How to File a Homeowners Insurance Claim

2 Min Read
Updated March 7, 2024
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Close up of a leaky gutter on a house.
Written By Kevin Graham

You come home one night after a strong thunderstorm and aren’t thinking at all about the weather. That changes when you hear water in your basement upon entering. The sump pump didn’t turn on, and now you have water damage.

It’s probably not what you wanted to come home to, but there’s no need to panic. After all, this is what your homeowners insurance is for. We’re here to walk you through the claim process so you’re prepared to get your home back to normal as soon as possible. Finally, we’ll go over what to expect when your claim is taken care of.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Before you jump in with waders on, take a deep breath and make a phone call to your insurance company. 

Let them tell you what to do next. In situations where the damage is likely to worsen without immediate mitigation measures (e.g., a flood or fire), the insurance company will likely tell you to call someone out to take care of it. If this is the case, keep the invoices so you can be reimbursed later on.

It’s really important to listen to your insurance company throughout the process. Not doing so could jeopardize your compensation.

If the damage isn’t likely to get worse, the insurance company will next give you a timeframe for sending an adjuster out.

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