Beginner’s Guide to Home Insurance Claims: How It Works and What to Expect

Hopefully, you’ll never have to file a claim for your home insurance.  But life is often unpredictable, and knowing how to navigate the process can be a boon in times of stress.  So, how does a home insurance claim work?  And how do you file one? Well, here are the steps you need to take to file a home insurance claim:

1. Ensure that everyone is safe – In the event of a covered peril, such as a fire or roof collapse, your first priority should always be to make sure that everyone is safe and there is no longer any immediate danger.
   

2. Make emergency repairs – Go ahead and take any steps necessary to prevent the damage from spreading further, such as shutting off your water in the event of a burst pipe or propping up your roof in the event of a collapse.  Make sure you document any costs related to this.
   

3. Consult with your agent about a claim – Once everyone is safe and any emergency repairs have been made, go ahead and call your insurance agent to consult with them about whether the claim is in your best interest.  Often, if repairs would cost less than your deductible, plus your premium, plus the increase to your premium after a claim, then it’s probably best in the long run to simply pay out of pocket.  If you do decide to file a claim, make sure you have all relevant personal and policy information on hand.
   

4. Document everything – Once you have filed the claim, make sure you take photos and videos of the damage, and make a list of all of the impacted items.  If you’ve had to make any emergency repairs to prevent any additional damage, or if you’ve had to stay at a hotel, go ahead and keep those receipts.
   

5. Insurance will determine how much was lost – Once the claim is filed, your insurance agency will determine just how much was damaged or destroyed during your disaster. 
   

6. Insurance will pay according to how much was lost – Now that insurance has determined the extent of the damage, they will reimburse you based on how much it will cost to return your property to the state it was at pre-loss.
   

While these steps seem simple, they can feel much more difficult to navigate.  Keeping any paperwork that has been filed, as well as any documentation of damage or emergency repairs you had to make can make it easier to navigate everything.  Even if something is damaged beyond repair, don’t throw it away!  It’s still valuable when any documentation of damage is required.  Furthermore, it will help you to remember that only you and your insurance agent have your best interests at heart.  Do not assume things, and do not trust third parties to have your best interests at heart.

And, if you would like help navigating the home insurance claims process, give AZ Insurance Team a call!  As an Arizona-based insurance broker, we can help you find the right policy for your needs and budget.  You can give us a call at 480.535.5709 or request a quote.

You can request a home insurance quote here.

Disclaimer: Coverage will vary based on state, insurance company, and type of policy