When your home is damaged by fire, a storm, theft, water, or another unexpected event, it can be difficult to know what to do first.
Your first priority should always be the safety of everyone involved. After that, you need to protect the property from further damage, document what happened, and contact the appropriate insurance provider.
Filing a homeowners insurance claim doesn’t have to be complicated, but mistakes made immediately after a loss can sometimes make the process more difficult.
Knowing what to do after damage to your property can help you protect yourself, organize the necessary information, and make the claims process smoother.
In this guide, we’ll explain the steps to take after property damage, what information you should collect, what to avoid doing, and how the homeowners insurance claims process generally works.
What Is a Home Insurance Claim?
A home insurance claim is a formal request to your insurance company for payment or assistance following a covered loss.
A claim might involve damage caused by events such as:
- Fire
- Smoke
- Wind
- Hail
- Certain types of water damage
- Theft
- Vandalism
- Falling objects
- Certain accidental property damage
Whether your claim is covered depends on your specific policy, the cause of the damage, exclusions, coverage limits, and other policy conditions.
Having insurance does not automatically mean every loss will be covered.
Step 1: Make Sure Everyone Is Safe
Before worrying about your insurance claim, make sure everyone is safe.
If the property has suffered major damage, leave the area if necessary.
Call emergency services when appropriate.
For example:
- Call the fire department after a fire.
- Contact emergency services if someone is seriously injured.
- Contact the police if you believe a crime has occurred.
- Contact utility companies if there is a dangerous electrical or gas problem.
Do not enter a severely damaged structure simply to retrieve belongings.
Structural damage, exposed wiring, gas leaks, fire damage, and other hazards can be dangerous.
Step 2: Prevent Further Damage If It Is Safe to Do So
After the immediate danger has passed, take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage.
Depending on the situation, this could include:
- Covering a damaged roof with a temporary tarp
- Boarding up broken windows
- Moving undamaged belongings away from leaking water
- Turning off water if a pipe has burst
- Removing standing water when it is safe
- Securing damaged areas against unauthorized entry
However, don’t put yourself in danger.
Keep Receipts for Emergency Repairs
If you pay for emergency services or temporary repairs, keep your receipts.
These expenses may potentially be relevant to your insurance claim depending on the policy.
Document:
- What you paid
- When you paid
- What service was performed
- Who performed the work
Do not assume that every emergency expense will automatically be reimbursed.
Step 3: Document the Damage Before Cleaning Up
Documentation is one of the most important steps after property damage.
Before removing damaged items or starting major cleanup, take photographs and videos if it is safe to do so.
Capture:
- Exterior damage
- Interior damage
- Roof damage
- Water damage
- Broken windows
- Damaged furniture
- Damaged electronics
- Damaged appliances
- Structural damage
- Debris
- Personal belongings
Take both wide-angle photos and close-up images.
Wide photos show the overall condition of the property, while close-ups can show the specific damage.
Don’t Throw Away Damaged Items Too Quickly
Unless an item creates a safety or health hazard, consider keeping damaged belongings until your insurer or adjuster has had an opportunity to inspect them.
If something must be discarded, photograph it thoroughly first.
Step 4: Contact Your Insurance Company
Notify your insurance company as soon as reasonably possible after the loss.
Your insurer will explain the next steps and may provide a claim number.
You’ll typically need to provide information such as:
- Your policy number
- Date of the loss
- Approximate time of the incident
- Cause of damage
- Description of what happened
- Photos or videos
- Emergency repair information
- Police or fire reports when applicable
The sooner you report the loss, the sooner the claims process can begin.
However, don’t delay reporting simply because you don’t yet know the exact cost of the damage.
You can provide additional information as it becomes available.
Step 5: Get Your Claim Number
Once your claim is opened, keep the claim number somewhere safe.
You may need it when:
- Calling the insurance company
- Sending documents
- Speaking with an adjuster
- Checking claim status
- Following up on payments
Keep a record of the date and time of important communications.
