When you’ve returned home after a hurricane and done what you can to mitigate further damage, the rebuilding process can begin. Here’s a short guide to navigating the process.

What to do

• Your first steps to take after returning home

• Work with your insurer to assess damages

• Pause your mortgage during the process

Your first steps after returning to your home

Once you get word that your home is safe for return, take extensive photos and videos  to document the damage both inside and outside your home before touching anything.

It’s important to look specifically for any roof or window damage from trees or flying debris that would allow water to enter your home, as most home insurance policies cover wind damage, but not flood damage. Create an album on your phone with detailed photos and videos to document any damage before clean-up begins. Check all your windows, doors, and gutters for damage as well. Use plastic tarps to cover any openings in your roof or windows to prevent additional water intrusion.

If standing water is present inside your home, use a sharpie to denote high water marks for adjusters to review later on and keep large (3’ by 3’) samples of carpets and drywall affected by water before removing all wet materials from your home.

Work with your insurer to assess damages

Begin your insurance process as soon as you can:

• File a claim by calling your agent or company directly, or online.

• Keep a detailed log of all conversations with your insurers (include dates, names, and any claim numbers), in a notes app on your phone, on your laptop, or in a paper notebook.

• Create an inventory spreadsheet of all your damaged items with approximate purchase costs.

• Save all receipts for emergency repairs or temporary housing.

• Register with FEMA as they may cover what insurance doesn't (once the hurricane has been declared a federal disaster). 

During the insurance process, you’ll meet with a claims adjuster. Have your inventory of damaged items ready, along with your photos and videos of the damage. Show the adjuster areas of damage in person, and write down their contact information to follow up on when you can expect their report.

You should receive a Proof of Loss form within 60 days. This will serve as a formal declaration of the loss you've experienced and will include all the damages you documented. At some point after filing it, your insurance company will send you a determination.

Review the insurance settlement offer against your documentation, and know that you don’t have to sign immediately if you disagree with the amount. You can request a detailed explanation of how they calculated damages—and if necessary—get a second opinion from another licensed home inspector. 

If the proposed settlement offer isn’t adequate, you can file an appeal within 60 days. You can also contact your state's insurance commissioner's office for help or hire a public adjuster to review your claims and work with your insurance on your behalf. As always, document all delays or issues in writing, as it may lead to future damage claims.

You may also want to apply for an SBA loan to cover construction costs and/or replacement of personal property in the absence of adequate insurance.

Pausing your mortgage

In the wake of a hurricane, contact your mortgage lender to explore options like a forbearance or deferment on your home loans. Either option can temporarily pause your payments over a set period of time to free up funds to help cover repairs and immediate rebuilding. There are drawbacks, and we cover them extensively in our guide to managing your home loan while rebuilding.

Conclusion

Rebuilding after a hurricane can be a lengthy process, but it’s important to get back to your home as soon as you can to first document the damage, then mitigate future problems by blocking exterior openings and removing any wet materials. FEMA can provide short term relief in the immediate aftermath and help pay for repairs and professional mitigation services in the event of a federal declaration.