How to File a Homeowners Insurance Claim: Step-by-Step Guide

What Is a Homeowners Insurance Claim?

A homeowners insurance claim is a request for payment or other benefits under your insurance policy after a covered loss. For example, you may need to file a claim after:

• A fire damages your home
• A severe storm damages your roof
• A tree falls on your house
• A pipe suddenly bursts and causes covered water damage
• Your home is burglarized
• A covered event damages your personal belongings
• A visitor is injured in a situation covered by your liability insurance

Not every incident will result in an insurance payment. The insurer will compare the circumstances of the loss with the coverage, exclusions, limits, deductibles, and conditions in your policy.

What Should You Do Immediately After Home Damage?

Your first priority should be the safety of everyone in the home. If there is a fire, gas leak, major structural problem, or another dangerous situation, leave the property if necessary and contact the appropriate emergency services. Once everyone is safe, take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage if it is safe to do so.

For example, you may be able to:

• Turn off the water if a pipe is leaking
• Cover a damaged roof temporarily if it can be done safely
• Move undamaged belongings away from a leaking area
• Secure broken doors or windows
• Contact emergency professionals when necessary

Do not put yourself at risk to protect property.

Step 1: Make Sure Everyone Is Safe

Before thinking about insurance, make sure people are safe. After a fire, severe storm, structural failure, or other dangerous event, the property may not be safe to enter. Follow instructions from emergency personnel and qualified professionals. If the home is unsafe to occupy, you may need temporary accommodation. Depending on the circumstances and your policy, additional living expenses coverage may help pay certain extra costs when a covered loss makes your home uninhabitable.

Step 2: Contact the Police When Necessary

If your loss involves theft, burglary, vandalism, or another situation requiring police involvement, contact the police and obtain a copy of the report when available. The insurance company may request information from the police report when investigating the claim. For non-criminal losses, such as certain storm or plumbing damage, contacting the police may not be necessary.

Step 3: Prevent Further Damage

After a covered event, homeowners generally have a responsibility to take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage when it is safe to do so. For example, if a storm breaks a window and rain is entering the home, taking reasonable temporary measures to protect the interior may help prevent further damage. However, do not make major permanent repairs before discussing the situation with your insurer unless emergency circumstances require immediate action. Keep receipts for reasonable emergency expenses because your insurer may request documentation and some expenses may be covered under the policy.

Step 4: Document the Damage Before Cleaning Up

Take photographs and videos of the damage as soon as it is safe to do so. Try to capture:

• The overall condition of the affected area
• Close-up photographs of damaged materials
• Damaged furniture and belongings
• Water damage
• Broken windows and doors
• Roof damage that can be photographed safely
• Structural damage
• Debris

Take more photographs than you think you need. Different angles can help show the extent of the damage. Do not enter an unsafe area simply to take photographs.

Step 5: Contact Your Insurance Company

Contact your insurance company as soon as reasonably possible after the loss. Many insurers allow claims to be reported through:

• Phone
• Online claim portals
• Mobile applications
• Insurance agents

Tell the insurer what happened and provide the basic information they request. You do not necessarily need to know the final repair cost before reporting the claim. The insurer can explain what information and documentation are needed next.

What Information Will the Insurance Company Need?

The insurer may ask for information such as:

• Date and time of the loss
• Location of the property
• Description of what happened
• Type of damage
• Emergency repairs already completed
• Police report information, if applicable
• Photographs and videos
• Receipts
• Inventory of damaged belongings
• Contractor estimates
• Other supporting documents

The exact requirements depend on the insurer and type of claim.

Step 6: Get Your Claim Number

After reporting your claim, ask for the claim number. Keep the claim number in a safe place because you may need it when communicating with the insurance company, adjuster, contractor, or other parties involved in the claim. Also record the date you reported the loss and the name or identification of the person you spoke with.

Step 7: Meet With the Insurance Adjuster

Your insurance company may assign an Insurance Adjuster to investigate the claim. The adjuster may inspect the property, review photographs and documents, discuss what happened, and assess the damage. The adjuster’s role is generally to investigate the loss and help determine how the policy applies to the claim. Depending on the insurer and situation, the claim may be handled by a staff adjuster, independent adjuster, or another claims professional.

What Does an Insurance Adjuster Look At?

The adjuster may examine:

• The cause of the loss
• The extent of physical damage
• The condition of the property before the loss
• Repair or replacement costs
• Personal property that was damaged or destroyed
• Applicable policy coverage
• Deductibles
• Policy limits
• Exclusions and conditions

The insurer may also request additional documentation during the investigation.

Step 8: Provide Supporting Documents

Good documentation can make the claims process easier. Depending on the claim, you may provide:

• Receipts
• Invoices
• Photographs
• Videos
• Repair estimates
• Purchase records
• Warranty information
• Home inventory records
• Police reports
• Temporary repair receipts

If you do not have an original receipt, other evidence may sometimes help establish ownership or value, depending on the insurer’s requirements.

