How Does A Home Insurance Claim Work?
- Charlotte Burr
- Nov 28, 2025
- 3 min read
Hopefully, you’ll never have to file a claim for your home insurance. But life is often
unpredictable and knowing how to navigate the claims process can be an advantage in
times of stress. 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 (loss), such as a
fire or water damage, 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 the necessary steps to prevent
the damage from spreading further, such as shutting off your water in the event
of a burst pipe or making the sure the fire is 100 percent put out. 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. If repairs cost
less than your deductible, plus the potential increase to your premium after a
claim, then it could be 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 or your
contractor 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. The Insurance adjuster will work with you or the contractor to determine how
much was lost – Once the claim is filed, your insurance agency will determine
just how much was damaged plus repairs will cost.
6. 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 straight forward, they can feel difficult to navigate. Here are
few things a homeowner can do to help lessen some of the potential stress of the claims
process. Document everything that is damaged with pictures and videos. Keep all
estimates and documents from the contractor(s).
Keep in touch with your insurance agent throughout the process. Insurance Agents
have been through the claims process with clients and escalate the claim if needed.
Do not assume that 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.
How AZ Insurance Team Has Your Back
At AZ Insurance Team, we’ve been serving the Valley for over a decade, helping families and individuals protect what matters most. Whether it’s reviewing your home, auto, or life insurance, summer is the perfect time to make sure you’re covered before the celebrations begin. Reach out today to review your policy and see how much you could save. Peace of mind is just a call or click away.
Independent insurance brokerage located in Tempe, AZ. We offer auto insurance, homeowners insurance, life insurance, renters insurance, commercial insurance…
Disclaimer: Coverage will vary based on state, insurance company, and type of policy
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