Steps to take after damage
- Make sure everyone is safe. Call 911 if there's a fire, gas leak or injury.
- Prevent more damage if it's safe, like shutting off water or tarping a roof.
- Take photos and videos of the damage before you clean up or throw anything away.
- Contact your carrier to report the claim. Many have a claims phone line, website or app.
- Keep receipts for emergency repairs, supplies, and hotel or meal costs if you can't stay home.
Before you file, check your deductible
Your deductible is the amount you pay before coverage starts. If the damage costs only a little more than your deductible, filing may not be worth it, since a claim can affect your premium. If the damage is large or involves injury, it's usually wise to report it. Your agent can help you think it through.
What to have ready
- Your policy number and carrier's claims contact
- The date, time and cause of the damage, if you know it
- Photos, videos and a list of damaged items
- A home inventory or receipts that show what you owned
- A police report number for theft or vandalism
Working with the adjuster
Your carrier will usually assign an adjuster to inspect the damage. Walk through the home with them, share your photos and list, and point out anything that's easy to miss. Ask questions about what is covered and how the estimate was built. Keep notes of your calls, with dates and names.
Some homeowners hire a public adjuster, who works for you rather than the carrier, usually for a percentage of the claim. Rules vary by state.
A typical claim timeline
Timelines vary a lot by carrier, the size of the claim, and whether many homes in your area were hit at once. This is a rough guide only.
- Day 1: stop further damage and take photos
- Days 1 to 3: report the claim
- Weeks 1 to 2: adjuster inspection
- Weeks 2 to 6: estimate, approval and payment, often longer after a major storm
How claim checks work with a mortgage
Large claim payments for damage to the home often name both you and your mortgage servicer, because the home secures the loan. Your servicer may hold the funds and release them in stages as repairs are done, sometimes after an inspection. Call your servicer early to learn their process. Payments for belongings or extra living costs usually come to you directly.
If you disagree with the estimate
Ask the adjuster to explain the estimate, and share contractor bids or extra photos. You can ask for a re-inspection. Many policies also have an appraisal clause, a process for settling disputes over the amount of a loss. If you're still stuck, your state insurance department can explain your options.
