How to File a Home Insurance Claim

In this guide

To file a home insurance claim, make sure everyone is safe, protect your property from further damage, document the loss with photos and a list, and contact your insurer or agent promptly. An adjuster will then review the damage and the insurer will decide what is covered. Reporting deadlines vary by state and policy, so read your policy and call early.

Step 1: Put safety first

Before thinking about paperwork, deal with immediate danger. Leave the home if there is a fire, gas smell, structural damage, or flooding. Call 911 for emergencies. If there has been a break-in or vandalism, call the police and ask for a report number. Insurers often ask for it for theft claims.

Step 2: Prevent further damage

Most policies expect you to take reasonable steps to protect the property after a loss. That might mean covering a damaged roof with a tarp, boarding a broken window, or shutting off the water to stop a leak. Keep receipts. Many policies reimburse reasonable emergency repair costs for covered losses, but check your policy and ask your insurer before spending a lot of money.

Step 3: Decide whether to file

The NAIC advises finding out your deductible before reporting damage. If the repair cost is only a little above the deductible, or lower than it, paying yourself may be a better choice. It suggests filing if the cost will exceed the deductible or the damage is extensive.

There is a trade-off. Claims can be recorded in industry databases and may affect future pricing or renewal, depending on the insurer and state. Our article on how to lower your home insurance premium notes why claims history matters. You can ask your agent general questions about how a claim might be treated. Note that some losses are not covered at all; see our guides on water damage and roof damage.

Step 4: Document everything

The NAIC recommends making a list of all damaged property and taking photos and videos of the damage. Better documentation tends to make the claim easier to process. Include:

• Wide shots and close-ups of each damaged area.
• A room-by-room list of damaged or lost belongings, with approximate age, brand, and price.
• Receipts, appraisals, or product manuals, if you have them.
• Names and contact information for anyone who witnessed the event, and a police or fire report number where relevant.

If you have a home inventory, now is when it pays off. The NAIC suggests creating one before a disaster, keeping a copy somewhere other than your home, and updating it yearly. If you do not have one, it suggests reconstructing a list from memory, from photos on phones, and from online retailers' prices. Read our home inventory guide for how to build one.

Step 5: Contact your insurer

You can generally report a claim by phone, through an app, online, or through your agent. Have your policy number, name, address, and phone number ready, and describe what happened and how extensive the damage is. Ask for:

• Your claim number and the name of the person handling it.
• The next steps and expected timeline.
• Whether you can start emergency repairs and what the insurer will need to see.
• Whether you qualify for temporary housing costs, if the home is unlivable.

Write down the date, time, and name of everyone you talk to. Follow up in writing when you can.

Step 6: Meet the adjuster

An insurance adjuster investigates the claim. They may visit the home, take measurements and photos, and review your documentation and repair estimates. After a widespread event such as a hurricane, adjusters may be in high demand, so it can take longer for them to reach you.

Use the visit to point out all the damage, including less obvious problems such as water inside walls. Keep your own notes. If you hired a contractor, the NAIC suggests considering having them meet the adjuster and you, and not feeling rushed or pushed into something you are uncomfortable with.

Step 7: Review the decision and payment

The insurer will tell you whether the claim is covered and how much it will pay, usually in writing. Payments are often based on your policy's valuation method and deductible. If you have replacement cost coverage, the insurer may pay the depreciated value first and the rest after the work is done. With actual cash value, you generally receive the value after depreciation. See replacement cost vs. actual cash value for the difference.

Ask for an itemized explanation of how the amount was calculated. Compare it with your estimates, and ask the insurer to explain any difference.

Typical timeline at a glance

Timelines vary a great deal. Simple claims can be quick, while large or complex losses take longer. State rules often set deadlines for insurers to acknowledge and respond to claims, and those rules differ by state.

If you disagree with the outcome

1. Ask for the reason in writing and the policy language the insurer relied on.
2. Submit more evidence, such as additional estimates, photos, or an expert's report.
3. Ask about your policy's appraisal provision, which many policies include for disputes about the amount of a loss.
4. Contact your state insurance department. They handle consumer complaints and can explain your rights and deadlines.
5. Consider professional help. Some people consult a licensed attorney or a licensed public adjuster. Fees and rules differ, so check licensing and costs first.

This article is general education, not legal advice. Your policy and state law determine your specific rights.

Mistakes to avoid

• Waiting too long to report, which could jeopardize coverage.
• Making permanent repairs before documenting damage or talking to the insurer.
• Signing contractor paperwork that assigns your claim rights without reading it. Rules on this differ by state.
• Assuming all damage is covered. Floods and earthquakes, for example, are typically excluded from standard homeowners policies.
• Failing to keep copies of everything you send and receive.

Frequently asked questions

How long do I have to file a homeowners claim?

It depends on your policy and state. Policies usually require prompt notice, and some set a time limit for filing suit or submitting proof of loss. The NAIC says reporting deadlines vary by state. Check your policy and ask your insurer.

Will filing a claim raise my premium?

It can, but not always. Insurers consider claims history and the type and size of loss. Depending on the state and insurer, even some inquiries may be recorded. Ask your agent general questions before you file.

What if I don't have a home inventory?

You can rebuild one. The NAIC suggests using memory, phone photos, and online retailers to estimate replacement costs. Do it as soon as you can after the loss.

Do I have to use the insurer's contractor?

Policies and state rules differ. Many insurers can recommend contractors, but you can generally get your own estimates. Ask your insurer what it requires.

Who pays for a hotel if my home is unlivable?

Many homeowners policies include additional living expenses (loss of use) coverage for covered losses. Limits and conditions apply, so ask your insurer before you book and keep receipts.

Sources

• NAIC – What You Need to Know When Filing a Homeowners Claim
• NAIC – Homeowners Insurance
• Insurance Information Institute – 12 ways to lower your homeowners insurance costs
• Insurance Information Institute – Renters insurance (additional living expenses)