A woman is writing notes on a piece of paper as she shares information needed to file a home insurance claim over the phone.

After an insured event, like a fire, windstorm, or break-in, your home insurance policy can help get your property and belongings back in order. While it may feel like your life is flipped upside down, getting your insurance claim started as quickly as possible means you can get back to living life like normal before you know it.

Before you file a home insurance claim, make sure you have the following information ready to go:

  • Your insurance policy number and police report (if you made one). You likely filed a police report in the event of theft or property damage caused by a third party. Make sure you keep a copy of the report to share with your insurance provider and have your policy number on hand to make the claims process as fast as possible.  
  • Details about the accident or event. Write down all the important details of the damage, including a description of what happened, where the damage occurred in or around your home, and the date and time of the event. The more details, the better!  
  • A detailed home inventory list. A home inventory is a detailed list of all the valuables in your home (like your irreplaceable art, high-tech electronics, or rare record collection). It can be helpful after a break-in or if your belongings were damaged in a fire, storm, or other insured event. Frequently update your home inventory so you’re not scrambling after an accident happens. Give your insurer as much information as possible by including:
    • A highly detailed list of your personal belongings
    • The value of each item
    • Any receipts from the point of purchase or from when you had an item appraised
    • Serial numbers
    • A brief description of each item
    • A home inventory list can help speed up the claims process and guarantees your insurer considers the value of your belongings during their loss investigation.
  • Documentation of the damage. Take photos and videos of all the damage. If you have a home security system that captures audio and video footage, make sure you include any relevant recordings with your claim.

    Before calling to file a home insurance claim, have your insurance policy number, home inventory list, and photo evidence of the damage close by to speed up the claims process.

  • All receipts and invoices. If your home is unlivable due to the insured event, you’ve likely been paying out of pocket for food and other accommodations. So, make sure you keep all receipts. Your home insurance includes Additional Living Expenses coverage, which will reimburse you for these expenses.

We know that accidents happen without warning — that’s why they’re called accidents. It might not always be possible to gather all the information listed above, but your broker will always be there to help walk you through the claims process and get your home back in order in no time.

Need to make a claim? Contact your licensed insurance broker right away. In case of an after-hours emergency, call your insurer’s emergency service line.

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