What they say about the worst of it coming after a disaster is usually true and that “worst” is usually made even worse when you have to deal with insurance companies and their claims process. By understanding your claims process before you actually need it, you prepare yourself for what’s to come and you will know what documentation and proof you’ll need to provide to get the claim fulfilled. If there are forms, try to print them out and keep it with your important documents because after a disaster you might find yourself without easy access to those forms. You will also likely be able to find contact information on the forms and can call up the company directly.

Understanding what you’ll need in terms of supporting information is also crucial because you’ll want to collect it as it happens. Need a police report? Get a copy right there instead of finding out you need it later and then requesting it from a backlogged police department.

Finally, learning something when you’re not stressed out is always better than trying to learn it after a calamity.