Step 6: Create a Detailed Damage Inventory
Make a list of everything that was damaged, destroyed, or stolen.
For each item, record as much information as possible.
A useful inventory can include:
| Information | Example |
|---|---|
| Item | Television |
| Brand | Samsung |
| Model | Specific model number |
| Approximate age | 3 years |
| Purchase price | $900 |
| Condition before loss | Good |
| Damage | Smoke and water damage |
| Evidence | Photos and receipt |
Don’t worry if you don’t remember every detail immediately.
Start with what you know and add information later.
Step 7: Find Receipts and Proof of Ownership
Insurance companies may request documentation supporting the value or ownership of damaged property.
Useful documents can include:
- Purchase receipts
- Invoices
- Credit card statements
- Bank statements
- Warranty documents
- Product photographs
- Serial numbers
- Manuals
- Online order histories
For expensive belongings, proof of ownership can be particularly useful.
This is one reason maintaining a home inventory before a loss occurs is so valuable.
Step 8: Understand Your Deductible
Your deductible is the amount you are generally responsible for paying toward a covered claim before the insurance company pays according to the policy.
For example:
- Covered loss: $20,000
- Deductible: $2,000
- Potential insurance payment: $18,000
This is a simplified example. Actual claim payments depend on the policy, coverage limits, valuation method, exclusions, and other conditions.
Some policies may also have different deductibles for specific risks.
For example, certain policies in high-risk areas can have special wind, hurricane, or other disaster deductibles.
Read your policy carefully.
Step 9: Cooperate With the Insurance Adjuster
Your insurance company may assign an adjuster to investigate the claim.
The adjuster may:
- Inspect the property
- Review photographs
- Ask questions about what happened
- Examine damaged items
- Estimate repair costs
- Review documentation
- Determine how the policy may apply
Be organized and provide accurate information.
Keep copies of documents you submit.
What Is an Insurance Adjuster?
An insurance adjuster is responsible for investigating and evaluating an insurance claim.
Depending on the situation, you may interact with:
- An insurer’s staff adjuster
- An independent adjuster working on behalf of the insurer
- A public adjuster hired by the policyholder
Their roles and responsibilities can differ, so understand who you are dealing with and whom they represent.
Step 10: Get Repair Estimates
For significant property damage, you may need repair estimates.
Depending on the claim, you might obtain estimates from:
- Roofing contractors
- Plumbers
- Electricians
- General contractors
- Restoration companies
- HVAC professionals
Ask for detailed written estimates.
Keep copies of all proposals and invoices.
Don’t Rush Into Permanent Repairs
Emergency measures may be necessary to prevent further damage.
However, for major permanent repairs, consider waiting until you’ve discussed the situation with your insurer and understood the claims process.
Your insurer may want to inspect the damage before repairs alter the evidence.
There can be exceptions when immediate repairs are necessary for safety or to prevent further damage.
Step 11: Keep a Record of Every Communication
Create a simple claims file.
Record:
- Date
- Person you spoke with
- Company
- Phone number
- Claim number
- What was discussed
- Documents requested
- Documents submitted
- Next steps
You can keep this information in a spreadsheet, notebook, or digital folder.
Organization becomes especially valuable if the claim takes several weeks or months.
Step 12: Understand Additional Living Expenses
What happens if your home cannot be safely occupied?
Your homeowners policy may include additional living expenses (ALE) or loss-of-use coverage.
Depending on the policy, this can help with certain additional costs associated with temporarily living elsewhere after a covered loss.
Potential expenses may include:
- Temporary accommodation
- Additional food expenses
- Laundry
- Transportation
- Other necessary increases in living expenses
Coverage limits and eligibility vary.
Keep receipts for expenses related to temporary relocation.
Step 13: Don’t Assume Every Repair Is Covered
A major mistake homeowners make is assuming that insurance will pay for every repair.
Insurance generally covers losses that fall within the policy’s covered causes of loss.
