Your Step-by-Step Guide to Handling a Homeowners Claim
When disaster strikes close to home — quite literally — it’s more than just a policy number. It’s your roof, your family photos, your kitchen table. Following the recent EF1 tornado that touched down in Great Valley, NY, many in our Western New York community are navigating the emotional and logistical toll of damage to their homes.
At Ellen Fenton & Company Insurance, we’ve been right there with you — filing our own claims, making the same phone calls, and leaning on the same systems we help our clients with every day.
If you’re wondering where to begin or how to move forward, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the homeowners claim process — one that’s been shaped by real experience and grounded in the needs of our community.
Step 1: Make Sure Everyone Is Safe
Before anything else, prioritize your safety and the safety of your loved ones. Avoid downed power lines, unstable structures, and debris. If necessary, contact local emergency services or utility companies.
Step 2: Take Photos and Document Everything
As soon as it's safe to do so, document the damage. Use your phone or camera to take wide shots and close-ups of:
Roof or siding damage
Fallen trees or debris
Broken windows or doors
Water intrusion or flooding
Damaged outbuildings, barns, fences, or farming equipment
📸 Tip: Try to capture time-stamped images and video for your records.
Step 3: Prevent Further Damage
Temporary fixes go a long way. If you can, tarp damaged roofs, board up windows, and shut off water if there’s a leak. Keep receipts for any materials or emergency repairs you make — they’re often reimbursable.
Step 4: Call Us First
Before calling your insurance carrier directly, give us a call at Ellen Fenton & Company. As your local agency, we’ll help you:
Understand your coverage
Explain your deductible
Walk you through what to expect
Connect you with reputable adjusters and contractors
📞 Ellicottville Office: 716-699-2044
📞 Franklinville Office: 716-676-4191
📧 Email: ellen@ellenfenton.com
We’ll even help you file the claim if needed. You’re not just a number — you’re a neighbor.
Step 5: File the Claim
Once you’re ready, we’ll help you file the claim with your carrier. If you're insured with Erie Insurance, please be aware they are currently experiencing a company-wide system outage that is affecting claims processing, policy access, and internal systems.
✅ What you need to know:
Your coverage is still active and in force.
You can still file a claim — either through us or by calling Erie’s First Notice of Loss line at (800) 367-3743.
There may be delays in processing or issuing payments while their systems are restored.
We’re monitoring the situation closely and will continue to advocate for you every step of the way. If you're unsure how this affects your specific policy or claim, call our office directly — we’re here to guide you.
📝 You’ll receive a claim number and point of contact — keep this info handy!
Step 6: Meet with the Adjuster
The insurance adjuster will schedule a time to inspect the damage. You don’t need to go it alone — if you’d like, we’re happy to be present for the inspection to advocate on your behalf.
🧾 Pro Tip: Have a copy of your inventory, receipts, or photos of valuable items to help streamline the process.
Step 6.5: Be Cautious of Storm Chasers
After a major weather event, it’s common for out-of-town contractors — often called storm chasers — to flood rural areas offering fast fixes and quick repairs. While some may be legitimate, many are not.
⚠️ Here’s what to watch for:
High-pressure sales tactics
Asking for full payment upfront
Unmarked vehicles or no local references
No insurance, no business license
“Too good to be true” timelines
If someone shows up unannounced offering to inspect your home or start repairs immediately, don’t sign anything until you’ve spoken to us or verified their credentials.
🏠 Need help vetting a contractor? Call us. We’ll connect you with trusted, local professionals who know the area and the claims process.
Step 7: Review Your Estimate and Coverage
Once the adjuster submits their report, your insurance company will provide an estimate for repairs or replacement. We’ll help you review it line by line and make sure nothing’s missed.
In rural areas like ours, outbuildings, equipment, and custom structures matter — and we make sure they’re accounted for.
Step 8: Begin Repairs and Rebuilding
You’ll be able to choose your contractor, and your insurance company will issue payment(s) based on the estimate and your policy terms. If you're unsure who to trust, we can connect you with reputable local professionals who know how to work with insurance claims.
Step 9: Follow Up and Stay in Touch
Whether it’s a missing item on the estimate or a delay in the repairs, we’re here for the long haul. Claims can be an ongoing process — and we remain your advocate the entire time.
We Understand Because We’ve Been There
The recent tornado in Great Valley hit hard — emotionally and physically. We’re not just your insurance agency; we’re members of this community. When we say we’re here to help, we mean it.
If you’ve experienced damage and don’t know where to start, you don’t have to go through this alone. Call us. Walk into our office. Send an email. Whether you’re ready to file or just need a moment to catch your breath, we’re here.
Ellen Fenton & Company Insurance
Ellicottville & Franklinville, NY