Arizona Monsoon, Wildfire and Storm Insurance Preparation

Review coverage before the forecast becomes urgent

Insurance changes generally cannot be made retroactively after damage occurs. Review home, auto and umbrella coverage before storm or wildfire conditions become immediate. Confirm deductibles, policy limits, excluded causes of loss and the process for reporting a claim.

Homeowners policies do not treat every type of water damage the same. Flooding, surface water, wind-created openings, seepage and maintenance-related damage may be addressed differently. Ask how the policy you are considering defines and handles these situations.

• Save current declarations pages and carrier claim numbers
• Understand wind, hail and other applicable deductibles
• Confirm loss-of-use or additional-living-expense limits
• Review comprehensive coverage and deductibles on vehicles

Create evidence before anything happens

Photograph the exterior of the home, roofline when safely visible, fencing, landscaping, outbuildings, vehicles and major interior rooms. Record model and serial numbers for valuable equipment and retain receipts for improvements or large purchases.

Store copies in a secure cloud account or another location away from the property. A detailed inventory can help establish what existed before the loss and make claim conversations more organized.

• Walk through every room with video
• Record valuables and major appliances
• Photograph vehicles from multiple angles
• Keep contractor, roof and renovation records

Protect people and follow official instructions

Emergency services and official evacuation directions come first. Do not remain in or re-enter an unsafe property to collect documentation. Keep medications, identification, emergency contacts and essential records in a portable plan that works for every household member and pet.

When time permits, reduce preventable damage without taking unsafe actions. Policyholders are commonly expected to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage, but permanent repairs should generally wait until the damage is documented and the carrier provides direction.

Document the loss and temporary expenses

After the area is safe, photograph and video damage before cleanup. Keep damaged property unless the carrier says otherwise. Track hotel, food, transportation, emergency repair and other temporary expenses with receipts and a simple timeline.

Use the carrier's official reporting channel and preserve the claim number, adjuster contact information and every significant communication. Be accurate about what you know and avoid guessing about the cause or extent of damage.

• Photograph before moving or discarding items
• Separate emergency mitigation from permanent repair
• Keep receipts and written estimates
• Log dates, contacts and claim instructions

Reassess after repairs or a near miss

A repair, roof replacement, mitigation project or major property change can affect future underwriting and coverage. Provide updated information at renewal and keep proof of completed work.

Coverage decisions remain subject to the issued policy and facts of the loss. This guide is general preparation, not a determination that any specific event will be covered.