Filing a home insurance claim can be stressful, but knowing the process beforehand helps ensure you receive fair compensation for your losses. Preparation and documentation are key to successful claims.

Before filing, document everything with photos and videos. Create a detailed home inventory listing your possessions, their approximate value, and purchase dates. Store this inventory securely in the cloud or off-site.

Report damage to your insurance company promptly. Most policies require notification within a specific timeframe, and delays could affect your claim. Contact your insurer's claims hotline as soon as safely possible after an incident.

Prevent further damage by making temporary repairs if safe to do so. Board up broken windows, cover roof damage with tarps, and stop water leaks. Keep receipts for emergency repairs as these costs are often reimbursable.

Your insurance company will send a surveyor to assess the damage. Be present during the inspection and point out all damage, even issues that might not be immediately visible. Take your own notes and photos of what the surveyor examines.

Obtain multiple repair estimates from licensed contractors before agreeing to settlement amounts. This ensures the insurance payout covers actual repair costs properly.

Understand your policy's deductible and how it applies to your claim. Some policies have separate deductibles for specific perils like earthquakes or floods.

Keep detailed records of all communications with your insurance company including dates, names, and conversation summaries. Follow up in writing to create a paper trail.