How to File a Home Insurance Claim

1. Document the Damage

Having a record of the damage can help ensure you receive adequate compensation for repairs and speed up the claims process. Take photos and videos of the affected areas to show the insurance company. If the damage is the result of a crime, contact the police immediately, and get a copy of the police report for your insurer.

Make a list of everything that was affected, from the wall in the kitchen to the coffeemaker sitting on your countertop. If you have receipts for damaged or stolen items, especially big-ticket possessions, dig them up and give them to your insurer to verify their value.

2. File the Claim

Insurance companies typically offer multiple ways to file a claim, including online, by phone or through an app. You generally have a year from the day the damage occurred to submit your claim, but timelines vary by state and insurer. No matter what state law or your policy says, it's best to file as soon as possible to prevent delays. Once you file your claim, the insurer will likely assign a tracking number, which allows you to follow the claim's progress.

If you have questions while waiting for the insurance company to settle your claim, the tracking number makes it easy for your insurer to access your claim and provide the necessary information.

Learn more: What Does Homeowners Insurance Pay for During Home Repairs?

3. Make Temporary Repairs

You may need to make temporary repairs to avoid further damage to your home while waiting for the insurer to process your claim. For example, if a tree limb came crashing through your window, boarding it up can help prevent theft, wind and water damage. However, it's important that you don't make permanent repairs until the insurer has processed your claim.

When making temporary repairs, keep the damaged items, if possible, until the adjuster comes to your home so they can inspect them and get an accurate assessment of the damage. Hang on to receipts for materials you buy so you can submit them to your insurer for reimbursement.

Tip: Check your policy for details about the types of temporary repairs your insurer will and won't cover. When in doubt, ask your agent or insurance company.

4. Work With the Adjuster

After you file your claim, an adjuster will come to your home to assess the damage. Providing them with a list of damaged items, photos and videos of the area where the damage occurred and receipts for temporary repairs can help them determine the claim payout amount.

5. Choose a Contractor

Most insurers allow you to work with any contractor you want. Some have networks of contractors they work with regularly that may be a good fit for your job. If you're unsure whom to hire, ask friends and family for recommendations, and conduct your own research. Consider checking the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and online review sites.

Before hiring anyone, make sure they're licensed, bonded and insured. Reputable contractors should have no trouble showing you their license, bond issuer and certificate of insurance. If they can't, you may want to look for another contractor.

6. Schedule Repairs

Repairs won't happen overnight. The average time it takes from filing a claim until repairs are complete is a little over 32 days, according to J.D. Power. This time frame can be extended if your damage is the result of a locally widespread disaster such as a wildfire or hurricane.

Depending on the extent of the damage, it may not be safe for you to stay in your home during the repair process. The cost of living somewhere else temporarily can add up. Homeowners insurance policies often cover expenses that exceed your typical living expenses, such as a hotel stay or apartment rental, restaurant meals and more. Be sure to keep your receipts.

Learn more: What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover?

7. Settle the Claim

Settling a claim can be a fluid process. You may even receive more than one payment from the insurance company. Insurers typically issue separate payments for repairs, possessions that need to be replaced and additional living expenses. If your contractor finds additional damage after they begin making repairs, that'll be another payment.

Some types of coverage provided by homeowners insurance have a deductible that you must pay before your insurer will cover repairs.

Tip: Some insurers may pay the contractor directly rather than sending payment to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bottom Line

No one wants to file a homeowners insurance claim. However, following best practices like filing the claim as soon as possible after the damage occurs, documenting the damage and saving your receipts can help ensure the process goes smoothly. If you have questions at any time, don't hesitate to reach out to the insurance company or your agent.