It typically isn’t designed to pay for:
- Normal wear and tear
- Poor maintenance
- Aging materials
- Gradual deterioration
- Certain pest damage
- Certain excluded risks
For example, if an old roof gradually deteriorates because of age, that is different from sudden damage caused by a covered storm.
Understanding the cause of the damage is critical.
Step 14: Understand Replacement Cost vs. Actual Cash Value
Your claim payment can depend on how your policy values damaged property.
Two common concepts are:
Actual Cash Value
Actual cash value generally takes depreciation into account.
An older item may therefore be valued at less than what it would cost to buy a new replacement.
Replacement Cost
Replacement cost coverage is generally designed to pay the cost to replace covered property with a similar item, subject to policy terms and limits.
For example, imagine a five-year-old television originally cost $1,000.
Its current depreciated value may be significantly lower than the cost of purchasing a comparable new television.
The amount you receive depends on the coverage and valuation provisions in your policy.
Step 15: Be Honest and Accurate
Always provide accurate information during the claims process.
Don’t exaggerate:
- Damage
- Item values
- Purchase dates
- Repair costs
- Circumstances of the loss
Insurance claims are evaluated based on documentation and policy terms.
Providing inaccurate information can create serious problems for your claim.
If you’re unsure about a detail, say that you’re unsure rather than guessing.
Step 16: Review the Claim Settlement Carefully
Once the insurer completes its evaluation, review the settlement information carefully.
Look at:
- Covered damage
- Repair estimates
- Replacement values
- Depreciation
- Deductible
- Coverage limits
- Items excluded
- Additional living expenses
- Amount being paid
If you don’t understand something, ask the insurance company to explain how the amount was calculated.
Don’t feel pressured to agree to something you don’t understand.
What If Your Home Insurance Claim Is Denied?
A denied claim doesn’t necessarily mean the process is over.
First, find out why the claim was denied.
Common reasons can include:
- The event isn’t covered
- The damage falls under an exclusion
- The loss occurred before the policy began
- Insufficient documentation
- Policy conditions weren’t met
- Coverage limits were exceeded
Ask for the denial and explanation in writing.
Then review the relevant section of your policy.
If you believe the decision is incorrect, you can ask the insurer to reconsider the claim or follow the policy’s formal appeal or dispute process.
For significant disputes, professional legal or insurance advice may be appropriate.
Should You Hire a Public Adjuster?
A public adjuster works for the policyholder rather than the insurance company.
They may help with:
- Documenting damage
- Preparing claim inventories
- Estimating losses
- Negotiating with the insurer
Whether hiring one makes sense depends on the size and complexity of your claim.
For a small claim, the cost may not be worthwhile.
For a large or complicated loss, professional assistance may be more valuable.
Before hiring anyone, understand how they charge and what services they provide.
Common Home Insurance Claims Mistakes
Avoid these common mistakes after property damage:
1. Waiting Too Long to Report the Loss
Check your policy for notification requirements and report losses promptly.
2. Failing to Document Damage
Photos and videos can provide important evidence.
3. Throwing Away Damaged Items Too Soon
Document them first whenever reasonably possible.
4. Making Major Repairs Before Inspection
Permanent repairs can sometimes make it harder to establish the original condition.
5. Assuming Everything Is Covered
Always check your policy.
6. Forgetting the Deductible
Remember that your deductible affects the amount you receive.
7. Losing Receipts
Keep receipts for emergency repairs and additional living expenses.
8. Not Keeping Communication Records
Maintain a written record of important conversations and documents.
9. Accepting an Explanation You Don’t Understand
Ask questions when the settlement or coverage decision isn’t clear.
10. Exaggerating the Loss
Provide accurate information and documentation.
Home Insurance Claim Checklist
After property damage, use this checklist:
- Make sure everyone is safe
- Contact emergency services if necessary
- Prevent further damage when safe
- Photograph the damage
- Record video of the property
- Contact your insurance company
- Get your claim number
- Create a damage inventory
- Find receipts and proof of ownership
- Keep emergency repair receipts
- Keep records of temporary living expenses
- Cooperate with the adjuster
- Get written repair estimates
- Keep copies of all documents
- Review the proposed settlement
- Ask questions about anything you don’t understand
How Long Does a Home Insurance Claim Take?
