What is a First-Party Storm Damage Claim and How Do You File One?

Severe storms can cause devastating damage to homes and businesses in Indiana. When your property is damaged, your first instinct may be to turn to your insurance company for help. However, understanding the process of filing a first-party storm damage claim is critical to ensuring you get the full compensation you're entitled to. At Pathway Legal Group, we guide property owners across Indiana through every step of the claims process.

What is a First-Party Storm Damage Claim? A "first-party" claim means you are seeking benefits directly from your own insurance company under your property insurance policy. In contrast to a "third-party" claim (against someone else), a first-party claim is based on the agreement between you and your insurer.

Common types of storm damage covered by first-party claims include:

• Roof damage from hail, wind, or fallen trees

• Water damage from roof leaks or broken windows

• Structural damage from strong winds or tornadoes

• Damage to siding, gutters, and fences

• Interior damage resulting from storm-related breaches

Steps to File a First-Party Storm Damage Claim

1. Review Your Insurance Policy

   • Understand your coverage, deductibles, exclusions, and any deadlines for reporting claims. Pay special attention to endorsements or limitations on roof, wind, or flood damage.

2. Document the Damage Immediately

   • Take clear photographs and videos of all visible damage, both exterior and interior.

   • Make a written inventory of all damaged personal property.

3. Take Reasonable Steps to Mitigate Further Damage

   • Insurance policies typically require you to prevent additional losses. This may include temporary repairs like tarping a roof or boarding up broken windows.

4. Notify Your Insurance Company Promptly

   • Contact your insurer as soon as possible to report the damage and initiate the claims process.

5. Request a Copy of the Adjuster's Report

   • The insurance company will send an adjuster to inspect the damage. Request a copy of their report to compare with your own documentation.

6. Obtain Independent Estimates

   • Hiring an independent contractor or public adjuster to assess the damage can help ensure the insurance company's estimate is fair.

7. Consult an Experienced Attorney if Needed

   • If your claim is delayed, underpaid, or denied, an attorney can advocate for you and ensure your rights under the policy are fully enforced.

Common Challenges in Storm Damage Claims

• Disputes over whether damage was caused by "covered" or "excluded" events

• Lowball repair estimates

• Denials based on alleged "pre-existing" conditions

• Delay tactics to frustrate policyholders into accepting less

How Pathway Legal Group Can Help At Pathway Legal Group, we have nearly a decade of experience defending insurance companies, giving us a deep understanding of how claims are evaluated, delayed, and denied. We now use that insider knowledge to advocate for property owners across all counties in Indiana.

If your home or business suffered storm damage, don't fight the insurance company alone. Call Pathway Legal Group today at (317) 588-7400 for a free consultation. Let us help you navigate the path to recovery and secure the full compensation you deserve.