Insurance
What to Do Before the Adjuster Arrives
Updated 2026-05-09 · 2 min read
Quick answer
Before the adjuster arrives, gather your documentation (photos, video, a list of damaged items, receipts), make sure any emergency mitigation is underway or done, and have your policy number and the basic facts ready. Don't make permanent repairs yet, but do prevent further damage. You can also have a licensed public adjuster represent your side if you want help.
The insurance adjuster's visit is a key moment in your claim. A little preparation makes it go smoother and helps make sure nothing gets missed. Here's a simple checklist for before they arrive.
Have your documentation ready
Pull together everything you've captured: photos and video of the damage, a written list of damaged or destroyed items, your timeline of what happened, and any receipts for emergency expenses. Having it organized and ready means the adjuster sees the full picture, not just what's left after cleanup started.
Prevent further damage — but don't fully repair yet
Most policies expect you to stop the bleeding: shut off the water, dry things out, tarp a leak. Do that, and document it. But hold off on permanent repairs — replacing drywall, flooring, cabinets — until the adjuster has seen the damage, unless waiting would clearly make things worse. You don't want the proof gone before they look.
Keep the affected areas accessible
The adjuster needs to actually see the damage. Don't pack everything away or finish cleaning out a room before the visit. If a mitigation crew is drying the space, that's fine — their equipment and documentation are part of the story.
Have the basics on hand
Your policy number, your contact info, and a clear, simple account of what happened and when. The easier you make it to follow, the smoother the visit.
Know you can have help
You don't have to handle the adjuster alone. A licensed public adjuster can represent your side and deal with the insurer's adjuster on your behalf. That's a separate professional from a mitigation company — they handle the claim, we handle the cleanup and documentation. For a large or complicated loss, many homeowners bring one in.
Where we fit
By the time the adjuster arrives, we've usually got the loss documented — moisture readings, daily logs, photos, scope — and that record sits right alongside your own. The goal is simple: when the adjuster looks, the full, accurate picture is right there.
Prepare a little, prevent more damage, keep the proof intact — and lean on a public adjuster if you want a pro in your corner.
Common questions
Should I make repairs before the adjuster comes?
Make emergency repairs to prevent further damage — like stopping the water and drying out — and document them. But hold off on permanent repairs (like replacing drywall or flooring) until the adjuster has seen the damage, unless waiting would cause more harm. Keep all receipts either way.
Can I have someone represent me with the adjuster?
Yes. A licensed public adjuster works on your behalf and can deal with the insurer's adjuster for you. That's a separate professional from us — we handle the mitigation and documentation. If your claim is large or complicated, many homeowners choose to bring in a PA.
What should I have ready for the adjuster?
Your policy number, your documentation (photos, video, item list, receipts), a simple timeline of what happened, and access to all the affected areas. If a mitigation company is involved, their documentation — moisture logs, scope, photos — should be available too.
Related guides
Insurance
How to Document Water Damage for Your Claim
Good documentation can make or break a claim. Here's a simple checklist of what to capture, starting now.
2 min read
Insurance
Should You File a Water Damage Claim?
Filing isn't always the obvious choice. Here are the honest tradeoffs to weigh — and who can help you decide.
2 min read