How to File a Homeowners Insurance Claim

Filing a claim makes sense when the damage to your home clearly exceeds your deductible, when someone has been injured, or if you may be liable for damage to someone else’s property. If the repair cost is close to your deductible or below it, paying out of pocket may be the smarter call.

Claims stay on your record. Even when you’re not at fault, a claim can affect your rate at renewal. That’s not a reason to avoid filing when damage is significant. Getting a contractor estimate before you call your insurer is worth it. If it’s a small repair with no liability, compare the estimate to your deductible first. Such repairs may be best handled by yourself.

Your goal in the first few hours is documentation, not repair. Before anything is moved, cleaned, or thrown out:

• Take photos and videos of all damage, including wide shots and close-ups.

• Make a list of all damaged or missing items.

• Make emergency protective repairs only if necessary (e.g., covering a broken window, tarping a roof), but don’t start full repairs unless your insurer OKs them or an adjuster has reviewed the damage.

• Keep every receipt for emergency protective measures. Your insurer may reimburse those costs.

If you have already compiled a home inventory with photos and values, this is when it pays off. If you don’t have one, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) offers a free home inventory app that lets you document items by room and category. Building one before you need it makes any future claim significantly easier.

Most insurers let you file by phone, through their website, or via an app. Whichever method you choose, use one that creates a written record you can refer to.

Before you call or log in, have these ready:

• Your policy number (found on your declarations page or ID card)

• Your name, address, and contact information

• The date the damage occurred

• A clear description of what happened

Once your claim is open, get the claim number and the name and direct contact for your assigned adjuster.

After you file, your insurer assigns a claims adjuster to assess the damage. That person works for an insurance company. Their job is to evaluate what’s covered and estimate repair costs.

You can ask questions if something in their assessment doesn’t match what you’re seeing. You can also request explanations in writing. If a repair estimate seems off, say so.

If the damage is extensive and you think the settlement offer is too low, you have the option to hire a public adjuster, an independent professional who can evaluate the claim on your behalf and help you negotiate with your insurer. Public adjusters typically charge a percentage of the final settlement.

Once the adjuster has assessed the damage, repairs can begin. Your insurer may recommend contractors, but you’re generally not required to work with them. Get at least one independent estimate before committing. Don’t sign repair contracts until the adjuster has inspected the damage or told you to proceed. Keep all written estimates, contracts, and receipts because if there’s a dispute later, that documentation matters.

After major storms, contractors sometimes show up unsolicited offering fast repairs. Be skeptical. Get referrals from people you trust and don’t pay a large deposit upfront before work begins.

• Bring these to any conversation with your insurer or adjuster:

• What is my deductible for this specific type of claim?

• How long do I have to file, and does my state set a deadline?

• Will this claim affect my renewal rate?

• Who is my assigned adjuster, and how do I reach them directly?

• If I disagree with the settlement offer, what’s the process for disputing it?

How long do I have to file a homeowners insurance claim?

It depends on your policy and your state. Most policies require you to report damage promptly, and some states set specific filing windows. Check out the claims section of your policy or contact your state insurance department if you’re unsure.

Do I need a police report to file a claim?

For theft, vandalism, or any criminal act, you should file a police report right away because your insurer will ask for it. For weather damage or accidents, a police report is usually not required. Either way, documenting everything in writing is a good habit.

What if my homeowners claim is denied?

You can appeal. Ask for a written denial explaining the specific reason, then compare it against your policy’s terms. Follow your insurer’s formal appeals process. If you believe the denial was wrongful, you also have the right to file a complaint with your state insurance department.

What’s the difference between my insurer’s adjuster and a public adjuster?

Your insurer’s adjuster works for the insurance company. A public adjuster is an independent professional who works on your behalf, typically for a percentage of the final claim payment. If you believe the initial settlement offer is too low on a significant claim, a public adjuster can help push for a higher one.