To file a home insurance claim, make sure everyone is safe, stop further damage, document everything with photos and receipts, and then contact your agent or insurance company to report the loss. From there, a claims adjuster inspects the damage, you review the estimate, and your insurer pays for covered repairs, minus your deductible.
It sounds simple on paper, but it can feel overwhelming when it’s your own roof or your own kitchen. The steps you take in the first day or two make a real difference in how smoothly things go.
At April Jones Insurance, we compare multiple carriers to find the right fit for you, and we stay with you when it’s time to use that coverage. Get in touch for a free quote or a policy review.
Before You File a Claim
Make Sure Everyone Is Safe
Safety comes first, always. If there’s a fire, a gas smell, or a downed power line, get out and call 911 before you think about insurance.
If you’ve had property stolen or vandalized, file a police report right away. Your insurer will likely ask for a copy.
Check Your Policy and Your Deductible
Take a few minutes to review what your policy covers and what your deductible is. If the repair costs are close to or less than your deductible, filing may not make sense.
Here in coastal North Carolina, wind and hail damage often carries its own, higher deductible, and it’s sometimes on a separate wind and hail policy. Flood damage isn’t part of standard homeowners insurance at all, so it’s filed under your flood insurance policy.
Not sure what to do? Call us first, and we’ll talk through whether you should file a claim in your situation.
How to File a Home Insurance Claim in 6 Steps
1. Document the Damage
Take photos and video of everything before you move or clean up, including wide shots and close-ups. Make a list of damaged items, and hold on to them until the adjuster has seen them if you can.
Gather receipts, serial numbers, or anything else that shows proof of ownership and value. If you already keep a home inventory, this part goes much faster.
2. Prevent Further Damage
Your insurance policy expects you to take reasonable steps to protect your home after a loss. That could mean tarping a roof, boarding up a broken window, or shutting off the water.
Keep it to temporary repairs for now, and save every receipt. Those expenses are often reimbursed as part of a covered loss, while permanent repairs should wait until the adjuster has seen the damage.
3. Contact Your Agent or Insurance Company
Report the loss as soon as you can, since most policies require prompt notice. You can usually file a claim online, through your insurer’s app, or by phone.
Have your policy number, the date of the loss, and a short description of what happened ready. Our team can point you to the right claims contact and explain what to expect, so call us at (910) 660-0215 if you’d like a hand.
4. Meet With the Claims Adjuster
Your insurer will assign an adjuster to inspect the damage and determine what’s covered. Walk through the home with them, share your photos and your list, and point out anything they might miss.
It’s helpful to get a written estimate from a licensed contractor too. That gives you something to compare against the adjuster’s numbers.
5. Review the Estimate and Settlement
Read the adjuster’s estimate line by line and ask about anything that’s missing or unclear. If you disagree, you can send in your contractor’s estimate and ask for a second look.
Many policies pay in two parts. You may get a first payment for the depreciated value of the damage, with the rest released after the repairs are finished.
If you have a mortgage, the check for structural repairs may be made out to both you and your lender. That’s normal, and your lender will explain how to get the money released.
6. Complete Repairs and Keep Your Records
Choose a contractor you trust and keep copies of every invoice and payment. If your home isn’t livable during repairs, ask about additional living expenses coverage for hotel and meal costs.
Save all of your claim details in one folder, including the claim number and the name of each person you speak with. You’ll be glad you did if questions come up later.
How Long Does a Home Insurance Claim Take?
It depends on several factors, including the extent of the damage and how many other homeowners are filing at the same time. A simple homeowners claim might wrap up in a few weeks, while major damage after natural disasters like hurricanes can take months.
You can help keep things moving by responding quickly and keeping your documents organized. That’s the part of the claims process you control.
Will Filing a Claim Affect My Premium?
It can. Insurers look at your claims history when they set your premium, and several claims in a short period may lead to a higher rate or a non-renewal.
That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use your coverage, because that’s exactly what it’s there for. It just means small losses you can comfortably pay out of pocket are sometimes better handled on your own.
What If Your Claim Is Denied?
Ask your insurer to explain the decision in writing and point to the policy language it relied on. We’ve written a guide on what to do if your insurance claim is denied, and we’re always glad to review a denial with you.
North Carolina homeowners can also contact the NC Department of Insurance for help with a claim dispute.
We’re Here When You Need Us
Filing a homeowners insurance claim is never anyone’s favorite day, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. A quick review now can also make sure your coverage and deductibles are where you want them before the next storm.
As an independent agency serving Hampstead, Wilmington, Pittsboro, and communities across North Carolina, we shop multiple carriers so your policy fits your home and your budget. Contact April Jones Insurance and let us help you protect what matters most, the right way.
Homeowners Also Ask These Questions About Filing a Home Insurance Claim
What should you not say when filing a home insurance claim?
Avoid guessing about the cause, the cost, or who’s at fault. Stick to the facts you know, be honest, and let the adjuster determine the rest.
Is it worth it to file a homeowners insurance claim?
Usually yes, when the damage is well above your deductible. For small losses, paying out of pocket can protect your claims history.
When should you not file a home insurance claim?
When the repair cost is below or just over your deductible, or when the damage comes from wear and tear that the policy doesn’t cover. Your agent can help you decide.
What’s the biggest mistake people make when dealing with an insurance claim?
Making permanent repairs or throwing away damaged items before the adjuster sees them. Poor documentation is a close second.
How soon should I file a claim after damage?
As soon as possible. Policies require prompt notice, and waiting can make it harder to show what caused the damage.