The first steps
These are the first practical decisions that shape the rest of the claim and reconstruction process.
Secure the property.
The first priority is to stabilize the structure, exclude others from entering, and prevent additional damage. Your prime concern should be preventing further injury or loss — especially from an outsider who could enter, get injured, and claim that you are responsible. This is typically done through board-up and temporary securing work.
- Board up broken windows, doors, and exposed openings
- Prevent unauthorized entry or theft
- Protect the structure from weather exposure
Contact your insurance company.
The loss must be reported so the claim process can begin. Call the Claims Department directly — not your agent. Use the 1-800 number for your insurer's Claims Department, which can be found on your policy documents or their company website — not the number for your local agent's office. This triggers assignment of an adjuster and the creation of an initial insurance company estimate.
- Report the claim and obtain a claim number
- Expect an adjuster to be assigned within 1–5 business days
- Provide basic information about the loss
Understand who you are dealing with.
You may encounter telemarketers, mitigation companies, insurance adjusters, public adjusters, and contractors. These groups serve different roles and do not perform the same function. Mitigation companies handle cleanup and temporary services. Reconstruction contractors are responsible for rebuilding the structure. These are not interchangeable roles.
Mitigation vs. reconstruction explained →Do not rely on the initial insurance company estimate.
The initial insurance company estimate is created quickly and based on limited information. It is intended to move the claim forward, not to fully define the construction project. Important items are commonly missing or incomplete at this stage.
We often get calls from people who are very suspicious about their insurer's first answer — and they're right to be. We specialize in finishing the work that the insurer started. Additional scope is typically identified progressively as the project develops.
Understanding your insurance estimate →Begin scope development.
A proper reconstruction project requires development beyond the initial insurance company estimate. This includes plans, permits, and a more complete understanding of the work required. A reconstruction contractor should be involved early — before the scope of work is finalized — so the project can be developed properly. Permits, plans, and scope refinement need to begin in parallel.
You have the right to choose your own contractor and vendors. California law prohibits insurer steering. If someone tells you that you must use a specific company, that is not accurate. Verify every contractor at CSLB.ca.gov before signing anything.