ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) – If you have damage from the storm, the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance is offering guidance to help file successful insurance claims. The agency also wants consumers to know that it can help resolve claim disputes after recovering a record $46 million for consumers in 2025.

There are some “do’s” and “don’ts” to getting an insurance claim paid for damage to your home or car.

Your first “do:” document damage with photos and video, and make temporary repairs to prevent further damage, like boarding up broken windows and tarping roofs to keep more rain out.

“Make sure you’re also getting those receipts so your insurance company can reimburse you,” suggested Angela Nelson, Director of the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance.

But avoid a common “don’t:” removing evidence of the damage before your insurance claims adjuster sees it.

“I would say common mistakes are going out there and repairing everything, getting rid of everything,” said Tracie Bibb with Allstate Insurance.

If you’re not sure whether to file a claim, here’s a “do:” you can get an expert opinion.

“With deductibles increasing, some folks may want to hesitate or pause before filing a claim and that’s fine. What we recommend is reaching out to a local contractor that you know and trust. Have them take a look and give you an idea of the cost and that can help guide you on whether to file a claim,” explained Nelson.

Another common “don’t:” not knowing what your policy covers and what it doesn’t.

“I think that’s the biggest gap I see is people buy a cheap policy and don’t realize they don’t have the coverage they need,” said Bibb.

And “do” contact the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance if you have questions about your policy, or need help resolving a dispute over a claim. The DCI says it recovered a record $46.2 million dollars for consumers last year.

“Those were additional funds and monies we were able to get insurance companies to pay Missouri residents to help them recover from catastrophic weather events, car crashes, or for health services they needed. And we provide those services free of charge,” said Nelson.

Consumers can call the DCI’s Consumer Hotline at (800) 726-7390 or go to the Missouri DCI’s Consumer page.

DCI also offers Post-disaster Claims Guide and Useful Tools and Resources.

Illinois consumers can contact the Illinois Department of Insurance for questions, information, or help with insurance claims at (866) 445-5364 and find more phone numbers for help at IDOI.Illinois.gov.