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Pre-Disaster Insurance Prep Checklist

Insurers stop binding new coverage when a named storm enters the basin or a wildfire evacuation order is issued. Prep happens off-season.

60+ days out

  • Confirm wind/hail/named-storm deductibles
  • Buy or renew flood insurance — there's a 30-day waiting period
  • Photograph and video the entire property
  • Update inventory and store off-site
  • Check tree health and trim hazardous branches (insurer-favored)

Storm in the forecast

  • Charge devices, fill gas tanks
  • Document vehicle conditions
  • Move valuables to higher floors
  • Save policy documents to phone and cloud
  • Note your claim phone numbers

After the event

  • Don't enter unsafe structures
  • Document damage before any cleanup
  • Save receipts for tarps, hotels, food
  • File claim quickly — insurer queues fill within hours of major events
  • Be wary of door-to-door contractors

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