What is the first responsibility of a policyholder after a loss?

The first responsibility of a policyholder after experiencing a loss is to prevent further damage. This is crucial because taking immediate steps to mitigate additional damage can significantly influence the overall outcome of the claim process. For instance, if a homeowner suffers water damage from a burst pipe, their first action should be to stop the water flow and start cleanup efforts to minimize further property loss.

Addressing the other options, while filing a police report or collecting damaged items can be important steps in the claims process, they are secondary to the immediate need to prevent additional damage. Waiting for an adjuster to contact the policyholder can also lead to larger issues, especially if further damage continues to occur while the policyholder is passive. Taking proactive steps immediately after a loss demonstrates responsibility and helps protect the policyholder’s interests in the claims process.