How do I file a home insurance claim?

To file a home insurance claim: document the damage, contact your insurer promptly, cooperate with the adjuster's inspection, and review the settlement offer before accepting. Act quickly — most policies require timely notice, and some repairs (like tarping a damaged roof) must be made immediately to prevent further loss.

Filing a homeowners insurance claim follows a predictable sequence, but small missteps — like delaying notice or discarding damaged items before the adjuster sees them — can complicate or reduce your settlement. The CFPB's insurance claims overview and NAIC consumer resources are the authoritative neutral references for policyholder rights in this process.

Step 1: Document everything before cleanup

Before touching anything (except emergency stabilization like tarping a roof or turning off water), photograph and video all damage — structure, belongings, and any contributing cause you can capture. Make a written list of damaged items with estimated values. This documentation is your evidence if the insurer's estimate differs from yours.

Step 2: Make emergency repairs to prevent further damage

Most policies require you to take reasonable steps to prevent further loss — covering a broken window, drying out a flooded room. Keep every receipt. The insurer should reimburse reasonable emergency repair costs as part of your claim, but confirm before spending significant amounts. Do not permanently repair damage until the adjuster has inspected it.

Step 3: Notify your insurer promptly

Contact your insurer (phone or online portal) as soon as practical after the loss event.
Most policies require "prompt" or "timely" notice — delayed notice can give the insurer grounds to contest coverage.
Get a claim number in writing. Document the name of every representative you speak with and the date.
Ask what your policy's timeframe is for submitting a proof of loss form — typically 60 days, but it varies.

Step 4: Work with the adjuster

The insurer assigns an adjuster to inspect your property and estimate the covered loss. You have the right to be present for the inspection. If you disagree with the adjuster's estimate, your policy almost certainly contains an appraisal clause — a process for resolving disputes using independent appraisers. The NAIC's policyholder rights guidance explains this dispute process.

Step 5: Review your settlement offer before accepting

The settlement offer reflects the insurer's calculation of your covered loss minus your deductible. Verify it accounts for replacement cost value (RCV) if that's your policy type, and that all damaged items are included. Once you accept and sign a release, you typically cannot reopen the claim. If you believe the offer is too low, contact your state's department of insurance — reachable through USA.gov — to understand your options before signing.

Policyholder rights in the claims process

Policyholders have the right to invoke the appraisal process if they disagree with the insurer's damage estimate; the appraisal clause in most policies provides a structured mechanism for resolving disputes. — NAIC
State insurance departments handle consumer complaints about claim disputes, delays, and denials; filing a complaint is a formal process that insurers must respond to. — USA.gov
Most homeowners policies require policyholders to give prompt notice of a loss and to protect the property from further damage — failure to do either can affect a claim. — NAIC — Consumer Guide

Key takeaways

Document all damage with photos and video before cleanup; keep receipts for emergency repairs.
Notify your insurer promptly — delayed notice can give the insurer grounds to contest coverage.
You have the right to be present during the adjuster's inspection; take your own notes.
If the settlement offer is too low, invoke the policy's appraisal clause or file a complaint with your state department of insurance.
Don't accept and sign a release until you're satisfied the settlement is complete.