Steps to Filing a Homeowner’s Insurance Claim

There are many reasons you may need to file a homeowner’s insurance claim. You could have a tree fall into your house during a storm, you could have a fire, your roof could be damaged by hail or high winds, or the neighbor’s kid may simply throw a ball through your window. What kinds of damage are covered by your insurance will depend on the specifics of your policy and your state’s laws, as home coverage offered by businesses in Minnesota will vary somewhat from that in Texas, for instance.

The first thing you want to do is look over the damage. If it’s minor you should consider fixing it yourself rather than risking having your premiums raised because of a claim, particularly if you already have a high deductible. If you’re sure that it will cost you more than your deductible then you must call them immediately. Use the number listed on your policy. Don’t try to clean up the mess yourself; you want them to see the damage the way it is, as soon as possible. The quicker you are in putting your claim in, the more likely you are to see a speedy resolution.

Your insurance company should send an assessor out to inspect the damage. He or she will be responsible for determining what repairs or other actions need to be taken. For instance, if you have a fallen tree then they will pay for someone to come in, cut it up and remove it. Only then can the damage to the house itself begin to be repaired.

If the damage to your home is causing a leak or a hole in your wall, then you should take immediate steps to contain the damage with a tarp or other covering. Don’t try to fix it yourself, though. You have no guarantee of reimbursement from your insurance for any work done without their approval.

Through all of this, write down everything that’s done, and every phone call you make. Make multiple copies of documents and send everything by certified mail. Persistence and documentation are the keys to getting a timely resolution and fair settlement.