Day one
You report the claim, get a claim number and adjuster, and arrange mitigation. Ask about an additional living expenses advance.
Days two to seven
The adjuster inspects, usually within days, and meets the restoration crew on site. Mitigation, drying, cleanup and the contents inventory are underway. You receive the ALE advance and settle temporary housing. The crew sends the preliminary scope.
Weeks two to six
Cleanup and deodorization proceed. The contents inventory is finalized and the actual cash value payment on contents is issued. The reconstruction scope is written in Xactimate, reviewed with the adjuster and approved, with code-upgrade items separated. Permits are filed.
Months two onward
Reconstruction under the approved scope, paid in draws as work completes; for mortgaged homes the servicer is usually a payee on building checks and releases funds on inspections. Contents are stored. ALE continues under its limit.
Completion
Final inspections, contents returned after the odor check, final walkthrough, final invoice reconciled with the adjuster, recoverable depreciation released on the building and on replaced contents, claim closed.
Keeping it moving
Respond to the adjuster promptly, keep one folder with everything, log every call, ask for written explanations of any delay, and lean on the contractor to answer scope questions directly. Washington's claims rules set response deadlines for insurers; your adjuster can tell you the dates that apply.
