TYLER, Texas — Late at night, Michael Gaynor and his wife couldn’t fully see what the storm did to their home.
Multiple trees toppled in their yard, including one 60 foot tall oak tree fell on the family's garage.
"We slept on my office floor with some pillows and everything because we didn't want to sleep in the bedroom, risking having a tree come collapsing down while we're sleeping,” said Gaynor.
In his unrecognizable driveway, Gaynor's and his wife’s cars can be seen smothered in brush. They’re currently too deeply buried beneath the brush to see what kind of damage may be there.
All of these expenses that come with storm damage add up quickly, but Gina Wilken with State Farm says that residents affected should start by taking lots of photos or videos. To get ahead of the curve, take them before you need them.
“Sometimes that's just as easy as walking around your home and your garage. Don't ever forget your garage, and just videotape everything that can jog your memory,” said Wilken.
Wilken also said if your car needs repair but it’s still drivable, car owners should drive it rather than leave it at the body shop.
“What we're seeing a lot now is people are turning their cars in the body shops, they're going to get a rental and then their insurance coverage runs out before their car has even been thought about by the body shop," continued Wilken.
Gaynor already started filing claims for the damage he can see within his property. What he can’t see will have to wait.
“It affects us, you know, it disrupts your life,. But it doesn't mean it's the end of the world," said Gaynor.
Wilken also warns property owners of scammers when it comes to filing insurance claims after storms. She recommends getting recommendations and a detailed list of bids.
"Unfortunately, there are a lot of scammers, and they do target certain areas where they will go in and they'll say 'Hey, I'll replace your roof, sign your check over.' And then they haul it out of there and there is nothing we can do after that," said Wilken.