Recovery Checklist

Work the recovery step by step, from first 24 hours to close-out.

Use this checklist to document the loss, organize records, coordinate professional review and track repairs — for a home or a commercial property.

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

Document safety concerns and emergency mitigation needs

Protect property from further damage if safely possible

Take photos and videos of damage from multiple angles

Call emergency services if injury or severe damage

Review insurance policy to understand coverage

Contact your insurance carrier to report the claim

Request claim number and adjuster contact information

Save all correspondence from your insurance carrier

Documentation Phase

Take comprehensive damage photos from multiple angles

Record videos showing overall damage and specific areas

Document pre-damage condition if possible

Gather original receipts for damaged items

List damaged/destroyed property with estimated values

Keep all receipts for emergency mitigation services

Save invoices for temporary repairs or storage

Collect written statements from witnesses if applicable

Record Organization

Gather original insurance policy document

Save all carrier correspondence (letters, emails)

Document adjuster name, contact, and claim number

Keep mitigation company invoices and work descriptions

Collect contractor repair estimates

Save inspection reports if available

Organize timeline of damage and key events

Upload all documents to organized vault

Professional Review

Determine if professional review is appropriate

Request proposals from adjusters, appraisers, or specialists

Review professional credentials and expertise

Compare proposal scope and approach

Schedule review calls with selected professionals

Discuss methodology and next steps

Confirm any professional agreements in writing

Repair & Estimation

Request contractor estimates for repairs

Compare estimate scope and pricing

Schedule review calls with contractors

Clarify repair timeline and process

Verify contractor licensing and insurance

Finalize repair agreements and pricing

Track repair progress and milestones

Administrative Tracking

Maintain organized file of all communication

Track insurance claim status regularly

Keep spreadsheet of estimates and proposals

Log all phone calls and meeting dates

Document decisions and next steps

Track repair or recovery timeline

Collect final invoices and proof of completion

Maintain receipts for tax or insurance purposes

Legal or Advocate Review (If Needed)

Assess if legal review is appropriate

Request attorney consultation if uncertain about coverage

Discuss claim strategy with legal professional

Ensure any legal engagement has separate agreement

Track legal professional guidance and timelines

Recovery Completion

Confirm all repairs are complete and satisfactory

Collect final invoices and warranties

Verify insurance payout received

Archive all documentation for future reference

Update property records if necessary

Review homeowner/business owner insurance coverage

Keep the checklist and its documents together

ClaimVia's recovery workspace helps you check off these steps and keep all related documents organized in one place. Upload photos, save correspondence, schedule review calls, and track professional proposals — all with full recovery context available.

The fewer documents you lose or miscommunicate about, the smoother your recovery process becomes.