A menacing storm or fire to your property can be a huge cause of stress. Your business gets to a standstill, or you may start wondering where you're going to stay after your house is destroyed. That's why insurance becomes a life saver. Unfortunately, insurance companies are not always ready to give you the maximum claim. That's why you have to familiarise yourself with the dos and don'ts way before a catastrophe occurs. So whether the disaster has just happened, or you simply want to know how to get the most of your claim, then here are some of tips for you.

Gather evidence 

Your first move should be gathering enough evidence as proof to your insurer. If a fire burned down your business, for instance, take photos of the damage. Even the minute details matter. Capture the original locations of any cars damaged, the license plates of the cars, the exact look of the area after the fire and any contact information of the available witnesses. You can even take pictures of the witnesses. Try and take shots from different angles, and mix up both close range and far range shots. This improves the chances of capturing all the important aspects. Apart from providing you with evidence, the pictures would also give the insurers a good idea of what happened and may even spur empathy.

Get a good property lawyer

A lawyer is a valuable investment if you intend on getting the most of a claim. Trying to settle a case on your own can lose you hundreds or even thousands of dollars, and insurance agencies are usually very thrilled with such cases. A property lawyer knows the ins and outs of such cases, and would boost your chances of getting the most out of the claim. They'll also be in a better position to advise you on what to do. Avoid speaking to the insurance adjuster without your lawyer. The insurance adjusters may record your statements and eventually devalue your case. Your lawyer is your only friend in such times. Leave the talk to them.

Have the right repair estimates

You need to get repair estimates from a professional. Don't throw away any damaged goods as they may assist in building your case. You'll need to submit proof of loss, and this is the document that clearly defines what you lost. The photos you took would be a huge help in confirming the losses. If you have a picture of the property before the disaster, you'll have an even better case.

You could even hire your own adjuster to assist in giving the right estimates of your property. However, get an adjuster that is also experience in how insurance companies operate.