Step 9: Get Repair Estimates

Your insurer may arrange estimates or ask you to provide estimates from contractors. For significant repairs, you may want to obtain more than one estimate so you can understand the expected cost. However, do not assume that the insurance company will automatically pay the highest estimate. The insurer will evaluate the covered damage according to the policy and its claims process.

Step 10: Understand Your Deductible

Your homeowners insurance deductible is the amount you are generally responsible for paying toward a covered loss before the insurer pays the remaining eligible amount. For example, suppose a covered loss results in $20,000 of eligible damage and your policy has a $2,000 deductible. If the entire $20,000 is covered and no other policy limitations apply, the calculation could look like this:

$20,000 covered damage − $2,000 deductible = $18,000 potential insurance payment

This is a simplified example. Actual claim payments depend on the policy, coverage limits, depreciation, exclusions, and other applicable provisions.

Step 11: Understand How Your Property Will Be Valued

Your policy may use actual cash value, replacement cost, or different valuation methods for different types of property.

Actual cash value generally accounts for depreciation. Replacement cost generally focuses on the cost to repair or replace covered property without deducting depreciation, subject to the policy’s requirements and limits. Some replacement cost policies may initially pay an amount based on actual cash value and provide additional replacement cost benefits after you repair or replace the property. Understanding your policy’s valuation method is important because it can affect the amount you receive after a covered loss.

Step 12: Keep Track of Temporary Living Expenses

If a covered loss makes your home uninhabitable, your policy may include additional living expenses or similar coverage. This coverage can potentially help with certain additional costs you incur while temporarily living elsewhere, subject to the policy.

Examples can include:

• Temporary accommodation
• Additional food costs
• Transportation expenses in certain circumstances
• Other necessary additional living expenses covered by the policy

Keep receipts and records for these expenses. Do not assume every expense is automatically covered. Ask your insurer which expenses qualify under your policy.

Step 13: Review the Claim Estimate

When the insurer provides an estimate or settlement explanation, review it carefully. Check whether it includes the damaged areas and items you reported.

Pay attention to:

• Repair quantities
• Materials
• Labor
• Depreciation
• Deductible
• Coverage limits
• Excluded items
• Additional living expenses

If something appears incorrect or you do not understand an item, ask the claims representative to explain it.

What Happens If the Insurance Company Denies Your Claim?

A claim can be denied for different reasons. For example, the insurer may determine that:

• The cause of loss is excluded
• The damage resulted from normal wear and tear
• The policy did not provide coverage for the property involved
• A policy condition was not satisfied
• The loss occurred outside the policy period
• The requested amount exceeds applicable coverage limits

If your claim is denied, ask the insurer for the decision in writing and request an explanation of the policy provision involved. Read the explanation carefully and compare it with your policy.

Can You Dispute a Homeowners Insurance Claim Decision?

If you disagree with the insurer’s decision or claim amount, you can ask the insurer to review the claim. Start by identifying the specific issue you disagree with. For example, you may believe that:

• Some damage was overlooked
• The wrong repair cost was used
• A damaged item was incorrectly valued
• Depreciation was calculated incorrectly
• A covered cause of loss was misunderstood

Provide supporting documentation when possible. If you cannot resolve the issue directly with the insurer, you may also contact your state’s insurance department to learn about available consumer assistance or complaint procedures.

Should You Hire a Public Adjuster?

A public adjuster is a professional who works for the policyholder rather than the insurance company and may help prepare and negotiate an insurance claim. Public adjusters are not necessary for every claim. For a straightforward, relatively small claim, many homeowners may handle the process directly with their insurer. For a large or complicated claim, a homeowner may consider whether professional assistance would be useful. If you are considering hiring a public adjuster, understand how the person or company is paid, what services are included, and whether licensing requirements apply in your state.

Should You Hire an Attorney for a Home Insurance Claim?

Most homeowners insurance claims do not automatically require an attorney. However, legal advice may be worth considering when a claim involves a serious dispute, substantial financial loss, liability issues, or complicated policy questions. If you believe your insurer has improperly denied a claim or there is a significant disagreement about coverage, a licensed attorney familiar with insurance law in your state can explain your options. State laws and deadlines can vary, so do not ignore important notices or policy deadlines.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Homeowners Insurance Claim

Waiting Too Long to Report the Loss

Policies can contain requirements about reporting losses within a certain period or as soon as reasonably possible. Report the loss promptly and follow the instructions provided by your insurer.

Throwing Away Damaged Property Too Quickly

Unless there is a health or safety reason to remove damaged property, document it first and ask your insurer what to do.

Making Permanent Repairs Before Inspection

Emergency measures may be necessary to prevent additional damage, but major repairs can make it more difficult to document the original condition.

Failing to Keep Receipts

Keep receipts for emergency repairs, temporary accommodation, replacement items, and other potentially claim-related expenses.

