It was 2:17 a.m. when Sarah heard the crash.
At first, she thought someone had broken into the house. Her dog was barking wildly. But when she ran into the living room, she found the real culprit—a section of the ceiling had caved in, water pouring steadily from above. A burst pipe in the attic. Ruined furniture. Soaked memories. And a whole lot of panic.
In those moments, adrenaline takes over. You’re overwhelmed, scared, and scrambling. And that’s exactly when most people make decisions that cost them later.
What Most People Do Wrong in a Crisis
When disaster strikes—a tree falls on your house, your car gets rear-ended, or your kitchen floods—everyone around you has an opinion.
“File a claim right now!”
“Don’t wait—they won’t cover it if you don’t call immediately.”
“Oh, you have to use their repair guy.”
Sound familiar?
The problem is, insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all. Different carriers have different rules, claim procedures, and thresholds. And while it might feel like you need to act fast, the truth is…
Sometimes, filing a claim immediately isn’t the smartest move.
So What Should You Do First?
Step 1: Document the Damage
Take photos. Record videos. Capture as much of the situation as possible. These moments matter.
Step 2: Stop the Bleeding
Whether that’s shutting off the water, calling a tow truck, or laying out towels—focus on limiting further damage.
Step 3: Call Your Independent Agent
Before you call the 1-800 number. Before you open your carrier’s app. Before you tell the story to a neighbor who “knows a guy”…
Call your agent.
Your independent agent knows your policy inside and out. They can help you decide if it’s worth filing, walk you through the deductible math, and explain how the claim might affect your renewal or rates.
Why Timing Matters
Here’s the thing most people don’t realize:
Once you call the carrier and open a claim file, it’s on record—whether or not the company pays out.
Some situations are obvious: A major fire, a total loss auto accident, or significant water damage. But others are borderline. Small repairs might cost just a little more than your deductible—and if you file, you could end up paying more in premiums long-term.
That’s why you need someone in your corner, helping you figure out the best path forward—not just now, but down the road.
A Real Human in a Messy Moment
At Connor Insurance, we don’t just sell policies. We help you navigate the hard stuff. Because we’ve been in those 2 a.m. moments. We’ve talked to clients while they’re standing in a puddle or sitting in a crumpled car.
And we know: the right advice at the right time can change everything.
So, if something happens, don’t go it alone.
📞 Call us first.
We’ve got your back—before, during, and after the mess.