The biggest mistakes homeowners make is not documenting stuff properly. People wait too long to snap pics, or they clean up damage before recording it. And then there's underestimating the damage—like, "oh it's just a little leak, no big deal."; it usually is a big deal. And honestly, trying to go at it alone without understanding your policy? That's a recipe for stress. How it affects outcomes: Missing photos, vague descriptions, or late reporting? That can mean delays, reduced payout, or even a flat-out denial. Insurance adjusters aren't trying to be mean—they just work with what's in front of them. If the evidence isn't there, they've got an easy excuse to say no. Real-world story: We had a client whose roof got hit pretty hard in a storm. They patched some spots themselves and waited a few days before calling us. The insurance company started questioning whether the damage was serious. But once we documented everything—photos, videos, a clear timeline—we got them the full payout. It could've been way less stressful if they'd just called us from the start. Advice I wish everyone knew: Document. Everything. Immediately. Pictures, notes, videos, the works. Don't rush to clean up before you record it. Know your policy deadlines and limits. And don't feel weird about calling a public adjuster or attorney—they literally exist to make this mess easier. Surprising trend: Funny thing—we see more headaches from "minor" storms than the obvious, massive ones. People think small damage isn't worth filing, wait too long, and then...yeah, big disputes happen. Quick action = way better odds.