Guessing About the Cause of Damage

Tell the insurer what happened based on what you know. Avoid making unsupported assumptions about technical causes.

Accepting an Estimate You Do Not Understand

Ask questions if the settlement calculation or repair estimate is unclear.

Forgetting About Personal Property

After a major loss, homeowners may focus on structural damage and forget to document damaged furniture, clothing, electronics, appliances, and other belongings.

How to Make a Homeowners Insurance Claim Easier

You cannot control every part of the claims process, but good preparation can help.

Keep a Home Inventory

Maintain a list of your important belongings, including photographs and receipts where available.

Store Important Documents Safely

Keep a copy of your insurance policy, declarations page, home inventory, receipts, and other important documents in a secure location that you can access if your home is damaged.

Know Your Deductible

Knowing your deductible before a loss helps you understand the portion of a covered claim you may need to pay yourself.

Know Your Coverage Limits

Review your dwelling, personal property, liability, and additional living expense limits.

Review Your Policy Regularly

Major changes such as renovations, new valuable belongings, or changes in how you use your home can affect your insurance needs.

Example of a Homeowners Insurance Claim

Imagine a severe storm damages the roof of your home and rain enters through the damaged area. Here is a simplified example of how the process might work:

1. You make sure everyone is safe.
2. You photograph the damage from a safe location.
3. You take reasonable temporary steps to prevent additional damage.
4. You contact your insurance company.
5. The insurer creates a claim and provides a claim number.
6. An adjuster inspects the damage.
7. You provide photographs, receipts, and other requested documents.
8. The insurer determines whether the damage is covered.
9. The repair cost is calculated according to the policy.
10. Your deductible and any applicable depreciation or policy limits are considered.
11. The insurer issues payment according to the policy and claim determination.

This is only an example. Actual claim procedures and payments can differ substantially depending on the circumstances and policy.

Also Read: Home Insurance Deductible: How It Works, Types, Costs, and How to Choose One

How Long Does a Homeowners Insurance Claim Take?

There is no single timeframe for every homeowners insurance claim. A simple claim involving limited damage may be resolved relatively quickly, while a major fire, severe storm, structural loss, or complicated liability claim can take much longer.

The timeframe can depend on:

• Severity of the damage
• Availability of contractors
• Complexity of the investigation
• Number of damaged items
• Required documentation
• Disagreements about coverage or value
• Local conditions after a disaster

Your insurer should be able to explain the next steps and provide updates as the claim progresses.

Can Filing a Claim Increase Your Insurance Premium?

Filing a homeowners insurance claim can potentially affect future insurance costs, but the impact varies. Insurers consider different factors when determining premiums, and state laws can also affect how insurers use claims information. This is one reason homeowners sometimes consider whether a small loss is worth claiming, particularly when the damage is close to the deductible. However, you should not avoid reporting a potentially significant covered loss simply because you are concerned about a future premium change. If you are unsure whether to file a claim, you can ask your insurance company or agent how the situation may affect your policy and what reporting requirements apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I file a homeowners insurance claim?

Start by making sure everyone is safe, preventing additional damage when possible, documenting the loss, and contacting your insurance company promptly. The insurer will explain the next steps and documentation required.

What information do I need to file a home insurance claim?

You may need information about when and how the loss occurred, photographs, videos, receipts, repair estimates, damaged-property records, police reports when applicable, and other documentation requested by the insurer.

Should I clean up before filing an insurance claim?

You can take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage and address safety concerns, but document the damage first when possible. Ask your insurer what should be preserved or removed before disposing of damaged property.

Should I get repair estimates before contacting my insurance company?

You can obtain estimates when appropriate, but you generally should not delay reporting the loss while waiting for a contractor estimate. Your insurer can explain how it wants repair estimates handled.

What happens after I file a homeowners insurance claim?

The insurer generally investigates the loss, reviews the policy, assesses the damage, considers applicable deductibles and limits, and determines whether and how much the policy covers.

What if my homeowners insurance claim is denied?

Ask the insurer for the denial and explanation in writing. Review the policy provision cited in the decision and provide additional documentation if you believe relevant information was overlooked. You can also contact your state’s insurance department about available consumer assistance.

Can I file a homeowners insurance claim without an adjuster?

Some smaller or straightforward claims may be handled without a traditional in-person inspection, depending on the insurer and circumstances. The insurer decides how the claim will be investigated.

Do I have to use the contractor recommended by my insurance company?

Insurance claim procedures and state rules can vary. Ask your insurer how its preferred contractor program works and whether you can select your own licensed contractor.

What if the repair costs more than the insurance estimate?

Contact the insurer and provide the additional estimate or documentation. The insurer may review the estimate and determine whether additional covered costs should be included under the policy.

Should I file a claim if the damage is only slightly higher than my deductible?

There is no universal answer. Consider the estimated covered damage, your deductible, policy requirements, and potential consequences before deciding. If you are uncertain, ask your insurance company or agent about the situation.