Initial Reporting
The homeowner's insurance claim process begins with prompt notification to your insurance company. Most insurers offer multiple reporting channels—phone hotlines, mobile apps, online portals, or through your agent. Document the date, time, and representative name when reporting. Provide basic information about what happened, when it occurred, and the extent of the apparent damage. Many insurers assign a claim number immediately, which you should record for all future communications. This initial report typically triggers the assignment of an adjuster to your case within 24-72 hours, depending on claim volume and severity.
Documentation and Mitigation
After reporting, thoroughly document all damage before making any repairs. Take extensive photographs and videos from multiple angles, capturing both overall damage scenes and specific details. Create a detailed inventory of damaged items, including approximate age, original cost, and replacement value. Gather any receipts, manuals, or photos showing pre-damage condition when available. Simultaneously, take reasonable steps to prevent further damage—covering broken windows, turning off water sources, or placing tarps over roof damage. Insurance policies require this "mitigation," and failure to take reasonable protective measures could reduce your claim payment.
Adjuster Evaluation
An insurance adjuster will contact you to schedule an inspection, typically within a week for standard claims or longer following widespread disasters. During this inspection, the adjuster evaluates damage, confirms coverage, and estimates repair costs. Provide your documentation and be present during this inspection when possible. The adjuster may request contractor estimates or professional evaluations for specialized items. Following the inspection, the adjuster prepares a damage estimate and coverage determination.
Settlement and Payment
Once the damage evaluation is complete, the insurance company issues a settlement offer detailing covered items and payment amounts. For straightforward claims with clear coverage, initial payments may arrive within days of the adjuster's inspection. Complex claims involving multiple damage types or coverage questions may take longer. Most insurers issue separate payments for structure and contents damage. If you have a mortgage, structural damage payments typically include your lender as a payee, requiring their endorsement before funds can be used.
Dispute Resolution Options
If you disagree with the settlement offer, most policies include formal dispute resolution mechanisms. Request a claim review with a different adjuster or supervisor as your first step. Consider hiring a public adjuster who specifically works for you, not the insurance company) for significant disagreements. Most policies include an "appraisal" provision allowing for neutral third-party evaluation of disputed amounts.