How to file a homeowners insurance claim

First things first—make sure you and your family are safe. If the damage is severe, like a fire or structural issue, get out of the house and call emergency services if needed. Once it’s safe, take a good look around. Walk through each room and note what’s damaged, even if it seems minor. For example, if a storm blew a branch through your roof, check for water leaks inside too. Don’t touch anything that could be hazardous, like exposed wires or broken glass. Your safety is the top priority here, so if you’re unsure, wait for a professional to assess it.

Now that you’ve assessed the damage, it’s time to document it thoroughly. Grab your phone or camera and take clear, well-lit photos of everything affected. For instance, if your basement flooded, snap shots of the waterline on the walls, any ruined furniture, and even the source of the leak if you can find it. Write down a list of damaged items, including their approximate value and when you bought them. If you have receipts or manuals, dig them out—they’ll come in handy later. The more details you provide, the smoother your claim will go. Trust me, you don’t want to be trying to remember all this weeks later when the adjuster asks for specifics.

Your insurance policy likely requires you to take reasonable steps to prevent more damage after an incident. For example, if a window was broken during a break-in, cover it with plywood or plastic to keep out the rain. If a pipe burst, turn off the water main and mop up standing water to avoid mold growth. Just don’t start making permanent repairs yet—your insurer will want to see the damage first. Keep receipts for any temporary fixes you make, like buying a tarp or renting a dehumidifier. These costs might be reimbursable, so don’t toss those receipts!

Once you’ve documented the damage and done what you can to prevent more, it’s time to call your insurance company. Most have a 24/7 claims hotline, so don’t wait until business hours if it’s an emergency. When you call, have your policy number ready and be prepared to give a brief overview of what happened. For example, you might say, “A tree fell on my roof during last night’s storm, and there’s water damage in the attic.” They’ll assign you a claim number and let you know what to expect next. Ask about your deductible, what’s covered, and if they’ll send an adjuster to inspect the damage. The sooner you call, the sooner they can start processing your claim.

After you file your claim, your insurance company will send an adjuster to inspect the damage in person. This is their chance to verify what happened and estimate the cost of repairs. Be ready to walk them through the damage and show them all the documentation you’ve gathered. For instance, if your kitchen was damaged in a fire, point out the charred cabinets, smoke-damaged walls, and any appliances that need replacing. The adjuster might ask questions about the incident, so stick to the facts. Don’t downplay the damage, but don’t exaggerate either—just be honest. If you have quotes from contractors for repairs, share those too. The adjuster’s report will play a big role in how much your insurer pays out, so make sure they see everything.

Once the adjuster has finished their inspection, your insurance company will send you a claim settlement offer. This is the amount they’re willing to pay to cover your repairs or replacements. Take your time reviewing it carefully. Compare it to your own documentation and any contractor quotes you’ve received. For example, if they’re offering $5,000 to repair your roof but your roofer quoted $7,500, you’ll need to provide that quote to your insurer. If something doesn’t add up, call your claims representative and ask for an explanation. You have the right to negotiate if you feel the offer is too low. Just be prepared to back up your request with evidence, like photos, receipts, or additional estimates.

Once you’ve accepted the settlement offer, it’s time to start repairs. Hire a reputable contractor—ask friends or neighbors for recommendations if you’re not sure who to call. Make sure they’re licensed and insured, and get everything in writing, including the scope of work, timeline, and payment schedule. For example, if you’re repairing water damage, the contract should specify whether they’ll replace drywall, flooring, or insulation. Keep all receipts and invoices related to the repairs, as you might need them for reimbursement or to prove the work was done. If your policy includes additional living expenses (ALE), like hotel stays while your home is being repaired, keep those receipts too. Your insurer will reimburse you for these costs up to your policy’s limit.

After the repairs are done, touch base with your insurance company to let them know everything’s wrapped up. They might ask for final receipts or photos of the completed work. For example, if you replaced your damaged fence, send them the invoice and a photo of the new fence. Once they’ve reviewed everything, they’ll close the claim and send you any remaining payments you’re owed. Keep all your claim-related documents in a safe place in case you need them later. If you have any questions about the process or your settlement, don’t hesitate to ask your claims representative. They’re there to help, and it’s better to clarify things now than realize you missed something down the road.