Before the Next Storm Hits: What Every Arizona Homeowner Should Know About Insurance Claims

The Phoenix Valley has been hit with unusually heavy rainstorms over the past few weeks, and homeowners across the area are already dealing with leaks, moisture intrusion, ceiling stains, and water damage they’ve never experienced before.

That means now is the time to understand what happens if your home is damaged — and what you should really do before calling your insurance company.

Most homeowners don’t realize this, but the order in which you take action after damage can be the difference between an approved claim… and a frustrating denial.

1. Step One: Call a Licensed Professional to Assess the Damage — Not Your Insurance Company

When damage happens, most people immediately file a claim.

But that’s actually backwards.

Insurance companies want very specific, accurate, and well-documented information. If you call with a vague description — “I think I have a leak” or “my ceiling looks wet” — you’re already starting off on the wrong foot.

Why calling a contractor first matters:

✔️ We identify the true source of the damage

✔️ We determine the extent of the problem

✔️ We provide professional documentation insurers take seriously

At It Starts Here, we use advanced tools like:

• Moisture meters (find water inside walls, floors, ceilings)

• Thermal imaging cameras (detect hidden leaks and temperature changes)

• High-resolution documentation (photos & readings adjusters rely on)

This gives you a strong, clear case before your insurance adjuster even steps foot on your property.

2. Step Two: Contact Your Insurance Company With Full Documentation Ready

Once you have a professional assessment, then it’s time to file the claim.

When you contact your insurance, you’ll need:

• A detailed description of the damage

• The date of the incident

• Photos, videos, and professional findings

• Any moisture or thermal readings

• Notes about what caused the problem

Because your contractor has already identified everything, you’re able to present a claim that is precise, confident, and far more likely to be approved.

3. Step Three: Let Your Contractor Communicate Directly With the Adjuster

This step is huge.

Insurance adjusters often:

• Try to minimize the damage

• Claim something is “maintenance” not “coverage”

• Provide low payouts

• Overlook hidden moisture or secondary issues

When we speak to the adjuster, the conversation changes.

We use:

✔️ Building codes

✔️ Technical documentation

✔️ Moisture meter readings

✔️ Thermal imaging results

✔️ Construction expertise

…to make sure the adjuster fully understands the real scope of the damage, not the quick once-over.

4. Claims Are Often Denied — at First. But That Doesn’t Mean You Lose.

A lot of homeowners panic when they hear words like:

❌ Denied

❌ Partially approved

❌ “Does not meet deductible”

❌ “Insufficient evidence”

But here’s the truth:

This is incredibly common.

Most claims go through one or more rounds of appeals before final approval.

A professional contractor’s report, photos, damage readings, and notes can turn a denial into an approval.

We help you:

✔️ File appeals

✔️ Provide missing documentation

✔️ Challenge low payouts

✔️ Strengthen your claim with technical evidence

You don’t have to fight alone — that’s what we’re here for.

5. Documentation Is Everything — Keep Every Record

Insurance claims require proof. Lots of proof.

Keep copies of:

• Emails with the adjuster

• Photos/videos of damage

• Contractor assessments

• Receipts for emergency repairs

• Notes from every phone call

• Every document you submit

Strong documentation = strong claim.

6. Our Job Is to Protect Your Home and Your Claim

With storms continuing in the Phoenix Valley, now is the time to be prepared.

Here’s how we help homeowners:

✔️ Professional damage assessments

✔️ Moisture & thermal imaging documentation

✔️ Communication with your adjuster

✔️ Support through appeals and re-evaluations

✔️ Accurate repair estimates based on real construction needs

We make sure that what’s damaged gets properly documented — and properly covered.

Before the Next Arizona Storm Arrives, Remember This: Call Us First.

If rain damage, leaks, moisture, or structural issues hit your home:

🌟 Your first call should be to It Starts Here.

We’ll assess the damage, document everything professionally, and set you up with the strongest possible insurance claim. Call or text us at (480)888-5336!