⚡

Tornado Just Hit? Call Us First.

Before you do anything else, call Sebastian County Tornado Cleanup at 479-341-1564. We respond 24/7, stabilize your property, and begin insurance-grade damage documentation immediately.

Step-by-Step Tornado Insurance Claim Process

Ensure Safety First

Before anything else, ensure everyone is safe. If your home has major structural damage — collapsed walls, roof failure, gas leaks — evacuate immediately and call 911. Do not re-enter an unsafe structure. Once everyone is safe, call Sebastian County Tornado Cleanup.

Document All Damage Before Cleanup

Before any debris is moved or cleanup begins, photograph and video every aspect of the damage — roof, exterior, interior, personal property, vehicles. This documentation is critical for your insurance claim. The more documentation you have, the stronger your claim.

Prevent Further Damage (Your Legal Obligation)

Most homeowner policies require you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage after a loss. This means emergency tarping of damaged roofs, boarding up broken windows, and covering exposed structural openings. Call us — we handle this immediately and document everything for your claim.

Notify Your Insurance Company Promptly

Call your insurance company within 24-48 hours of the tornado. Most policies require "prompt" notification of a loss. Have your policy number ready. Provide a brief description of the damage — do not minimize or exaggerate. We can help you prepare for this call.

Request a Claim Number and Adjuster Assignment

Your insurance company will assign a claim number and schedule an adjuster inspection. Get the claim number and the adjuster's name and contact information. Ask for the expected inspection timeline — most adjusters visit within 3-7 days after a major storm event.

Be Present for the Adjuster Inspection — With Your Contractor

When the adjuster comes to inspect your property, be present — and have your contractor present as well. We attend adjuster inspections for all our clients to ensure all damage is identified and properly noted. Adjusters are thorough, but they can miss items that an experienced restoration contractor will catch.

Review the Adjuster's Estimate Carefully

Once you receive the adjuster's estimate, review it carefully with your contractor. Compare it against our independent damage assessment. If items are missing or undervalued, we help you file a supplemental claim. Do not accept the first estimate if it doesn't cover all necessary repairs.

Understand Your Settlement Check

Most homeowner policies pay claims in two parts: an initial Actual Cash Value (ACV) payment, followed by a Recoverable Depreciation payment once repairs are completed. Make sure you understand both components and that you receive both checks. We guide you through this process.

⚠️ Common Tornado Insurance Claim Mistakes to Avoid

✗ Starting permanent repairs before the adjuster inspects. Emergency stabilization is fine — permanent repairs should wait until after the adjuster has documented the damage.
✗ Throwing away damaged materials before documentation. Keep all damaged materials until the adjuster has inspected them. Damaged shingles, siding, and structural members are evidence for your claim.
✗ Accepting the first estimate without review. Insurance adjusters are professionals, but they work for the insurance company. Always have an independent contractor review the estimate.
✗ Waiting too long to file. Most policies have deadlines for filing claims. File within 24-48 hours of the tornado.
✗ Not filing for Additional Living Expenses (ALE). If your home is uninhabitable due to tornado damage, your policy likely covers temporary housing and living expenses. Make sure to claim this.

Have questions about your tornado damage claim? Call us — we provide free claim guidance to all Sebastian County homeowners.

📋 Call 479-341-1564 — Free Claim Help Request Free Estimate

Tornado Insurance Claim Guide — Greenwood, AR & Sebastian County