The One Critical 10-Minute Step Every Homeowner Should Take Before El Niño
A crew removes a tree that fell during a rainstorm in Berkeley in 2015, slightly damaging a home. With forecasts calling for a stormy winter in California, experts recommend documenting a home’s exterior now to show what changed if a tree falls or other storm damage occurs.
TL;DR
- Documenting your home with a video inventory before severe weather is a vital step for insurance claims.
- The process involves a smartphone walk-through, narrating contents of closets, cabinets, and drawers, and saving the video securely off-site.
- Thoroughness is key to capturing the accurate value of belongings, as people often undervalue their possessions.
- Video evidence of electronics should include serial numbers and brand names; keep receipts and appraisals when possible.
- Document the exterior, especially the roof's pre-storm condition, using various angles and drone footage if available.
- Standard homeowners insurance typically does not cover flood damage, and many policies have a 30-day waiting period.
- Review insurance policy sublimits for specific items like art, valuables, or debris removal, and consider additional riders if necessary.
- After damage, document everything again, keep all damaged items until an adjuster has seen them, and maintain records of communication and expenses.