A homeowners insurance claim covers damages and losses listed in your policy. You want to file your claim in a timely manner to avoid delays in your payment. Knowing the steps to file a claim can help the process go smoothly.
How to file a home insurance claim
While the claims process can vary by insurer, this list of common step-by-step instructions on how to file a home insurance claim can set you on the right path.
Pro tip: Most home insurance companies have a page on their website that explains the claims process for their customers. Finding that before you experience any damage can ease the stress of filing a claim.
1. Mitigate your damage
If you can, take action to keep the damage from worsening and to protect your health or safety. For example, you can cover a broken window with a wooden board or shut off the water line to a leaking pipe.
You want to leave complicated or extensive repairs to a licensed contractor. Attempting permanent repairs yourself risks further damage and may affect your coverage.
2. Call first responders
Depending on what sort of claim you have, you may need to contact emergency services immediately and go to a safe location. Paramedics can aid with injuries and firefighters with fire mitigation efforts. For theft or vandalism, contact law enforcement and file a police report, which can serve as proof during the claims process.
3. Contact your insurance company
Most insurance companies offer various ways to report claims, including:
-
An online claims form.
-
A mobile app.
-
Calling or emailing the insurer’s claims department.
Be prepared with your policy number and as much information about the incident as possible. Your insurer needs the date and cause of the loss as well as a description of the damage you’ve experienced. Common homeowners insurance claims include fire, wind, theft, and water damage. Your insurer may also ask you to upload photos and supporting documents related to the incident.
If your vehicles were affected by the disaster, you should also file a car insurance claim. Anyone who has their home and auto insurance policy with the same company should be able to file these claims at the same time.
4. Make alternative living arrangements
Homeowners insurance usually offers loss of use coverage. It pays you for additional living expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss. These expenses may include hotel stays, dining, pet boarding, and more, depending on the terms of your policy.
As with all expenses related to claims, be sure to keep any receipts or other documentation for expenses that you and your family members accumulate that go above your normal living expenses. You’ll need to submit these to your insurer to be reimbursed.
5. Undergo a claims inspection
After filing a claim, your insurer will assign a claims insurance adjuster to your case. They’ll investigate the extent of the loss and submit their findings to the insurer so it can determine if your coverage applies.
In some cases, the adjuster will call you to discuss the situation. In others, they may need to come to your home. Be prepared to show them the damage and provide them with your home inventory and photos of lost items. You can also use this time to ask them questions about the claims process.
6. Get a repair estimate
Ask your adjuster how to submit estimates and receipts for repairs, and submit these to your adjuster as you get them. Depending on the circumstances of your loss and the terms of your homeowners policy, your insurance company may use the option to repair provision. This allows your insurer to handle the repair process, like hiring contractors or negotiating prices.
7. Receive your claim settlement
How your insurer pays your claim depends on the terms of your policy. Keep in mind that your claims payout is subject to your deductible, which your insurer subtracts from your total payment. Moreover, your check may actually be issued to you and your mortgage company if the claim is for the structure of your house, or it might be issued directly to the contractor who performs the repairs.
What do you need to file a home insurance claim?
Keeping the following items and documents on hand can ensure a hassle-free claims process.
-
Your insurance and personal information (policy account number, name, address, contact information)
-
Details of the incident (date, cause of loss, description of the damage)
-
Photos or videos of damaged or missing contents
-
A copy of the police report (if applicable)
-
Receipts or invoices for any temporary repairs and additional living expenses
You may also want to keep a record of communication with each person related to the case, including insurance representatives, contractors, and first responders.
When to file a home insurance claim
After a covered loss, it’s important to contact your home insurance company immediately. Your policy usually has limits on how long you can take to report a claim. Plus, the longer you wait, the more time it takes to settle your claim.
Filing a claim may not be necessary all the time, but some instances where you might want to file include:
-
The cost of repairs exceeds your deductible. Insurers only provide claim benefits if the estimated repair or replacement cost is higher than your deductible. For example, if your deductible is $500, but repairing your broken window only costs $300, your claim payout will be $0.
-
You’ve experienced substantial damage or a total loss. A major or total loss can mean you have tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages. Using your insurance coverage can lessen the financial burden if your home needs to be completely rebuilt.
-
You haven’t filed many recent claims. Claims usually stay on your loss history report for about seven years. Too many claims within a short period of time may lead to cancellation or nonrenewal of your policy or having an application for coverage with a new insurer declined. If you have a claims history report, you can use it to gauge if filing a claim is worth it.
What to expect after filing a home insurance claim
How your insurance company pays your claim depends on the specifics of your policy. A standard homeowners policy typically offers dwelling coverage up to your home’s replacement cost value — the cost to rebuild using similar materials and workmanship at its current price. On the other hand, your personal property is usually only insured for its actual cash value — its replacement cost minus depreciation. You typically receive your funds via direct deposit or by check, either electronically or by mail.
Your insurer may not disburse your claim payment all at once. Instead, it might release a part of it to hire a contractor and start the work and then make subsequent payments as the project progresses. If you have a mortgage, your insurer may write the check to you and your lender. That way, your mortgage lender can ensure your settlement goes towards repairs.
How long this process might take to complete depends on the complexity of your claim. If you have questions about the status of your claim, call your insurer's phone number for further assistance.