You should alert your broker and your insurer of an insured loss as soon as your situation permits. Alert the police of any theft or break-in. Do not alter evidence of the loss, for example, by starting to clean up after a pipe bursts or altering the scene of a break-in. If you absolutely must alter anything, take detailed pictures of the damage first. You should also consider whether or not you should make a claim. For instance, if the loss is less than the amount of your deductible, then you cannot make a claim. Your broker can help you with informed advice throughout the whole process.