File a claim by calling your insurer within 24 to 48 hours of the damage, taking photos of everything, and gathering your policy documents and receipts
The first step is to contact your insurance company directly — not through an agent or broker, but through the claims phone number on your policy or their website. Most insurers have a 24-hour claims line. Tell them what happened, when it happened, and what was damaged. They will assign you a claim number and either schedule an adjuster to visit your home or tell you what to do next. Do not wait: many policies require you to report damage within a specific timeframe, often 30 days, though sooner is always safer.
While you are on the phone, ask whether you need to take when ready steps to prevent further damage — for example, covering a broken window or shutting off water after a burst pipe. Most policies require you to do this, and your insurer may cover the cost of emergency repairs. Write down the name of the person you spoke with, the date, the time, and your claim number. You will reference this repeatedly.
Key Takeaways
- Call your insurer's claims line within 24 to 48 hours of discovering damage, and write down your claim number and the adjuster's name.
- Take photos and video of all damage before cleaning up or making repairs, and keep receipts for any emergency work you pay for out of pocket.
- Gather your policy documents, proof of ownership for damaged items, and any records showing the condition of your home before the damage occurred.
- The adjuster will inspect your home, estimate the cost to repair or replace, and either approve or deny your claim within days to weeks depending on complexity.
- If you disagree with the adjuster's estimate, you can request a second opinion or hire your own contractor to provide a competing estimate.
Document the damage with photos and video before you clean up
Take pictures and video of every damaged area from multiple angles and distances. Photograph the overall room, then zoom in on specific damage. If a pipe burst, show the water damage on the walls, floor, and belongings. If a tree fell on your roof, show the hole, the tree, and the surrounding area. If items were stolen, photograph the empty space where they were. Do not throw anything away or begin repairs until the adjuster has seen the damage — or at minimum, until you have documented it thoroughly.
Save these photos and videos to your phone, email them to yourself, and back them up to cloud storage. If your phone is damaged in the incident, transfer the files when ready to a computer or external drive. These images are your evidence if there is a dispute later about what was damaged or how severe the damage was.
Gather your policy documents and proof of ownership
Find your homeowners insurance policy and have it ready when the adjuster calls or visits. You will need to know your coverage limits, your deductible, and what types of damage your policy covers. For example, some policies exclude flood damage or earthquake damage, and you may have separate riders or endorsements that cover specific items like jewelry or art.
For items that were damaged or destroyed, collect proof that you owned them and what they cost. This might be receipts, credit card statements, photos from before the damage, or warranty paperwork. If you bought something years ago and no longer have the receipt, bank statements, insurance documents, or even a photo showing the item in your home can help prove ownership. The adjuster will use this information to determine how much to pay you — usually the replacement cost (what it would cost to buy new) or the actual cash value (replacement cost minus depreciation), depending on your policy.
Meet with the insurance adjuster and answer their questions honestly
The adjuster is the person who inspects your home and decides what the insurer will pay. They will walk through the damaged areas, take their own photos, ask you detailed questions about what happened, and estimate the cost to repair or replace. Be present during this inspection. Show them all the damage, answer their questions truthfully, and provide the documentation you gathered. If you are unsure about something, say so — do not guess or exaggerate.
The adjuster may ask about the age of the roof, when you last had the plumbing inspected, or whether you were home when the damage occurred. These questions help them understand whether the damage was sudden and accidental (covered) or the result of neglect (often not covered). If the adjuster finds that you failed to maintain your home and that caused the damage, they may deny the claim or reduce the payout. Be honest about maintenance, but also mention any repairs or upkeep you have done recently.
Review the adjuster's estimate and compare it to your own costs
After the inspection, the adjuster will send you a written estimate of what the insurer will pay. This estimate lists each damaged item or area, the cost to repair or replace it, and the total payout minus your deductible. Read this carefully. If the estimate seems too low, you have options.
Get your own estimate from a contractor, restoration company, or repair shop. If your estimate is significantly higher than the adjuster's, provide it to your insurer in writing. Some policies allow for a process called appraisal, where you and the insurer each hire an independent appraiser, those two appraisers meet and try to agree on a value, and if they cannot, a third appraiser breaks the tie. This process costs money upfront but can result in a higher payout if the adjuster underestimated the damage.
Submit additional documentation if the insurer requests it
The insurer may ask for more information before they finalize the claim. They might request receipts you did not provide, photos of specific areas, or a contractor's detailed estimate. Respond to these requests promptly — delays can slow down your claim. Keep copies of everything you send, and send documents by email or certified mail so you have proof of delivery.
If the insurer denies your claim or offers a settlement you believe is unfair, you have the right to dispute it. Review your policy to understand the reason for the denial. Common reasons include that the damage is not covered under your policy, that you did not report it in time, or that the damage resulted from a cause your policy excludes. If you disagree, you can request a detailed explanation in writing, hire a public adjuster to negotiate on your behalf, or file a complaint with your state's insurance commissioner.
Receive payment and manage repairs or replacement
Once the insurer approves your claim, they will send you a check. The check is usually made out to you and your mortgage lender (if you have a mortgage), because the lender has a financial interest in the home. You will need to deposit the check and may need the lender's signature to access the funds. If the repair cost is higher than the insurance payout, you will pay the difference out of pocket. If the payout is higher than the actual repair cost, you keep the difference — the insurer does not require you to spend the money on repairs.
Hire a contractor to do the repairs, or if the damage is minor, do the work yourself. Keep all receipts and invoices. If you hired a contractor and the work cost more than the insurance estimate, you can submit the final invoice to the insurer and request additional payment, though they are not obligated to pay more than they already approved.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get paid after I file a claim?
straightforward claims with clear damage and no disputes can be approved and paid within a few days to a week. Complex claims involving multiple areas of damage, structural issues, or disagreements about the estimate can take several weeks or longer. The insurer is typically required by state law to respond to your claim within 15 to 30 days, depending on your state.
What if I cannot find receipts for items that were damaged?
Receipts help but are not always required. You can use bank or credit card statements, photos showing the item in your home, warranty paperwork, or even testimony from someone who saw the item. The adjuster will use whatever evidence you provide to estimate the item's value at the time of damage. For older items, the payout will be lower because of depreciation.
Can I start repairs before the adjuster visits?
You should wait for the adjuster to inspect the damage if possible, because they need to see it to estimate the cost. However, if waiting would cause more damage — for example, if a roof is leaking and water is damaging the interior — you can make emergency repairs. Document the damage with photos first, keep all receipts, and tell your insurer what you did and why. Most will cover the cost of emergency repairs.
What if my insurer denies my claim?
Request a written explanation of why the claim was denied. Review your policy to see whether the damage is actually excluded or whether the denial is based on a misunderstanding. If you disagree, you can hire a public adjuster or attorney to review the denial, file a complaint with your state's insurance commissioner, or request appraisal if your policy allows it.
Do I have to use the contractor the insurer recommends?
No. The insurer may suggest contractors, but you can hire anyone you want. Get multiple quotes, check references, and verify that the contractor is licensed and insured. The insurer will pay based on their estimate, not on what you actually spend, so choosing a cheaper or more expensive contractor does not change the payout.