How to File a Home Insurance Claim

If you’ve paid the cost of home insurance, you want the insurance claims process to run smoothly. Learn how to file a home insurance claim quickly, so you can kick-start the repair process and get back into your house faster. This homeowners insurance guide explains the easiest way to file a claim and what you should and should not say to an insurance adjuster.

It’s important to file as soon as you’re able, as many states have laws limiting how long you have to file a claim. Most homeowners have up to 30 days, but don’t wait too long, or you may not be fully covered.

Scroll down for the steps for filing a home insurance claim.

How to File a Home Insurance Claim

Whether you’re filing an insurance claim for water damage, roof repairs, or theft, you will want to file the claim immediately. You can file a claim online or through a mobile app with most companies, but it might be faster to call your home insurance agent directly.

Follow the steps below to quickly file a home insurance claim.

Document the Damage

Documenting damages for homeowners insurance claims will ensure you get the most from your payout. Take photos and video of the damage, and find any receipts or bank statements regarding damaged property that can provide further proof of worth and ownership. Be sure to get pictures of labels, model numbers, or SQU numbers, especially for more expensive electronics and appliances. 

If a crime was committed, call the police and ask for a copy of the police report. This will further substantiate your claim.

You should also make an inventory of any personal items that were damaged or stolen. It will speed up your house insurance claim if you already have a personal inventory list, so follow our checklist for how to take a home inventory.

Contact Your Insurer

Depending on your home insurance company, you may be able to file a claim online or through its mobile app. We recommend calling your insurance agent directly to speed up the homeowners insurance claim process. Find out more about your insurance agent’s role in the claims process.

You will have to fill out necessary forms describing the home damage and policy coverage, so have your policy number handy, and include any photos you may have taken when documenting damages.

Meet the Insurance Adjuster

Once you file a claim, the insurance company is legally required to respond within a reasonable time frame. An insurance adjuster will be sent to your home, but it can take between five and 15 days, depending on your state laws. 

You will remain in contact with this adjuster for the duration of the claims process, so be sure to get their email address and phone number.

The adjuster will call you ahead of time to schedule an inspection. They will assess the damage and interview you and any other witnesses. Don’t forget to show the adjuster any structural damage that may be hidden by debris or other surface damage.

Discuss contractors and repairs, confirm policy coverage, but never admit fault or speculate how the damage occurred. Other things not to say to an insurance adjuster include:

• Never say you are not hurt, or things weren’t damaged.
• Never describe injuries or damages.
• Never say anything on the record. 

Remember that most conversations between you and your adjuster are recorded over the phone or through text and email, so never admit to or speculate about anything. 

Make Temporary Repairs

Once you have proper documentation, you can temporarily repair the damage to make your home livable before the insurance adjuster arrives. Common stopgap repairs include stopping a leak or boarding up a hole in your roof or windows. Be sure to save any damaged property to show the adjuster to ensure you receive the full insurance payout you’re entitled to. 

If you fail to make temporary repairs, and the insurance adjuster believes you could have prevented further damage, you may not be fully covered.

Save Your Receipts

If you are unable to live in your home after the incident, keep a record of your expenses, including hotel costs, meals, and any stopgap repairs you may have made before you left. 

Most home insurance policies will cover certain living expenses during repairs, but there are often daily limits. Take a look at what your homeowners insurance policy covers, and hold on to your receipts to get the most compensation.

Maintain Regular Contact with the Adjuster

You should have the adjuster’s contact information, so don’t be afraid to ask questions or reach out to them at any point during the claims process. Just remember to keep conversations centered around the claim evidence and not speculation.

How long should home insurance claims take? If you maintain regular contact with your adjuster, you can file a claim and receive a payout as quickly as 48 hours. However, most home insurance claims take between 15 and 30 days to process. 

Receive Your Insurance Payout

Once the insurance adjuster finishes their investigation, they’ll decide whether to accept or reject your claim based on the coverage in your policy and the circumstances of the event.

Some states may require companies to pay out within five days of approving your claim, but other insurers can take up to 90 days or more. Depending on your company, you may receive a check in the mail, or it will be directly deposited into the same bank account you use for online payments.

If your claim is rejected, check your home insurance policy, and make sure the damages are considered a covered peril. You can also hire an independent appraiser to reassess the damage and determine whether the settlement amount is appropriate. 

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Understanding Your Home Insurance Policy

The most common reason why home insurance claims are rejected is because of improper coverage, so ensure you have the right policy before filing a claim. 

In general, companies will only cover the perils listed in your policy. Standard HO-1 home insurance covers the following perils:

• Fire and smoke
• Wind and severe weather
• Volcanic eruption
• Lightening
• Explosion or aircraft crash
• Riots, terrorism, and civil disorder
• Malicious mischief, vandalism, or theft
• Freezing, ice, and snow
• Weather and non-weather-related water damage

You will need to buy HO-2 home insurance to add personal liability coverage. Other types of home policies will cover all perils except those explicitly excluded in the policy, but your monthly home insurance rates will be higher. 

What You Need to Know About How to File a Home Insurance Claim

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Some states limit how long you have to file a home insurance claim, although these deadlines are usually 30 days or more. However, the sooner you file a claim, the faster you will receive a payout.

You should always file a home insurance claim when the cost of repairs or replacement is more than your deductible. Homeowners insurance deductibles are often between $1,000-$2,000, so be prepared to pay this much out of pocket before your coverage kicks in. 

Although you can often file a claim online or through a mobile app, we recommend calling an insurance agent directly to expedite the process. Use our free tool below to find free home insurance quotes and local agents near you.

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