A lot of clients are in panic when there is a loss to their property, especially the first time. They always tell me “this is my first insurance claim; I don’t know what to do”.
General speaking, you should take reasonable measure to mitigate the loss with common sense as soon as possible. If there is a fire, call fire department; if pipe bursts, shut off water main or call a plumber when you don’t know where the water main locates; if there is a theft, call the police and board up damaged entrance.
Some clients say- “I don’t know what to do, so I am waiting for advice from insurance company”. Let me tell you- if it is a covered claim, your insurers would be more than happy to see you save something for them. Actually most of insurance companies are willing to make some contribution to the reasonable cost for loss mitigation. For example, you may be paid $15/hour for removing water from basement and/or lifting contents to prevent further water damage. On the other hand, If your claim is declined in the end, you have saved for yourself. Therefore, do not let water keep running until an adjuster gets there. Take an immediate action to mitigate the loss for insurers and/or yourself.
At meantime, I would suggest that you take lots photos as visual proof of the loss. Certainly, you should report the incident to your insurance company as soon as practical to give them an opportunity to investigate the loss in order to determine cause and extent.
Wen Q 