How Does a Homeowners Insurance Claim Work?
Submit a homeowners claim to seek compensation for property damage or loss from a covered event. Your insurer will review your policy, assess the damages, and determine how much the policy will pay.
When do I submit a claim?
File a claim with your insurance company as soon as possible. First, make sure everyone is safe at your residence and contact any emergency services (police, fire department) that are necessary. Make sure the property is protected from further damage, and if there is a theft or vandalism, file a police report immediately.
Call your insurer to submit a claim or file it online if the option is available. Insurers may have different requirements when filing a claim, but they typically need the following information:
- Policyholder name and contact information
- Policy ID number
- Date of incident, location, and cause
- Description of damages or loss
Take photos or video of the damage to support the description of your claim. Capture the footage prior to making any temporary repairs. If you need to make an urgent repair to avoid further damage, document the repair and cost.
How are homeowners claims paid out?
An adjuster from your insurer typically visits your property to assess the damages or loss. Once the policy is reviewed and damages assessed, the adjuster will send a report listing the repairs, the amount your insurer will pay out (minus the deductible), and when you will be paid.
It is helpful to obtain estimates from contractors for repairs while the adjuster determines your payout. This can expedite the work project timeline and also give you an idea of how much repairs will cost.
The payment schedule depends on a variety of factors. You may receive full payment before work is completed, if it’s a smaller claim. If there is extensive damage or multiple contractors are required for the job, you may receive payment in separate installments. For some losses, you must first make the repairs or rebuild before you are reimbursed for the cost of replacement.
Will filing a claim increase my premium?
Filing a claim may or may not cause your premium to increase. If you have a history of submitting claims, there is a greater chance your rate will increase.