what happens during the inspection and phone consultation

The Inspection

What happens in that hour:

Initial walk-through & interview (10–15 min):
The PA greets the insured, reviews what happened, asks about the date of loss, prior repairs, and any mitigation. They’ll also peek at the policy if available.
Detailed photo/video documentation (25–30 min):
They move methodically—roof, exterior, interiors, attic, sometimes crawlspace—taking dozens or even hundreds of photos. They measure everything that ties into Xactimate or other estimating software.
Damage analysis & cause correlation (10 min):
The PA notes how damage occurred (hail impact patterns, water migration paths, smoke residue, etc.) to tie the evidence to a covered peril.

Client education (5–10 min):
Before leaving, they explain next steps—scope writing, supplementing, carrier communication, and timelines.

1. Property & Policy Intelligence

What type of property is this (residential, commercial, multifamily, HOA, etc.)?
When was the loss first discovered or reported?
Have you already filed a claim or had an adjuster/inspector come out?
Do you have a copy of your insurance policy (including declarations, endorsements, and exclusions)?
Who is your carrier, and do you know your deductible amount?
Have there been any prior claims on this property

2. Claim Scope & Damage Details

What exactly happened — storm, fire, water, vandalism, or other?
When did the loss occur, and what was the cause of damage?
What areas of the property were affected? (Ask for photos or a walkthrough.)
Has anyone performed temporary repairs or mitigation (roof tarping, drying, etc.)?
Do you have any estimates, reports, or documentation already (contractor, insurance, engineer, etc.)?

What did the insurance company say so far?
Have they issued payment? If yes, how much and for what?
Did they mention depreciation, coverage limits, or “wear and tear”?
Has anyone else represented you — a contractor, attorney, or another public adjuster
Have you signed anything with anyone else?

What’s your main goal — faster payout, fair supplement, full rebuild, or just closure?
Are you able to wait through the adjustment and supplement process (sometimes months)?
Do you have a mortgage on the property (lienholder involvement = extra paperwork)?
Is there an active rebuild project or financing already in place?