When water damage strikes your home or business, every minute counts. The first 24 hours are the most critical window for limiting damage, preventing mold, and protecting your insurance claim. At Premier Restoration Group, we respond to water emergencies across South Florida 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and we have seen firsthand the difference between quick action and delayed action.

Here is exactly what you should do the moment water damage occurs.

1. Shut Off the Water Source

If the damage is caused by a burst pipe, leaking appliance, or overflowing fixture, locate your main water shut-off valve and turn it off immediately. Stopping the source prevents additional water from entering your home. If you cannot locate the shut-off or the source is outside your control (such as a storm), focus on the next steps.

2. Turn Off Electricity in Affected Areas

Water and electricity are a dangerous combination. Before entering a flooded room, switch off the circuit breakers for any areas that have standing water. Do not enter a flooded space if electrical outlets, panels, or appliances are submerged until a professional gives the all-clear.

3. Document Everything Before Touching Anything

Take photos and videos of all damage before moving furniture, removing water, or making any repairs. Capture wide shots of each room, close-ups of damaged materials, and images of the water source. This documentation is critical for your insurance claim and is something your adjuster will specifically request.

4. Remove Standing Water If It Is Safe to Do So

If it is safe, begin removing standing water using mops, towels, or a wet/dry vacuum. The faster water is removed, the less time it has to soak into flooring, subfloor, drywall, and insulation. Do not use a standard household vacuum for water removal; only a wet/dry vac is safe.

5. Move Valuables and Furniture to a Dry Area

Lift furniture off wet flooring by placing aluminum foil or wood blocks under the legs. Remove rugs, artwork, electronics, and important documents from the affected area. Wet materials left in place will continue to absorb moisture, further compounding the damage.

6. Increase Air Circulation

Open windows and doors if the weather permits. Turn on fans and your air conditioning system to begin drying the space. However, be aware that fans alone are rarely sufficient for thorough drying; professional equipment is needed to dry wall cavities and subfloors.

7. Call a Professional Restoration Company

This is the most important step. Professional restoration companies like Premier Restoration Group have industrial dehumidifiers, water extractors, and moisture meters that detect hidden water behind walls and under floors. We can begin drying within hours of your call and document everything needed for your insurance claim.

8. Call Your Insurance Company

Once the immediate threat is controlled and you have documentation, contact your insurance company to report the damage and begin your claim. If you call PRG first, we can help you document the damage properly before the adjuster arrives, which often leads to faster, more complete claim approvals.

Why the First 24 Hours Matter So Much

Mold begins to grow in as little as 24 to 48 hours after water exposure. Structural materials like drywall, insulation, and wood framing absorb water quickly and can begin to deteriorate or grow mold before damage is visible to the naked eye. Acting fast reduces repair costs, protects your health, and strengthens your insurance claim.

Ready to protect your home or business? Premier Restoration Group is available 24/7 for emergency response and free inspections.

📞 Call us at (786) 876-6557 

When disaster strikes, whether it’s water damage, fire, mold, or storm-related destruction, the last thing you want to worry about is navigating insurance paperwork. At Premier Restoration Group (PRG), we take that stress off your plate. Our team works directly with your insurance company to make sure the restoration process is smooth, fast, and as cost-effective as possible.

We Work With Your Insurance Company From Start to Finish

PRG has years of experience collaborating with major insurance carriers across South Florida. Our expertise ensures that:

  • Your claim is accurately documented. We provide detailed reports, photos, and moisture readings to help justify your claim. 
  • Your restoration work is properly covered. We advocate on your behalf to help you receive the coverage you’re entitled to. 
  • You don’t get stuck in back-and-forth negotiations. We communicate directly with adjusters so you don’t have to. 

The process moves faster. Our familiarity with insurance procedures helps prevent delays.

We’re proud to say that we are highly successful at getting our clients’ restoration work approved, because we know what adjusters need and how to present every detail clearly and professionally.

Tips for Filing an Insurance Claim for Restoration Work

If you’re planning to go through insurance for your repairs, here are a few key steps that can help the process go smoothly:

1. Document Everything Immediately

As soon as damage occurs:

  • Take photos and videos from multiple angles 
  • Capture close-ups and wide shots 
  • Write down the date, time, and cause (if known) 

The more documentation you have, the easier it is to support your claim.

2. Prevent Further Damage

Insurance companies expect homeowners to take steps to minimize additional damage, even before a claim is approved.

Simple actions like shutting off the water, placing buckets under leaks, or blocking off unsafe areas can make a difference.

3. Call PRG Before Filing the Claim

Many homeowners don’t realize this, but calling a restoration professional first can actually help your claim.

We can:

  • Assess the damage 
  • Provide photos and detailed findings 
  • Help you understand whether insurance will likely cover the loss 
  • Give guidance on what to tell your carrier 

This prevents mistakes that could complicate approval.

4. Review Your Policy, Especially the Deductible

Make sure you know:

  • Your deductible amount 
  • What types of damage are covered 
  • Whether you need additional documentation for specific claims 

If you have questions, PRG can help you understand what’s typically required for your type of damage.

5. Keep All Receipts and Invoices

If you purchase fans, tarps, hotel stays, or emergency supplies, save everything. Many insurance companies will reimburse you for reasonable mitigation costs.

6. Don’t Delay Filing Your Claim

Most insurance policies require homeowners to report damage promptly. Quick action helps ensure coverage and reduces the risk of denial.

Let PRG Help You Through the Process

Dealing with property damage is stressful, but getting your home or business restored doesn’t have to be.

At Premier Restoration Group, we:


✔ Work directly with your insurance company
✔ Provide professional documentation that adjusters trust
✔ Offer 24/7 emergency response
✔ Restore your property quickly and correctly

If you’re facing water, fire, mold, storm, or structural damage, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

📞 (786) 876-6557 🌐 prgrestores.com

Every year, we participate in Alacrity’s “Alignment Meeting”. A periodic gathering that brings together top professionals in our industry to share the latest developments and best practices.

Here are the highlights from our most recent session:

1. Quarterly Insights with Alacrity

Alacrity hosts this Alignment Meeting three times annually, offering rich opportunities for industry professionals to connect and learn.

2. Hosted at Pack On The Go Headquarters

The latest meeting took place at the state-of-the-art Pack On The Go facility in Pompano Beach, setting the stage for collaborative discussions and networking in a dynamic environment.

3. Why It Matters for PRG

By actively participating in these alignment sessions, Premier Restoration Group stays on the cutting edge of restoration technology and operational excellence, and that’s great news for our clients. Alacrity’s insights help us streamline processes, better document claims, and enhance safety-compliant workflows.

What This Means for You

  • Advanced technology in action: From moisture mapping to real-time job tracking, we apply the latest learnings to every restoration, helping us catch hidden damage earlier, reduce long-term repair costs, and provide the detailed documentation needed for faster insurance approvals. 
  • Faster, smarter repairs: We integrate Alacrity’s updates into our workflows, resulting in faster response times and more efficient restoration. 
  • Trusted restoration partner: Aligning with Alacrity’s standards reinforces our ability to deliver modern, reliable restoration for residential and commercial client. 

When disaster strikes, you need more than repairs. You need a partner who’s plugged into the future of restoration. Thanks to our alignment with Alacrity, Premier Restoration Group delivers exactly that! Smarter, safer, and faster recovery for every client we serve.