First 48 Hours After Property Damage: Essential Steps

What to Do in the First 48 Hours After Property Damage

When something goes wrong in your home, a leak, fire, storm, or sudden water damage, the first two days matter more than most people realize.

What you do right away can affect your entire insurance claim.

Here’s a simple checklist.

1. Make it safe first

If there’s standing water, exposed wiring, or structural damage, focus on safety. Shut off water or power if needed. If the home isn’t safe, don’t stay inside.

2. Take photos and video before cleanup

Grab your phone and document everything.

Wide shots of rooms.

Close-ups of damage.

Damaged furniture, flooring, cabinets, walls, ceilings.

Do this before anything gets moved or dried out. Once it’s gone, it’s hard to prove.

3. Don’t throw damaged items away

Even if something looks ruined, keep it until your claim is documented. Insurance companies often want proof. Tossing items too early can cost you money.

4. Start a basic list of damaged items

You don’t need perfection. Just start writing things down. Furniture. Clothing. Kitchen items. Electronics. Every little thing adds up.

Most homeowners underestimate contents losses by thousands.

5. Avoid hiring contractors too fast

Some contractors push hard right after a loss. Take your time. Get estimates. Don’t sign contracts that assign your insurance benefits unless you fully understand what that means.

6. Know who your adjuster works for

The insurance adjuster works for the insurance company.

A public adjuster works for you.

That’s where AJR Public Adjusters comes in. Our job is to document your damage, prepare your claim properly, and negotiate so you’re paid what your policy allows, not just what the carrier offers.

7. Set up your claim for success

These steps help protect your claim, but the best way to make sure nothing is missed is to hire a public adjuster right away. A good public adjuster handles the documentation, values your damage properly, and deals directly with the insurance company so you don’t have to.

Before hiring anyone, take a few minutes to research. Look at references and client testimonials. Check their standing with the Better Business Bureau. It’s one of the easiest ways to see how a company treats people and whether they follow through.

AJR Public Adjusters works only for policyholders. We make sure your loss is fully documented and your claim reflects what your policy allows, not just what’s offered at the start.

Getting help early can prevent costly mistakes and protect thousands of dollars most homeowners never realize they’re leaving on the table.

Monsoons, Microbursts, kitchen leaks, it adds up fast. Make sure your settlement does too. Valley homeowners deserve full settlements not quick checks. Don’t leave money behind.

CALL AJR FIRST – 602-795-5227

Why Personal Attention Matters in Property Damage Claims

A recent client shared a reminder of why personal attention matters in this industry:

“Bruce is simply the best…His coordination with the mitigation company was crucial in preventing even more damage when my roof collapsed…I would highly recommend Bruce and AJR…. Don’t go it alone.”

Property damage is confusing and urgent. When someone’s roof collapses or water spreads through a home, they shouldn’t have to fight an insurance company at the same time. Having someone manage the claim, coordinate mitigation, and protect coverage can completely change the outcome.

At AJR Public Adjusters LLC– Representation for you NOT insurance company for real property claims —we believe every policyholder deserves direct guidance, not a call center. Bruce Horowitz handles each claim personally, start to finish, because your home is too important for guesswork.

Grateful for the trust our clients place in us. We’ll always be here when the unexpected happens.

Protecting Policyholders: Our Commitment at AJR Public Adjusters

Integrity Isn’t an Option—It’s the Standard at AJR Public Adjusters

Every so often, a review reminds us why we do what we do.

Recently, a homeowner, Larry K., shared how Bruce took the time to walk him through the insurance claim process—even though AJR couldn’t take on his particular claim. When Larry offered to pay for his time, Bruce politely declined. As Larry put it, “We don’t see that kind of service in many places these days.”

That sentiment perfectly reflects what AJR Public Adjusters stands for: genuine care, professional guidance, and doing what’s right—whether or not someone becomes a client. It’s about integrity, not transactions.

We know that when property damage happens—whether from fire, flood, or storm—people feel overwhelmed. The insurance process is confusing, with tight deadlines, and it’s hard to know who to trust. That’s why we lead with honesty first. Even if we can’t formally represent someone, we believe sharing guidance and clarity has real value.

At AJR Public Adjusters, our goal isn’t just to settle claims—it’s to help policyholders understand their rights and make informed decisions. With more than 37 years of experience in insurance claim recovery, Bruce has seen how the slightest bit of clear direction can change the entire outcome of a situation.

We’re proud that clients and callers alike describe us as responsive, transparent, and knowledgeable. Whether we’re managing a complex fire loss or simply explaining next steps to a homeowner, our focus stays the same:

Protect the policyholder, not the insurance company.

That commitment has earned us an A+ BBB rating, but more importantly, it’s earned trust—something we never take for granted.

So to Larry and others who’ve taken the time to share their experiences, thank you. Your words remind us that professionalism, kindness, and integrity still make a difference—and they always will at AJR Public Adjusters.