How to File a Home Insurance Claim

Whether you’re dealing with storm damage, a break-in, or a liability incident, this guide walks you through filing a homeowners or renters insurance claim.

Immediate Steps After Damage

Protect Yourself and Your Property

1. Ensure safety first - Leave if there’s structural damage, gas leak, or electrical hazard
2. Call emergency services - Police for theft/vandalism, fire department for fire or gas leaks
3. Prevent further damage - Cover holes with tarps, turn off water for leaks, board up broken windows
4. Document before cleanup - Take photos and video before any repairs

Important: Your policy requires you to mitigate further damage. Keep receipts for emergency repairs—these are typically reimbursable.

Types of Home Insurance Claims

Property Damage Claims

Covers damage to your home’s structure and your belongings from covered perils:

• Fire and smoke
• Wind, hail, and storms
• Water damage (not floods)
• Fallen trees
• Vandalism

Theft Claims

Covers stolen or damaged property from burglary or theft:

• Electronics, jewelry, and valuables
• Clothing and furniture
• Items stolen from your car (in some policies)

Liability Claims

Covers injuries to others or damage to their property:

• Guest injured on your property
• Your dog bites someone
• Your child damages neighbor’s property

Filing Your Claim

Step 1: Document Everything (Immediately)

Take extensive photos and videos:

• Wide shots showing overall damage
• Close-ups of specific damage
• Serial numbers on damaged electronics
• Water lines showing flood height
• Damage to neighboring properties if relevant

Create a written inventory:

• List every damaged or stolen item
• Note brand, model, age, and condition
• Estimate value (what you paid or replacement cost)

Step 2: Report to Your Insurer (Within 24-72 hours)

Contact your insurance company with:

• Policy number
• Date and cause of damage
• Brief description of what happened
• Police report number (for theft or vandalism)

Most insurers have 24/7 claims hotlines and mobile apps.

Step 3: Prevent Further Damage

Make temporary repairs to protect your property:

• Board up broken windows
• Tarp damaged roofs
• Dry out water-damaged areas
• Secure the property after break-in

Keep all receipts - Emergency mitigation costs are typically covered.

Step 4: Meet with the Adjuster

An adjuster will inspect the damage:

• Walk through the property together
• Point out all damage (some isn’t obvious)
• Provide your documentation and inventory
• Ask about coverage, limits, and next steps

Step 5: Get Repair Estimates

• Obtain 2-3 written estimates from licensed contractors
• Ensure estimates are detailed (materials, labor, timeline)
• Share estimates with your adjuster
• Clarify whether you’re getting replacement cost or actual cash value

Step 6: Review and Negotiate the Settlement

• Review the adjuster’s damage estimate carefully
• Compare to your contractor estimates
• Question any discrepancies in writing
• Don’t sign a final release until satisfied

Documentation Checklist

Immediately After Incident

• Photos/video of all damage (before cleanup)
• Police report (for theft, vandalism, or injury)
• Contact info for any witnesses
• Notes on what happened and when

Before Contacting Insurer

• Policy number and coverage details
• Inventory of damaged/stolen items
• Receipts or proof of value for major items
• List of emergency repairs already made

During the Process

• Claim number and adjuster contact info
• All communication dates and summaries
• Contractor repair estimates (2-3)
• Receipts for temporary housing or extra expenses
• Copy of the final settlement offer

Timeline Expectations

After major disasters (hurricanes, wildfires), timelines extend significantly due to claim volume.

Understanding Your Coverage

Replacement Cost vs. Actual Cash Value

Example: Your 5-year-old TV is destroyed. Replacement cost pays $800 for a similar new TV. ACV might pay only $400 (depreciated value).

Common Exclusions

Standard home policies typically don’t cover:

• Flood damage (requires separate flood insurance)
• Earthquake damage (requires separate policy)
• Sewer backup (may need endorsement)
• Gradual damage or neglect
• Intentional damage

Tips for a Smoother Claim

1. Keep a home inventory - Update it annually with photos, receipts, and values
2. Know your coverage limits - Check sub-limits for jewelry, electronics, and valuables
3. Understand your deductible - Know what you’ll pay out of pocket
4. Get everything in writing - Document all conversations with your insurer
5. Don’t rush to settle - You can negotiate if the offer seems low

If Your Claim is Denied or Underpaid

1. Request the denial reason in writing
2. Review your policy language carefully
3. File an internal appeal with supporting documentation
4. Contact your state insurance department
5. Consider hiring a public adjuster (typically 10-15% of settlement)
6. Consult an attorney for large claims

Related Guides

• Home Insurance Coverage Guide
• Renters Insurance Guide
• Insurance FAQ
• Insurance Glossary