General information, not insurance or legal advice. Read your policy and ask your agent or your state insurance department.
Document storm damage
A printable checklist and photo guide for the first hours and days after a storm.
What's usually covered on rural land
Trees, fences, barns, wells, ponds, debris, and flood: what standard policies typically do and don't pay for.
Disaster help programs
FEMA and USDA programs that can help with wells, septic, fences, debris, and farm land after a declared disaster.
For contractors: insurance-ready estimates
How to write an estimate a landowner can hand to their insurer, and the rules contractors must follow.
How-to: Insurance and disaster help (2 to 3 min)
What we never do
- We don't handle, file, adjust, or negotiate insurance claims, and contractors on this site may not offer to either.
- We don't tell you what your policy covers. Only your policy, your agent, and your insurer can.
- Nobody here can promise a job will be "free with insurance" or that your deductible will be covered or waived. Paying the deductible is your responsibility under your policy, and in several states offering to waive it is illegal (see the rules contractors must follow).
After a storm, in order
- Stay safe. Stay away from downed power lines and damaged trees still hanging.
- Take dated photos and video before you clean up. Use the checklist.
- Call your agent or insurer to report the damage.
- Only do emergency fixes to stop more damage (a tarp, a temporary fence), and keep the receipts.
- Get written estimates from licensed, insured pros. Find a pro.
- Watch for storm chasers. See the scam warning signs.
Steps 2 to 4 follow the "duties after a loss" in a standard homeowners policy form (ISO HO 00 03 as filed in Oklahoma). Your policy may differ.
By trade
Storm shelters · Land clearing · Pole barns · Water wells · Well pumps · Septic · Ponds