How to file a home insurance claim

Before you report the damage, look up your deductible on the declarations page. Then notify the insurer right away. The policy states how long you have to report a loss.

What the insurer will ask for

Have your policy number, name, address and phone number ready when you call. Explain what happened and how much damage you can see. Write down the claim number and the name of the person you spoke to.

The declarations page also shows what the policy covers. A homeowners policy usually covers the dwelling, other structures such as a detached garage or a fence, personal property, loss of use and liability. Loss of use pays living expenses if you can't live in the house while it is repaired.

An annotated example

What to do next

1. 1

   Report the loss

   Call your insurer or agent, or start the claim in the insurer's app. Ask what it needs from you and by when.

   15 min

2. 2

   Record the damage before cleanup

   List each damaged item, with photos and video. Include valuables such as antiques, electronics, jewelry and collectibles, and photograph the serial numbers on damaged appliances.

   30 min

3. 3

   Stop further damage

   Shut off the water if it is safe to do so, and keep the receipts for anything you buy to protect the house.

   30 min

4. 4

   Rebuild the list if your records were lost

   Work room by room from memory. Photos on your phone, and pictures family or friends took inside the house, show what was there. Online retailers' prices help estimate each item's cost.

   60 min

5. 5

   Keep every receipt

   Keep the receipts for repairs and for new items you buy, with the inventory, as proof for the claim.

   10 min

6. 6

   Meet the adjuster with your contractor

   Having your contractor at the meeting can help.

   60 min

Replacement cost and actual cash value

How the insurer pays for belongings depends on the policy. Replacement cost pays to replace or rebuild without subtracting for depreciation. Actual cash value pays what the item was worth after depreciation. The declarations page or the policy says which you have.