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After a storm hits, you might be tempted to focus on cleanup and repairs and put filing an insurance claim on the back burner. But when it comes to property damage claims, timing is everything. In fact, meeting policy deadlines can determine whether your claim is even considered for coverage.
The only exception to this is if your state or local government classifies the damage event as a catastrophe; the timelines for first notice of loss and for timely response by your insurance carrier change. This is because if the event is bad enough, it may take some time before it is safe for policyholders to return to their property to evaluate damage, and because carriers are inundated with many claims at once from the catastrophic event.
Where to Find Deadlines in Your Insurance Policy
Your insurance policy outlines specific time requirements for reporting damage, submitting documentation, and completing repairs. These deadlines are typically found in policy sections labeled Duties After Loss, Conditions, or Proof of Loss.
If you have a digital copy of your policy, use the keyboard shortcut Command F (or Control F, depending on the computer) to quickly search for terms like “notice,” “proof of loss,” or “deadline.” This is a simple way to find critical information quickly, BUT it is still recommended to review your policy in its entirety.
Buried in these sections are key requirements, such as how quickly you must notify your carrier after damage occurs and how long you have to submit a formal proof of loss. For example, most property policies require that you submit a sworn proof of loss form to the insurer within a certain amount of time (often 60 days after the loss event). During a catastrophe, though, especially when total losses are involved, insurers will often update this requirement.
But you’re not the only one held to a timeline. Your insurance company has deadlines to meet, too. For example, South Carolina law sets forth timelines and claim-handling standards that outline expectations that insurance carriers must adhere to. It states that carriers are expressly prohibited from:
Hiring a licensed Public Adjuster to represent your claim will ensure that you stay on track with claim deadlines and will hold your insurance carrier accountable to state requirements.
File Fast, Especially During Storm Season
In the middle of storm season, you may face multiple storm events in a short period of time. If you delay filing after the first incident and your home sustains additional damage later, it can become nearly impossible to distinguish what damage came from which storm. Insurance carriers may exploit this overlap to dispute or deny portions of your claim.
The safest approach is to document the damage and file a claim as soon as it occurs. Acting early starts the clock and strengthens your position for coverage if additional weather events impact your property.
Kick-Start the Process with a Public Adjuster
Many homeowners wait for their insurance company to send out an adjuster before taking action. But this delays your claim and puts the outcome in the hands of an adjuster who’s looking out for the insurer’s best interests.
Insurance adjusters are acting as agents of the company in the adjustment of any loss. They’re not on your side, and they’re not a neutral party. In fact, in May 2025, the U.S. Senate heard sworn testimony that insurance adjusters are pressured by carriers to purposely underestimate damages and defraud consumers of rightfully owed settlement money.
Hiring a licensed Public Adjuster to conduct an inspection can help document damage immediately and move your claim forward faster. Getting an independent assessment early can help you get the ball rolling on your claim and ensure nothing is overlooked.
What If More Damage Occurs?
If additional damage occurs before repairs can be completed, it is your responsibility to mitigate further damage as much as possible.
This can include steps like tarping a damaged roof, addressing water intrusion, or beginning mold remediation if needed. Taking these actions not only protect your home, but also demonstrates to your insurer that you’ve fulfilled your obligation to prevent further loss. Failing to mitigate can give insurers an easy reason to reduce or deny your claim.
Protect Your Claim by Protecting the Timeline
Deadlines in your insurance policy are not suggestions. They’re requirements. Missing them can delay your claim, reduce your settlement payout, or even result in denial of coverage.
When it comes to property damage claims during storm season, the clock is always ticking. Don’t wait — reach out to Tiger Adjusters for help with your claim.
