Every year, millions of Americans brace for hurricane season by boarding up windows, buying flashlights, and stocking water. However, according to Galen M. Hair, partner at Insurance Claim HQ, there’s one step that most people completely overlook, and it’s the one step that could save them thousands of dollars after the storm passes.
“Document the contents inside your home. Take photos of everything, I mean, everything,” Galen says in a recent video. While most people focus on protecting their homes from physical damage, they forget about proving what they actually owned before the disaster, and in the world of property insurance claims, what you can prove often matters more than what you lost.
Why Documentation Matters More Than You Think
After a hurricane, walking into a damaged or destroyed home can be overwhelming. It’s not just the loss of property; it’s the scramble to remember what was there, what it was worth, and how to prove it to an insurance adjuster.
That’s where Galen’s years of experience representing policyholders come into play. He explains that many people find themselves at a disadvantage after the storm, not because they lack insurance but because they lack documentation.
He urges homeowners to move beyond quick phone snaps of living rooms and instead film methodically, walking through closets, drawers, pantries, and attics. Slow, clear videos that show what you own and, in some cases, even the brands or serial numbers, can become your strongest asset when filing a claim.
Too often, policyholders face resistance when trying to recover the full value of what they lost. Galen’s firm has seen thousands of clients shortchanged by insurers who claim there’s no proof of what was damaged, and in many of those cases, it was true: there was no proof because the homeowner hadn’t thought to film or photograph their belongings before the storm.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the U.S. sees an average of 14 named storms and 7 hurricanes each season. That number is expected to remain steady or rise due to warming ocean temperatures. For homeowners, that means the risks aren’t hypothetical; they’re annual.
The Cloud Could Save You Thousands
Even when people do record their belongings, they often make a simple but costly mistake: they store those videos and photos locally on a phone or hard drive that’s just as vulnerable as the house itself.
In Galen’s view, true preparation means protecting the records that protect your claim. That means uploading everything to the cloud before the first storm warning. Whether it’s Google Drive, Dropbox, or another secure platform, backing up your documentation ensures that you can access it even if your devices are damaged or lost.
“There is a big difference between getting a quick video of the inside of your closet and actually thumbing through your clothes and getting video that actually captures the tags,” Galen emphasizes. This kind of thorough documentation gives insurance adjusters no room to argue, and it gives families peace of mind.
The team at Insurance Claim HQ has recovered over $1 billion for policyholders across the country, helping more than 70,000 families get back on their feet, and in Galen’s experience, homeowners who prepare in advance often see faster, fairer results.
Insurance may promise protection, but the homeowner still has the burden of proof. That’s why Galen says the best time to prepare is long before a storm warning appears on your screen.
A Lawyer Who’s Been There
Galen’s passion for disaster preparation didn’t begin in a courtroom; it started years ago when he volunteered in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. He helped clean out homes, deliver supplies, and witness firsthand the toll disasters take not just on property, but on people.
Later, while working as a defense attorney for a boutique firm in New York, Galen began to understand how insurance companies handle claims and the tactics they use to delay or deny them. It wasn’t until he helped a client whose house had burned down that everything clicked.
“Navigating the complexities of insurance can be overwhelming, but with the right guidance, claimants can level the playing field,” Galen says.
That moment inspired him to switch sides and advocate for policyholders. He founded Insurance Claim HQ with one goal: to help people get what they’re owed after the unthinkable happens. Since opening its doors, the firm has played a critical role in helping storm survivors throughout the Gulf Coast and beyond.
His team doesn’t just wait for clients to walk in after a disaster; they believe in education and proactive protection. That’s why Galen speaks up every year before hurricane season. His message isn’t fear-driven. It’s grounded in empowerment. He wants every homeowner to know: your best chance at recovery starts with preparation.
June through November is more than a stretch of months; it’s a season when everything can change overnight. While we can’t always stop the storm, we can take steps to face it better prepared.
About Galen M. Hair
Galen M. Hair, Managing Partner at Insurance Claim HQ, is a nationally recognized property insurance attorney known for aggressively representing policyholders across the U.S. With thousands of families helped and a reputation for high-stakes litigation wins, he has been named a Super Lawyers Rising Star and one of the National Trial Lawyers Top 100. Learn how to protect your property from disaster at www.insuranceclaimhq.com.
About Insurance Claim HQ
Insurance Claim HQ is a premier property casualty insurance law firm powered by Hair Shunnarah Trial Attorneys and headquartered in Metairie, Louisiana. With over $1 billion recovered for more than 70,000 clients, the firm brings 25+ years of legal experience and unmatched insight into how insurers operate. Discover how they fight for policyholders at www.insuranceclaimhq.com.
