, while the carrier investigates the loss and makes coverage decisions under the policy.