The order you do things in can matter as much as what you do.

When a tree hits your home, the instinct is to start clearing the mess. But cleaning up before you document, or delaying the tarp while water pours in, are the two moves most likely to weaken a claim.

This is a sequence, not a checklist you can shuffle. Each step sets up the next: safety protects people, documentation protects the claim, and prompt mitigation protects the parts of your home that aren't damaged yet.

Below is the process we walk homeowners through every day. It's general guidance rather than policy advice — your carrier's specific requirements always take priority, so keep their claims line handy.

For neutral, general information on homeowners coverage, see the Insurance Information Institute. This is general guidance, not policy or legal advice — always confirm details with your own carrier.

Step one is always safety, not cleanup

A tree resting on a structure is under tension, and downed limbs can shift without warning. Before any photo or phone call, move everyone to a safe distance and assume any contacted or nearby power line is energized until the utility confirms otherwise.

If the structure is compromised — a caved roof, a leaning wall, a gas smell — leave the building and call emergency services. No documentation is worth an injury, and adjusters never expect you to put yourself at risk to capture a photo.

Open the claim, then mitigate — don't wait

Report the loss to your insurer as soon as it's safe and write down the claim number and the adjuster's contact. Prompt reporting protects you and gives the carrier a clear timeline of a responsibly handled event.

Then act to prevent further damage. Most policies require reasonable emergency measures — tarping, board-up, water extraction — and preventable damage that happens because you waited can be disputed. Keep receipts for these measures; they are often reimbursable.