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Tornadoes can turn your life upside down in minutes — tearing through homes, damaging roofs, and scattering years of hard work. But after the storm clears, the real struggle often begins: dealing with your insurance company.

Many Oklahoma homeowners find themselves underpaid or denied after filing a tornado damage claim. The key to protecting your property and finances is understanding the insurance claim process — and knowing when to bring in experts like Brown O’Haver, a trusted public insurance adjuster in Oklahoma.

Step 1: Document the Damage Immediately

Before cleaning up, document everything. Take clear, date-stamped photos and videos of all visible damage — including your roof, siding, fences, windows, vehicles, and inside your home.

• Photograph every room from multiple angles.
• Save receipts for emergency repairs or temporary lodging.
• Don’t throw away damaged items until your claim adjuster inspects them.

Thorough documentation strengthens your claim and prevents disputes over what was damaged by the tornado versus other causes.

Step 2: Review Your Insurance Policy Carefully

Most Oklahoma homeowners’ policies cover wind and tornado damage, but the details matter. Look for:

• Deductibles specific to wind or hail events
• Coverage limits for dwelling, other structures, and personal property
• Exclusions or depreciation clauses that reduce payouts

If the language feels confusing (and it often does), consult a public adjuster like Brown O’Haver. We can interpret your policy and ensure your insurer honors every part of your coverage.

Step 3: File Your Claim Promptly

Notify your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide your documentation and describe the extent of damage clearly.

When the insurance claim adjuster visits your property, remember:

• Their goal is to protect the company’s bottom line.
• You have the right to your own representative — a storm claim adjuster or public adjuster in OK — who works for you, not the insurer.

That’s where Brown O’Haver steps in — to manage inspections, estimate damages accurately, and push for a fair settlement.

Step 4: Get an Independent Damage Estimate

Insurance adjusters often underestimate repair costs. Hiring an independent storm claim adjuster in Oklahoma ensures you get a second opinion backed by experience and accuracy.

At Brown O’Haver, we use industry-standard estimating software to prepare a detailed, line-by-line cost breakdown. This helps counter lowball offers and ensures your payout reflects the true cost to rebuild or repair your home.

Step 5: Negotiate — Don’t Just Settle

If your insurer’s initial offer doesn’t cover full restoration, you don’t have to accept it. With a public adjuster by your side, you can challenge the amount and negotiate a higher settlement.

We handle:

• Re-inspections and damage re-evaluations
• Communication with insurance company representatives
• Presentation of supplemental claims for overlooked damage

Many Oklahoma homeowners recover 20–50% more with professional representation than they would alone.

Step 6: Avoid Common Mistakes

Homeowners often hurt their own claims without realizing it. Avoid these pitfalls:

• Making permanent repairs before inspection
• Accepting the first payout check
• Signing any release forms too early
• Relying solely on the insurer’s adjuster

Remember — you’re entitled to fair compensation for every covered loss.

Read More: Don’t Let Your Insurance Company Shortchange You — Here’s How to Fight Back in Oklahoma City

Why Work with Brown O’Haver

At Brown O’Haver, we’ve helped Oklahoma homeowners and businesses recover millions after severe storms and tornadoes. As experienced public insurance adjusters, we:

• Represent you, not the insurance company
• Handle every detail — from claim filing to final settlement
• Know Oklahoma’s unique storm and tornado claim challenges
• Work on a contingency basis (we get paid when you get paid)

Our mission is simple — to maximize your insurance payout and help you rebuild faster, stronger, and with less stress.

Final Thoughts

Tornado damage is devastating — but your recovery shouldn’t be. By documenting early, understanding your policy, and partnering with a trusted public adjuster like Brown O’Haver, you can take control of the insurance process and get the payout you deserve.

If your home or business has suffered tornado damage in Oklahoma, don’t face the insurance company alone.

Call Brown O’Haver today — your local storm claim adjuster in OK — and let us fight for the settlement you deserve.