After a loss occurs, what should the insured do immediately?

The immediate step an insured should take after a loss occurs is to notify the insurer. This action is essential because it initiates the claims process and alerts the insurance company to the situation, allowing them to begin their assessment. Timely notification helps ensure that the insured's rights are preserved and that the claim can be processed efficiently. Additionally, most insurance policies stipulate a timeframe within which the insured must report a loss to remain eligible for coverage. Promptly informing the insurer also facilitates any necessary guidance on next steps, including the documentation and repair processes.

While other actions such as informing the police, beginning repairs, or documenting the scene can be important, they are typically secondary to the requirement of notifying the insurer. Each of these actions may have relevance depending on the nature of the loss (for example, police notification may be more critical in cases of theft or vandalism), but the initial communication with the insurance company is crucial to ensure that the loss is recorded and addressed according to the insurance policy.