In the case of a car accident, or where it is apparent that the destruction was intentionally caused, the first step is to call the police to report the incident. Having a police report provides you with an objective, third-party description of the damage caused and the parties involved in the incident.
Next, it is important to let your insurance know of your claim as soon as possible. Depending on the terms of your policy, if you do not inform your insurance company of the damage in a timely fashion, they may be able to refuse any compensation for your claim. Generally, insurance companies have 30 days to notify you if they will accept your claim or not.
Photograph the scene of the damage thoroughly and as soon as possible. In an automobile accident, taking pictures of the scene of the accident can provide valuable evidence of the conditions that may have caused the accident. For property damage to your home, the photographs will show the extent of the damage and may reveal details important to proving your case.