There is no single timeline for every claim.
A small, straightforward claim may be resolved relatively quickly.
A major claim involving extensive structural damage can take significantly longer.
The timeline can depend on:
- Severity of the damage
- Availability of contractors
- Complexity of the claim
- Documentation
- Cause of the loss
- Number of affected properties
- Insurance company procedures
- Disputes over coverage
Stay organized and follow up regularly if you haven’t received an update.
Can Filing a Claim Increase Your Insurance Premium?
Potentially, yes.
A homeowner’s claims history can be one factor insurers consider when determining future premiums or eligibility.
However, that doesn’t mean you should avoid filing a legitimate claim simply to protect your premium.
If you experience a significant covered loss, insurance exists to provide financial protection.
For smaller losses, homeowners may sometimes choose to pay out of pocket, particularly when the damage is close to the deductible.
Consider your policy, the size of the loss, and your individual circumstances before making a decision.
How to Prepare for a Future Home Insurance Claim
The best time to prepare for a claim is before damage happens.
Create a home inventory containing:
- Photos of rooms
- Photos of valuable belongings
- Receipts
- Serial numbers
- Purchase information
- Insurance documents
Store important records somewhere outside the home or in secure cloud storage.
Also make sure you know:
- Your insurance company’s contact information
- Your policy number
- Your deductible
- Your coverage limits
- Major exclusions
- How to report a claim
Being prepared can save valuable time during an already stressful situation.
Final Thoughts
Experiencing damage to your home can be overwhelming, but knowing what to do can make the homeowners insurance claims process much easier.
Start with safety.
Then prevent further damage when it is safe, document everything, notify your insurer, organize your records, and keep track of all expenses and communications.
Most importantly, don’t assume that every type of damage is automatically covered.
Your policy’s coverage, exclusions, deductibles, limits, and valuation rules determine how a claim is handled.
A little preparation before a loss can make a major difference afterward.
Creating a home inventory, understanding your policy, and keeping important documents accessible can help you respond more confidently if something goes wrong.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do first after my house is damaged?
Make sure everyone is safe first. Contact emergency services when necessary, then take reasonable steps to prevent further damage if it is safe to do so. After that, document the damage and contact your insurance company.
How soon should I file a homeowners insurance claim?
Report the loss as soon as reasonably possible and follow the notification requirements in your policy. You don’t necessarily need to know the final repair cost before reporting the damage.
Should I clean up before the insurance adjuster arrives?
Take photographs and videos first. Avoid disposing of damaged property or making major permanent repairs until you’ve discussed the situation with your insurer, unless immediate action is necessary for safety or to prevent further damage.
What documents do I need for a home insurance claim?
Useful documents may include your policy information, photographs, videos, receipts, invoices, repair estimates, proof of ownership, police or fire reports when applicable, and records of additional expenses.
Does homeowners insurance pay for temporary housing?
Many homeowners policies include additional living expenses or loss-of-use coverage for certain covered losses that make a home temporarily unlivable. Check your policy for limits and conditions.
What happens if my homeowners insurance claim is denied?
Ask the insurer for the reason for the denial in writing. Review the relevant policy language and follow the insurer’s reconsideration or appeal process if you believe the decision is incorrect.
Should I hire a public adjuster?
A public adjuster may be useful for large or complicated claims, but they charge for their services. Consider the size and complexity of your loss and understand the fees before hiring one.
Can I repair my house before filing an insurance claim?
Emergency repairs may be necessary to protect people and prevent additional damage. However, document the original damage and contact your insurer as soon as possible before making major permanent repairs when practical.
Will a home insurance claim increase my premium?
It can. Claims history may be considered when insurers determine future premiums or eligibility. However, significant covered losses are one of the main reasons homeowners carry insurance.
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