Contact your insurer as soon as possible

Take photos of the damage

DO NOT make permanent repairs until your insurer has inspected the property

Keep a diary of all contact, conversations with your insurer

If you can still live in the home, talk with your agent about critical repairs that need to be made. Whether you make the repairs or hire someone, save the receipts for your claim.

If you need to find other lodging, keep records of expenses and all receipts. Homeowners and renter's insurance generally provide limited coverage for expenses like: meals, rent, utility installation and transportation.

Your carrier will send an insurance adjuster to survey the damage at no cost to you. Public adjusters may offer the same services, but you would be responsible for any related fees. Check to be sure they are licensed with the Insurance Department.

Do not feel rushed or pushed to agree on a settlement. If there are disagreements, try to resolve them with your insurer. If you cannot reach an agreement, the Connecticut Insurance Department can help you decide if arbitration or mediation is an option.

Your full claim may come in multiple payments. The first will likely be an emergency advance and may include additional living expenses. The payment for your personal property and any additional living expenses will be made out to you. Payments for the structure may be payable to you and your lien holder if there is a mortgage on your home.

Even after settling your claim, if you think of items that were not in your initial loss list, contact your insurance company. Unless the company has paid the entire limit for the coverage of those types of items, it is possible the company will make an additional payment.

If your damages exceed the amount of your coverage, federal agencies will occasionally provide grants or low-interest loans to assist with recovery following major disasters.

Beware of scams! Fraudulent individuals often take advantage of the chaos following a disaster.

Check with the state Department of Consumer Protection to make sure contractors are properly licensed and/or registered and get references and more than one estimate before hiring a contractor.

Insist on a written estimate before repairs begin and do not sign any contracts before the adjuster has examined the damage.

Do not pay a contractor the full amount up front or sign over your insurance settlement payment. A contractor should expect to be paid a percentage when the contract is signed and the remainder when the work is completed.

If the contractor finds hidden damage that was not discovered in the original assessment by the adjuster, contact your insurance company to resolve the difference. For any disagreements that cannot be resolved, contact the Connecticut Insurance Department.

Before you sign a contract or write a check for coverage, STOP. CALL the Connecticut Insurance Department at 800-203-3447 and CONFIRM that the agent, adjuster, appraiser, and/or company you are working with are licensed to do business in your state. You can verify an insurance license with the Department online at: Verify License