Should I start repairs or wait until LA Consulting inspects?
LA CONSULTING
Original Content
One of the most common questions property owners have after damage is whether they should start repairs right away. While it is natural to want to fix problems immediately, beginning permanent repairs before a licensed public adjuster inspects your property can harm your claim. At LA Consulting, our advice is clear: complete only temporary repairs to stop further damage, but wait for our inspection before starting permanent work. This approach protects both your property and your insurance settlement.
The risks of starting repairs too soon
If you repair or replace damaged items before they are inspected, you may erase critical evidence needed to prove your claim. Insurers can argue that the damage was less severe than reported or that it was caused by something other than the covered event. Once evidence is gone, it is extremely difficult to prove its value. Starting repairs without documentation often leads to lower settlements because the insurer has less reason to pay for what they cannot see.
Why temporary repairs are important
Insurance companies expect you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage. That means actions like tarping a roof, boarding up broken windows, or shutting off water sources are not just allowed—they are encouraged. These temporary repairs prevent the situation from getting worse and demonstrate that you acted responsibly. The costs of these emergency measures are typically reimbursable, so keep all receipts and invoices. Temporary repairs strike the right balance between protecting your property and preserving evidence for your claim.
Permanent repairs, however, should wait until LA Consulting has completed a full inspection and documented everything thoroughly.
How LA Consulting protects your claim
When you call us before starting major repairs, our team inspects the property, photographs all damages, and records detailed notes. We also review your policy to determine exactly what coverage applies. This ensures your insurer cannot deny payment for items that were fixed or replaced too early. With our inspection complete, you have clear evidence that supports every part of your claim. Only then is it safe to begin permanent repairs with confidence that the costs will be included in your settlement.
This process gives you peace of mind knowing that your financial recovery is secure.
Balancing urgency with caution
We understand that living with damage is stressful. You may worry about leaks, unsafe conditions, or lost business if you wait. That is why we act quickly—often inspecting properties within 24 to 48 hours of your call. Our speed minimizes downtime so you can move forward with repairs as soon as possible, without jeopardizing your claim. By letting us document everything first, you protect yourself from costly mistakes while still addressing urgent needs.
In commercial cases, this approach also allows us to coordinate with contractors and ensure that repair estimates align with policy coverage.
The bottom line
You should not begin permanent repairs until LA Consulting inspects your property. Temporary repairs to stop further damage are fine—and often required—but full repairs should wait until the damage is documented by a professional. This simple decision protects your claim, prevents disputes, and ensures your insurer is held accountable for the true cost of restoring your property.
