Did you know that after a storm, insurance companies typically require you to take measures to protect your home to ensure you did not suffer serious loss or damage? Insurance policies typically include provisions under the Duties After Loss section within your policy that outline your responsibilities following a covered event, like a storm. Here’s a general example of the language you might find in that section:

1. Duties After Loss: This section often states that the policyholder must:

   - Notify the insurer promptly of any damage or loss.

   - Protect the property from further damage and make reasonable repairs to prevent additional damage including inspecting and documenting damages.

   - Provide the insurer with documentation of the loss, which may include photographs, estimates, and receipts for repairs.

2. Timely Filing Requirements: Some policies specify a timeline for filing claims or documenting the loss after an incident. This timeframe can vary, often requiring notification within 30 to 90 days, depending on the policy.

3. Proof of Loss: Many policies also require the insured to provide proof of loss within a certain period. Failing to submit this can sometimes be grounds for claim denial.

If you have access to your policy, look for terms like Duties After Loss, Notice of Claim, or Proof of Loss. These will often detail what’s expected of you after a storm or any event that could lead to a claim. 


Not sure on your next steps after a storm?

After weather events, it’s crucial to understand what comes next—especially when it comes to protecting your home and navigating your insurance policy. TTLC offers a comprehensive property inspection, as required by most homeowner insurance policies, to assess the damage and ensure you're on the right track for repairs and mitigation.

A professional TTLC property inspection typically carries a value between $350 and $650, but we provide this service at no cost for our local Chicagoland communities after severe weather events. Our thorough inspections cover your roof, siding, gutters, and other exterior elements, helping identify potential issues before they become costly repairs. Whether you've experienced recent storm damage or are simply taking proactive measures, TTLC is here to ensure your home is safe and well-maintained. Our experts check for visible and hidden damage, including missing shingles, leaks, dents, and cracks. We’ll document everything with detailed photos and reports, which are essential for your insurance claim. By having TTLC perform this inspection, you can rest assured that nothing is missed, and your insurance claim is supported by the proper documentation, making the process as smooth as possible.

Following our complimentary inspection offer, here's what you can expect during a TTLC property inspection. Our experienced TTLC team uses a detailed 117-point inspection checklist to ensure that every aspect of your property is thoroughly evaluated. Items that we check for include:

  1. Holes in siding 

  2. Dents or hanging gutters 

  3. Dents to siding or siding trim 

  4. Damage to window screens 

  5. Damage to window wraps/soffit/fascia 

  6. Damage to AC Fins/Units

  7. Damage to roofing materials 

  8. Damage to roofing ventilation 

  9. Damage to skylights

  10. Damage to gutters and Downspouts

This checklist is available for download, so you can see exactly what is covered during your inspection process with TTLC: https://www.ttlcinc.com/117inspection/

Taking the right steps after a storm can protect your home and make the insurance process much smoother. With TTLC’s professional property inspections and our 117-point checklist, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that every detail is covered. Don’t leave your home’s safety to chance—contact TTLC today to schedule your inspection and get the support you need to restore your home quickly and efficiently today!