How to File a Home Insurance Claim

Filing a home insurance claim can be a long process. Most companies allow you to file small claims online. But if your home has significant damage or you're unsure whether your claim would be covered, contact an agent.

Before you file a claim, it's important to take pictures and videos of the damage as proof. Before meeting with the insurance adjuster, it can be helpful to get quotes from two or three contractors, including details about the amount of work required and cost. Before you cash the settlement check from the insurance company, make sure it will cover the full cost of repairs. You can dispute the claim if the amount isn't sufficient.

What is an insurance claim?

Homeowners insurance protects more than the structure of your home. You can file a claim if something happens to your house, your personal belongings, a structure on your property or a visitor in your home.

The most common coverages included in a home insurance policy are:

These coverages protect you from a host of perils, or dangers, listed in your insurance policy. Some of the most common perils are fire, theft, wind and hail.

If a covered peril damages your home or property, you can file an insurance claim to request payment to repair your house or replace your personal property.

When should I file a home insurance claim?

Before you file a claim, review your policy to make sure that the damage or loss is covered by your home insurance. If you're unsure, call your insurance agent.

As soon as you determine your policy covers the damage, file your claim. Most companies require that claims be filed within one year of the loss. The time limit can vary by state, but the longer you wait to file, the harder it can be to prove the source of the damage. Secondary damage can occur if repairs aren't made right away, and those may not be covered.

How to make a claim

Filing an insurance claim is a multistep process, and not all claims follow the same order or schedule. Follow these steps for a successful claims experience.

Step 1: File a police report

If your claim involves theft, arson or any illegal activity, contact the police immediately. Call your police department's nonemergency line, not 911, unless the crime is in progress. An officer may not show up right away, because they have to prioritize crimes that are currently occurring and emergencies.

Step 2: Document the damage

Before you begin cleanup, it's crucial to document the damage. Take pictures and videos and submit them to your insurance company with your claim.

Step 3: Contact your insurance company

After inventorying the damage, file your claim. Many insurance companies allow you to file simple claims online. For larger claims, call your agent directly or the phone number listed on your policy.

Step 4: Make temporary repairs

Now that your insurance company is aware of the damage and has documentation, you need to make temporary repairs to prevent further damage.

If you're not comfortable making repairs, call a handyman. Keep your receipts for materials or services so you can request reimbursement from the insurance company.

Step 5: Prepare for the insurance adjuster

Next, your homeowners insurance company will send an insurance adjuster to evaluate the damage. Depending on where the damage is located, you may not need to be home. However, walking your adjuster through the damage will allow you to show them any damaged items that may be missed, provide photos or video of the damage and ask questions about your policy.

It's the adjuster's job to determine how much your insurance company will pay out, and you can expect them to:

Step 6: Get repair quotes

Research and contact local contractors to start the repair process. It's important to compare at least three quotes to make sure you're choosing a reputable company that's charging a fair price.

Step 7: Review the settlement

You'll receive a settlement offer after your adjuster completes their report. Review the offer carefully: After you accept it, your claim will be closed. If the offer won't cover your repair quotes, you can ask your insurance company to review your claim again.

If you're still not happy with the outcome, you can hire a public adjuster. They will evaluate your claim on your behalf and can help you negotiate with the insurance company for a fee.

Step 8: Receive the claim payout and repair the damage

Once you've accepted the settlement, your insurance company will either send you a check or initiate an electronic transfer. If you have a large claim, they may issue two payments — one to secure a contractor and begin work and a second after the adjuster inspects the completed repairs.

Occasionally, if your claim involves major structural damage, you could receive an initial payment right after you file your claim to start repairs immediately. Unlike a settlement offer, you are able to submit another claim later if you find more damage when work begins.

How long do home insurance claims take?

Depending on the amount of damage and how persistently you follow up with the insurance company, settling claims can take a few weeks to a few years.

For example, say someone breaks into your home and steals your office equipment. If you have receipts and documentation for everything that goes missing, the insurance claim may settle quickly.

On the other hand, if your entire home needs to be rebuilt after a fire, construction may take a few years. In that case, the claim would remain open until your new home was completed.

Homeowners insurance claim tips

Navigating the claims process for the first time can be difficult. Without any experience, it's hard to know if you're doing everything right. Here are a few tips to help make the process as smooth as possible:

Start a home inventory list

Maintaining a list of your personal belongings can help streamline the claims process if damage occurs. Make a list of all of your furniture, artwork and valuables. Include as much information as possible — photos, purchase date and original price or appraised value. Having a detailed list to show your insurance company will make it much easier to determine the value of any damaged property.

Keep a paper trail

Throughout the claims process, you'll speak to several people. Start a file to keep track of phone calls, meetings, who you spoke to and what they said. Keep receipts for anything you've paid for before settling, including materials for temporary repairs and living expenses if your home is uninhabitable.

Gather quotes before your adjuster comes

It can be extremely helpful to have an idea of the cost of repairs before you meet with your adjuster. Getting quotes from contractors beforehand will help you understand the scope of the work and how much it will cost. Providing documentation will also help ensure your settlement will cover the costs.

Stay on top of the process, but be patient

Depending on the extent of the damage, insurance claims can take weeks, months or even years to settle.

Then, follow up regularly to avoid unnecessary delays. Just remember to be patient, because repairs take time.

Hire a public adjuster or lawyer

If you're not happy with how your claim is being handled, a second opinion can help. A public adjuster or lawyer can help you better understand what your policy covers. If they find your settlement offer unfair, you can dispute it.

Frequently asked questions