How to file a home insurance claim
Finding damage to your home is stressful. Filing a home insurance claim doesn't have to be. Knowing the process before you need it turns a slow, arduous experience into a manageable one.
When you discover a burst pipe, storm damage, or a tree branch that’s taken out a fence, take photos and capture video right away. And file a claim on the same day if possible.
Key takeaways
- Document before you touch anything—get photos and video from multiple angles, and make note of the model and serial number for any damaged property
- File the claim on the same day—your policy probably stipulates a window for filing and missing it can jeopardize your claim
- Temporary fixes are your responsibility—tarp the roof or shut the water off, and hold on to every receipt for purchases you made
- Large repairs wait for the adjuster—starting early can put the estimate in dispute
- Inventory of all your personal belongings—doing this before an event will save you lots of stress, so be sure to include purchase dates
Step 1: Report the loss right away
Speed matters when property damage occurs. The sooner you report, the cleaner the record and the sooner the process starts.
- Ensure the area is safe to enter and call emergency services if needed
- Contact your insurance agency immediately to start the home insurance claim process
- Review your policy to understand specific time limits for reporting a loss
- Ask your agent for a claim number and the name of your assigned adjuster—you'll get an email or text confirming both right away
Be mindful of policy time limits
Your policy requires notification within a certain timeframe, and missing it can lead to a denial of your claim. Your adjuster also needs to see the damage right away—before the effects of time or weather change it. Reporting damage the same day it happens keeps the claim clean and expedites your settlement.
Step 2: Documenting home damage
Documenting home damage is the key to a successful claim. The more evidence you provide, the easier it is for your carrier to accurately evaluate your loss. And by keeping detailed records, you’ll reduce the likelihood of a questionable charge turning into a disputed claim.
Photos and video evidence
Take clear, high-resolution photos and videos of all affected areas before you move anything. Capture the damage from multiple angles. Include wide shots of the room to provide context. If an appliance caused the issue, take a photo of the serial number and model information. This helps the adjuster in their evaluation.
Build your home inventory before you need it
Keeping an inventory of home belongings before a loss can spare you one of the hardest parts of the process. With a list of all your belongings—including original costs and purchase dates—in place, you won’t have to start from scratch in the middle of a disaster.
Step 3: Preventing further property loss
Once you've documented the scene, it’s your responsibility to stop the damage from spreading. That doesn't mean starting permanent repairs. It means temporary fixes like tarping a roof, or shutting off a water main.
But in cases involving sewage or other contaminants, biohazard cleanup is specialist work, not a do-it-yourself job. Ask your adjuster what your policy allows, then choose your own licensed contractor.
Hippo's guide, “How to file a home insurance claim in eight steps”, puts it plainly: your insurer may not cover additional damage that you could’ve easily prevented. Keep every receipt for materials you buy for temporary fixes, and ask your adjuster which of them your policy reimburses.
Step 4: Navigating the inspection
The inspection is a critical part of the process. They'll inspect your property to verify what caused the damage and estimate the cost of repairs. Knowing what your adjuster will look for helps ensure nothing will be missed.
- Walk through the damage with the adjuster and point out every item on your inventory list.
- Provide a copy of your photos and repair receipts to the adjuster for their file.
- Ask for a timeline on when you can expect the initial estimate and the proof of loss form, the sworn statement of what you're claiming.
Step 5: Settle your claim and schedule repairs
The final step in your claim process is to settle the claim. Settling refers to an official closing on the claim, when both parties have agreed to the payout amount. Once the claim is settled, you’ll receive a check from your insurance company to complete the repairs within a specified amount of time. Once you receive the check, get your repairs scheduled soon to avoid any issues with the payment.
Proactive protection: beyond the claim
Knowing how to manage a homeowners claim makes a big difference. But not needing to file one in the first place is ideal. One of the most reliable ways to do that is staying on top of home maintenance.
- Clean your gutters twice a year to prevent water from collecting.
- Inspect your roof for loose shingles after high winds using a storm resilience guide.
- Know where your main water shutoff is, and test it once a year.
- Review your policy annually so your limits still reflect what your home would cost to rebuild today, and look at fresh homeowners insurance quotes while you're there.
Frequently asked questions
Will my premium increase if I file a claim?
Filing a claim can affect your rates. How much it does depends on the type of loss and your claims history. It's worth understanding claim-related premium changes before you file for a small amount. For storm damage, a hail damage inspection checklist can help you work out whether the damage warrants a formal filing.
Can I choose my own contractor for repairs?
Yes, you can. You pick the licensed contractor who does the work, and your carrier works from the adjuster's estimate. Confirm the details with your carrier, since the rules differ by state.
What if the adjuster's estimate is too low?
If the estimate doesn't cover the actual cost of repairs, give the adjuster your contractor's itemized bid. You can also request a second inspection if something significant was missed the first time.
Does homeowners insurance cover pet damage?
Those are two different things. Personal liability, which is what applies if your pet injures someone, is a standard part of a homeowners policy. Damage your own pet does to your own home is a separate question, and your policy is the place to confirm what it says about both. For your pet's medical needs, you would look into separate pet insurance plans.
What are the leading home insurance claim types?
According to home insurance statistics, the main home insurance claim types are wind, water, hail, and theft.
How long should a home insurance claim take?
To receive a payout from your home insurance company, it can take anywhere from several weeks to several months. How long your exact situation will take depends on state laws, your contract and the type of claim.
Can you withdraw a homeowners insurance claim?
After filing, you can still withdraw a home insurance claim by contacting your insurance provider. However, it’s worth noting that a canceled claim will stay on your CLUE record for the same amount of time as an approved claim.
Is it worth claiming on home insurance?
Submitting a claim with your home insurance is worth it when the cost of repairs is higher than your deductible amount. Otherwise, you’re better off paying for the repairs yourself.
What should you not say to an insurance adjuster?
When working with an insurance adjuster during the claims process, make sure never to admit fault or take the blame for the incident. In addition, you should avoid making statements about your health or saying anything on the record that could be used to deny your claim.
We may be named after an animal, but we pride ourselves on the human touch we provide to the typically stuffy claims process. That’s why we created our 24/7 claims concierge, to be there for you anytime you need us.
In the market for a new provider after a recent claim process gone wrong? Give us a call to learn about our modern policies.
Have a question about your policy before you file? Compare your options with a licensed agent at Hippo. If you're reviewing your vehicles at the same time, you can also look at auto insurance options.
This article is for informational purposes only and was compiled from sources not affiliated with Hippo. While we believe this information to be reliable, we do not guarantee its accuracy or completeness. For any insurance-related decision, please consult your licensed insurance producer.
Sources cited are publicly available and referenced in August, 2026.
