Here's something most homeowners don't realize until they need it: filing an insurance claim isn't as simple as calling your agent and waiting for a check. In 2024, the average claim takes over 32 days from start to finish—the longest it's been in 16 years. But if you know what to expect and prepare properly, you can avoid delays and get your home back to normal faster.
Whether you're dealing with storm damage, a burst pipe, or a break-in, understanding the claims process will help you navigate what can be a stressful situation. Let's walk through exactly what you need to do.
Step 1: Document Everything Before You Touch Anything
Your first instinct after discovering damage might be to start cleaning up. Resist that urge. Before you move anything or make any repairs, grab your phone and start documenting. Take photos and videos of everything—damaged walls, ruined furniture, waterlogged floors, whatever you're dealing with. Get close-ups of model numbers and labels on expensive items like appliances and electronics.
Create a detailed inventory of damaged or stolen items. If you have receipts showing what you paid, even better. This documentation is your evidence, and insurance adjusters need it to process your claim. Don't throw anything away until your insurer agrees on a payout—you might need to show the damaged items as proof.
Step 2: Review Your Policy (Before You Call)
Here's a reality check: not every type of damage is covered by your homeowners policy. Before you file a claim, dig out your policy and check two things. First, is this type of damage actually covered? Standard policies typically cover fire, wind, hail, lightning, theft, and vandalism. They usually don't cover floods, earthquakes, or normal wear and tear.
Second, what's your deductible? If the damage will cost $800 to fix and your deductible is $1,000, filing a claim makes no financial sense. You'll pay for the repairs out of pocket anyway, and filing the claim could increase your premiums. Around one in 20 homeowners file claims each year, and the average claim costs about $18,000—so save your claims for damage that significantly exceeds your deductible.
Step 3: Contact Your Insurance Company Immediately
Once you've decided to file a claim, don't wait. Contact your insurance company or agent right away—most policies require prompt notification. You can usually file online, by phone, or through your insurer's mobile app. Have your policy number ready, along with your contact information and a description of what happened.
Your insurer must acknowledge receiving your claim within 15 days. They'll assign an adjuster to investigate and may request additional documentation. If you're dealing with theft, vandalism, or a break-in, file a police report first and get the report number and officer names—you'll need to provide these details to your insurer.
Step 4: Work with the Insurance Adjuster
The adjuster is the person who'll inspect your damage and determine how much your insurer will pay. Be present during the inspection if possible. Walk them through what happened, show them your documentation, and point out all the damage—even minor issues that might not be immediately obvious.
Keep detailed records of all communication with your adjuster and insurance company. Write down dates, times, and what was discussed. Follow up in writing when possible. If the adjuster asks you to get repair estimates, do it—but remember, you're not required to use your insurer's recommended contractors. You can get estimates from contractors you trust.
Step 5: Make Temporary Repairs and Save Every Receipt
After documenting the damage, you can—and should—make temporary repairs to prevent further damage. Board up broken windows, tarp a damaged roof, turn off water to stop a leak. Your policy typically requires you to protect your property from additional harm. Just keep receipts for everything you spend on these emergency repairs. You may be reimbursed for these costs.
If your home is unlivable and you need to stay elsewhere while repairs are made, save those receipts too. Most homeowners policies include coverage for additional living expenses—things like hotel bills, restaurant meals, and pet boarding. But you need actual receipts to get reimbursed. Estimates won't cut it.
Understanding How You'll Be Paid
Here's where it gets a bit complicated. Most insurers pay claims in two checks. The first check is based on the estimated repair cost, minus depreciation and minus your deductible. So if your roof replacement costs $10,000, your roof has depreciated $2,000, and your deductible is $1,000, your first check will be for $7,000.
Once repairs are finished and you submit the contractor's final bill, you'll receive a second check for the depreciation amount—in this example, that $2,000. If you have a mortgage, the checks will be made out to both you and your lender, who has a financial interest in ensuring repairs are completed. Your insurer must send payment within five business days after agreeing to pay your claim.
What If You Find More Damage Later?
Sometimes damage isn't immediately visible. You might find hidden water damage behind a wall during repairs, or discover structural issues that weren't obvious at first. The good news? You can reopen your claim and file for an additional amount. Contact your adjuster as soon as you discover new damage related to the original incident.
Document this new damage the same way you did the original damage—photos, videos, detailed descriptions. The key is that it must be related to the same incident you already filed for, not new damage from a separate event.
Common Claims to Expect
In 2023, wind damage was the most common claim type, accounting for about one-third of all homeowners claims filed—more than 1.7 million wind claims nationwide. Water damage from burst pipes and leaky appliances came in second, with over a million claims. While these are frequent, fire and lightning claims are the most expensive, averaging nearly $84,000 per incident.
Understanding what typically goes wrong can help you prevent claims before they happen. Regular maintenance—like cleaning gutters, inspecting your roof, and replacing old appliance hoses—can save you from filing a claim in the first place.
Getting Started with Your Claim
The claims process doesn't have to be overwhelming if you're prepared. The most important thing is to act quickly—document the damage, review your coverage, and notify your insurer right away. Keep meticulous records of everything: photos, receipts, phone calls, emails. The more organized you are, the smoother your claim will go.
And remember, you're not alone in this process. Your insurance company has a team dedicated to helping you through it. Don't hesitate to ask questions if something isn't clear. It's their job to help you understand what's covered and guide you through getting your home back to normal.
