After water, storm or burglary damage, protect people first, record visible conditions from a safe place and contact the insurer or authorised claims professional for instructions. Repair scope, claim coverage and approval are separate decisions. Do not enter an unsafe area or begin permanent repairs until the required authority and scope are clear.
Start with safety and documentation
Keep people away from unstable ceilings, exposed wiring, standing water near electrical systems, broken glass or other immediate hazards. Contact the appropriate emergency or utility service where needed. Photograph visible damage only when it is safe to do so, and note when it occurred and which areas are affected.
For theft or forced entry, report the incident through the appropriate authorities and follow the insurer’s evidence and security instructions. Do not discard damaged items or alter the scene beyond necessary safety measures until you have checked the required process.
Reduce further moisture damage safely
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s disaster cleanup guide emphasises drying a flooded home and addressing water-damaged materials to reduce mold risk. This is general building-health guidance, not Namibia-specific insurance advice. If water affects electrical systems, structural materials or a large area, use qualified help rather than attempting unsafe cleanup.
Agree repair and reinstatement work
Ask the insurer or authorised assessor what evidence, quotation and approval are required. A repair team can then review access, define the physical scope, identify any specialist responsibilities and submit a quotation if requested. Changes or additional damage should be referred for approval before extra work is carried out.
Insurer forms and claim steps vary. Check your own policy and current insurer instructions; the linked Old Mutual page is only an example of one insurer’s process.
Need to discuss physical repairs? Request a restoration assessment or review insurance property repairs in Windhoek.