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: July 1, 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 CoverageCheck your dwelling coverage limits to ensure your home is insured for full replacement cost. This avoids out-of-pocket expenses if rebuilding is necessary.
Personal Property CoverageUnderstand the limits and exclusions on personal property coverage to know how much reimbursement you'll receive for damaged or stolen items.
Liability ProtectionCheck your personal liability coverage limits to see how much protection you have if someone gets injured on your property.
Additional Living Expenses (ALE)Review your ALE coverage to determine how much support you'll get if you need temporary housing while your home is being repaired.
ExclusionsPay attention to the exclusions section to identify events or items not covered by your policy. This helps you plan for additional protection if needed.
2. Document All Damage With Photos and Videos
Photograph and video all damaged areas. Clear visual evidence supports your claim and increases your payout. Document:
- Wide-angle shots: Entire rooms showing damage context
- Close-up photos: Specific damage and severity
- Before-and-after comparisons: Pre-damage photos if available
- Video walkthrough: 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
Take immediate steps to prevent more damage through temporary repairs. Cover broken windows, tarp damaged roofs or shut off water to burst pipes.
These temporary repairs protect your property and support your claim.
5. Keep Detailed Records of All Communications With Your Insurer
Document every phone call, email and letter with your insurer. Keep these records:
- Confirm information: Repeat statements back during conversations to confirm accuracy.
- Summarize main points: Note what was discussed and any commitments made at the end of each call or email.
- Request written confirmation: Ask for important information via email or letter.
- Organize by date: Keep all documents and notes in chronological order to track your claim's progress.
- Use a communication log: Record dates, times, representatives' names and main discussion points 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
Find licensed contractors by checking online reviews, requesting recommendations and verifying credentials with local licensing boards.
- 2Request Multiple Estimates
Contact at least three contractors for written estimates to compare costs and services.
- 3Schedule Inspections
Have contractors visit your property to assess damage in person for accurate estimates.
- 4Review Detailed Quotes
Make sure each estimate includes a breakdown of labor, materials and additional costs.
- 5Select the Best Option
Choose the estimate with the best balance of cost, quality and reliability to share with your 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
If the offer doesn't reimburse your damaged or lost items' value, seek a better settlement.
- Insufficient Coverage for Personal Property
If the offer doesn't fully reimburse your damaged or lost items' value, seek a better settlement.
- Discrepancies in Damage Assessment
If you believe the adjuster underestimated damage extent, provide additional evidence and request reassessment.
Lack of Coverage for Additional Living ExpensesIf the offer doesn't cover living expenses during repairs, negotiate for more coverage.
Unexpected Exclusions or DeductionsIf the settlement includes unwarranted exclusions or deductions, address these concerns with your 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 insurance expert. He has spent nearly a decade analyzing the market, first at LendingTree and now at MoneyGeek, where he produces original research on hundreds of carriers and millions of rates across auto, home, renters, health and life insurance.
He covers economics and insurance at MoneyGeek, and his work has been featured in The Washington Post, The New York Times and NPR, among other outlets.
Like all MoneyGeek analysts, he draws on independent cost and consumer experience data. No insurance company partnership influences his recommendations.
Mark holds a B.A. from Boston College and an M.A. in Economics and International Relations from Johns Hopkins University. He started his career in financial risk management at State Street and is also a five-time “Jeopardy!” champion.