A fire, theft, storm damage, someone getting injured on your property — these are all unfortunate situations you hope to never deal with. But in the event you do, you’ll be able to rely on your homeowners insurance to help get things back to normal.

If the unexpected happens, you might need to file a claim with your insurance company. When should you file a homeowners claim and what happens after you do? We’re here to provide you with tips on how the homeowners insurance claims process works, so you know the right steps to take to keep your life on track.

When to File a Homeowners Insurance Claim

Yes, your home insurance is there to protect you when your home is damaged, and you might think, “Well, I pay for home insurance so I’m going to use it.” But that may not always be the best mindset. Remember that insurance is best used to bring you back on track for large and unexpected events, but there may be times when you’d simply be better off paying out of pocket. Talk with your agent to understand what the next steps would be if you did decide to file a claim.

Of course, there are many instances where you’ll need to file a claim — why have insurance otherwise, right? The point of your insurance is to make good on a loss and make you whole again. So, when should you file a claim? Typically, you’ll file a claim for events that would otherwise cost you more out of pocket than your deductible. For example, if you have a $1,000 deductible and you have $5,000 of damage to your home, you’ll want to file a claim. You may also want to make a claim if the cause of the damage or loss is from a criminal act, like theft or vandalism. Making a homeowners insurance theft claim may help later if the thief is caught and you go to court.

Want to make sure you have the proper coverage in place in case you do have to file a claim? That’s where a Personal Insurance Review comes into play. Taking the time to sit down with an agent to go over your coverages can give you peace of mind that you’ll be properly protected in the event of the unexpected. They’ll help determine if there are any important coverages you’re missing and make sure your limits are adequate.

How long do you have to file a homeowners insurance claim?

The time limit for filing a homeowners insurance claim varies from company to company and state to state, even policy to policy. Most policies list a requirement that a claim be filed as promptly as possible. File your claim as soon as possible after the damage occurs and you’ve decided to report a claim.

How does filing a homeowners insurance claim work?

Familiarizing yourself with the claims process will help everything run smoother if you have to file a claim. Here’s how the claims process works:

Take pictures of the damage. First, you’ll want to be sure to document any damage done to your home by taking video and pictures. These will come in handy when you share them with your insurance company.

Report your claim as soon as possible. Contact your insurance agent or company as soon as possible after you discover the damage. Your personal claims representative will go over your claim with you, discuss if the damage will be covered and what you can expect for next steps.

Fill out the claims forms promptly. Your insurance company will send you the necessary claims forms for completion. Make sure to note any deadlines and return the forms right away.

Document everything. Hopefully, you’ve already taken pictures and/or recorded the damage done to your home, but don’t let the documentation stop there. Save any receipts for costs you incurred as a result of the loss, including any materials you purchased for temporary repairs, or a hotel stay as a result of your home being uninhabitable. This will help determine the total cost of the claim.

Be present for the adjuster. Once you file your homeowner’s insurance claim, an adjuster will be assigned to your claim. The adjuster will make arrangements with you to inspect the damages and complete a repair estimate for the damages that are covered under your policy.

Receive a settlement. The adjuster will issue payment(s) for the damages that are covered under your policy. If you have a mortgage on your home, the mortgage company will also be named on the check for damages to the structure of your home.

Review Your Homeowners Coverage with Your Local Agent Today

We want to make sure you understand how your home insurance best protects you. If you have more questions about filing a claim, your agent is your advocate — we want to make sure you understand how your home insurance best protects you. If you have more questions about filing a claim, your agent is your advocate — connect with yours today and they’ll guide you through the entire process and they’ll guide you through the entire process.

This information represents only a brief description of coverages, is not part of your policy, and is not a promise or guarantee of coverage. If there is any conflict between this information and your policy, the provisions of the policy will prevail. Insurance policy terms and conditions may apply. Exclusions may apply to policies, endorsements, or riders. Coverage may vary by state and may be subject to change. Some products are not available in every state. Please read your policy and contact your agent for assistance.

This article is for informational purposes only and based on information that is widely available. This information does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal or financial advice. You should contact a professional for advice specific to your situation.