Preparation speeds up your homeowners insurance claim and increases your payout. Nine tips to file a successful home insurance claim:
9 Tips for Filing a Homeowners Insurance Claim
Updated: August 12, 2026
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Key Takeaways
Review your policy, document all damage, gather records of valuable items and make temporary repairs before filing a home insurance claim.
Contact your insurance company after damage occurs and ask what steps and documents they need.
Record all communications with your insurer and follow up on your claim's status.
1. Review Your Home Insurance Policy to Understand Coverage and Exclusions
Read your policy before filing to know what's covered and what's excluded. Focus on these home insurance coverages:
Dwelling CoverageDwelling coverage limits should reflect the full replacement cost of the home. A gap between the insured amount and actual rebuild costs creates out-of-pocket exposure when rebuilding becomes necessary.
Personal Property CoveragePersonal property coverage limits and exclusions determine the reimbursement amount for damaged or stolen items and should be reviewed before a claim arises.
Liability ProtectionPersonal liability coverage limits determine the level of financial protection available if someone is injured on the property and should be confirmed before a loss occurs.
Additional Living Expenses (ALE)ALE coverage limits determine how much financial support is available for temporary housing while the home is being repaired and should be reviewed before a displacement situation arises.
ExclusionsThe exclusions section of the policy identifies events or items outside the scope of coverage and should be reviewed to determine whether additional protection is warranted.
2. Document All Damage With Photos and Videos
All damaged areas should be photographed and recorded on video. Clear visual evidence strengthens the claim and supports a more accurate payout. Documentation should include:
- Wide-angle shots: Full room views showing the scope and context of damage
- Close-up photos: Specific damage details and severity
- Before-and-after comparisons: Pre-damage photos, where available
- Video walkthrough: Complete coverage of all damaged areas
- Individual items: Damaged belongings with serial numbers and identifying marks
3. Gather Receipts and Records of Valuable Items
Ownership and value records speed up your claim. Store these in cloud storage for easy access. Organize your documentation:
- 1List All Items
List valuables (electronics, jewelry, appliances, furniture) in a spreadsheet or home inventory app.
- 2Record Purchase Details
Write down purchase dates, costs and retailers.
- 3Take Photos and Videos
Photograph and video each item with serial numbers and identifying marks visible.
- 4Store Receipts
Save digital copies of receipts and appraisals in cloud storage.
- 5Update Regularly
Add new purchases and remove items you no longer own.
MAKE MAINTAINING A HOME INVENTORY A HABIT
Creating and maintaining a home inventory works best as an ongoing process rather than waiting until after damage occurs. Update your records often to avoid the stress of trying to recall everything after a loss.
4. Prevent Further Damage With Temporary Repairs
Temporary repairs should be made immediately to prevent further damage. Covering broken windows, tarping damaged roofs and shutting off water to burst pipes are standard first steps.
These measures protect the property and strengthen the claim.
5. Keep Detailed Records of All Communications With Your Insurer
Every phone call, email and letter with the insurer should be documented. The following practices support thorough recordkeeping:
- Confirm information: Statements made during conversations should be repeated back to confirm accuracy.
- Summarize main points: Key discussion points and any commitments made should be noted at the end of each call or email exchange.
- Request written confirmation: Important information should be requested via email or letter to create a paper trail.
- Organize by date: All documents and notes should be kept in chronological order to track the claim's progress.
- Use a communication log: Dates, times, representatives' names and main discussion points should be recorded for each interaction.
6. Follow Up Often on Your Claim Status
Check in regularly with your insurer. Gaps in communication often delay resolution when documents go missing.
7. Get Repair Estimates From Licensed Contractors
Get repair estimates from licensed contractors for clear repair costs and accurate financial data to support your claim.
- 1Research Contractors
Licensed contractors can be identified by reviewing online ratings, seeking recommendations and confirming credentials with local licensing boards.
- 2Request Multiple Estimates
Written estimates from at least three contractors should be obtained to compare costs and services.
- 3Schedule Inspections
In-person property assessments by contractors produce more accurate estimates than remote evaluations.
- 4Review Detailed Quotes
Each estimate should include a detailed breakdown of labor, materials and additional costs.
- 5Select the Best Option
The estimate offering the strongest balance of cost, quality and reliability should be selected and shared with the insurance adjuster.
8. Negotiate the Settlement Offer as Necessary
Don't accept the first settlement offer. Review it carefully to confirm it covers repair costs and losses. If the offer falls short, negotiate for more. Negotiate when:
- Offer Doesn't Cover Repair Costs
When the initial offer fails to fully reimburse the value of damaged or lost items, a better settlement should be pursued.
- Insufficient Coverage for Personal Property
When the initial offer falls short of fully reimbursing the value of damaged or lost items, pursuing a better settlement is warranted.
- Discrepancies in Damage Assessment
When the adjuster's estimate appears to understate the extent of damage, additional evidence should be submitted and a reassessment requested.
Lack of Coverage for Additional Living ExpensesWhen the offer fails to cover living expenses during repairs, additional coverage should be negotiated.
Unexpected Exclusions or DeductionsWhen the settlement includes unwarranted exclusions or deductions, those discrepancies should be raised directly with the insurer.
WHAT TO DO AFTER FILING A HOME INSURANCE CLAIM
After filing a homeowners insurance claim, regularly follow up on your claim status and get repair estimates from licensed contractors for fair compensation.
9. Consider Professional Help if Needed
Large or complex claims don't have to be solo projects. Licensed public adjusters document and value all damage correctly. Attorneys step in when disputes escalate or your claim gets denied. Both work for you, not the insurer, and protect your interests while securing fair settlements.
Homeowners Insurance Claims Tips: Bottom Line
Homeowners insurance claims can be complicated and stressful. Knowing the right steps makes the process smoother. Read your policy, document damage and keep detailed communication records. These steps speed up your claim and help you get fair compensation. If you're shopping for coverage, compare quotes from the best homeowners insurance companies to find the right policy.
Filing a Home Insurance Claim: FAQ
We answer common questions about the homeowners insurance claims process:
Reading your policy shows what's covered and what's not. You'll know your rights and coverage limits.
Detailed records provide an accurate account of all conversations and help resolve disputes. Get written confirmations of important details.
Reject offers that don't cover your repair costs, property losses or living expenses. Also negotiate when damage assessments seem incorrect or unexpected exclusions appear.
Provide additional evidence (photos, videos, repair estimates from licensed contractors) to support your case. Ask for a reassessment and negotiate until you reach fair terms.
Collect photos or videos of the damage, receipts for repairs or replacements and an updated home inventory.
Homeowners Insurance Claim Process: Related Pages
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a licensed Property and Casualty (P&C) Insurance Producer in Connecticut, is MoneyGeek's resident expert in insurance and economics. He has spent nearly a decade covering the insurance market at LendingTree and MoneyGeek. There, he has analyzed hundreds of carriers and millions of rates across auto, home, renters, health and life insurance.
His work has appeared in The Washington Post, The New York Times and NPR. He draws on independent cost and consumer experience data, and no insurance company partnerships affect his recommendations.
Mark studied at Boston College and later earned a master's in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University. He worked in financial risk management at State Street before joining MoneyGeek. He's also a five-time “Jeopardy!” champion.