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What homeowners claim for
About 5% of insured homes file a claim each year. Triple-I data for 2022 shows the main causes:
| Cause of loss | Share of losses | Average claim |
|---|---|---|
| Wind and hail | ~41% | $13,511 |
| Water damage and freezing | ~28% | $13,954 |
| Fire and lightning | ~22% | $83,991 |
| Liability | ~2% | $31,690 |
| Theft | 0.7% | $5,024 |
Source: Triple-I data via MoneyGeek (updated June 2026).
Step 1: Make it safe and stop further damage
- Get everyone safe first. Call emergency services if needed.
- Report theft or vandalism to the police and get a report number.
- Make temporary repairs to prevent more damage: tarp a roof, board windows, shut off water. Keep the receipts; they’re usually reimbursable.
- Don’t make permanent repairs or throw away damaged items until the insurer has inspected them.
Step 2: Document everything
- Photograph and video all damage before cleaning up.
- List every damaged or lost item with its age, cost and where you bought it. Receipts are the best proof; photos help where receipts are missing.
- Use your home inventory if you have one. The NAIC offers a free Home Inventory app, and it recommends keeping a copy off-site or online.
- Keep receipts for hotels, meals and other extra living costs if you can’t stay at home; loss-of-use cover pays these.
Step 3: Report the claim
Contact your insurer or agent as soon as possible with your policy number and a description of what happened. The time allowed to report varies by state and policy, so don’t wait. J.D. Power found 38% of claimants now report their first notice of loss digitally. Before you file, check your deductible: if the damage is barely above it, paying yourself may be better than a claim on your record.
Step 4: Work with the adjuster
- Have your damage list, photos and receipts ready for the inspection.
- Consider having your contractor meet the adjuster, so both agree on the scope of repairs.
- Get any repair estimates in writing and don’t feel rushed into accepting repairs you’re unhappy with.
- Fill in the proof-of-loss form promptly and accurately if your insurer requires one.
- Keep notes of every conversation: date, name and what was agreed.
Step 5: Understand the payment
Payments are reduced by your deductible. If you have replacement cost cover, many insurers first pay actual cash value (after depreciation) and then pay the rest once you’ve replaced the item and sent receipts. In the Maryland Insurance Administration’s example, a 10-year-old $1,500 sofa first earns $750; buying a $2,000 replacement unlocks another $1,250. Your mortgage lender may be named on checks for structural repairs and release the money in stages.
J.D. Power’s 2026 study found average repair time of 29.6 days and average time to final payment of 40.7 days, both faster than a year earlier.
If you disagree with the offer
- Ask for the adjuster’s estimate in detail and compare it line by line with your contractor’s.
- Counter with evidence: extra estimates, photos, receipts and prices for replacement items.
- Invoke appraisal if your policy has an appraisal clause: each side picks an appraiser, and an umpire settles differences.
- Consider a licensed public adjuster for large claims. They charge a share of the settlement. Check their license, and be wary of door-to-door solicitation; after a declared disaster, public adjusters in many states can’t solicit for several days.
- File a complaint with your state insurance department, or talk to an attorney for large disputes.
Avoiding contractor scams
After storms and fires, unlicensed contractors often go door to door. Get several written bids, check licenses and reviews, never pay the full amount upfront and never sign over your insurance benefits without understanding what you’re agreeing to. For disaster-specific advice, see our natural disaster coverage guide.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to file a home insurance claim?
It varies by state and policy. Policies require prompt notice, so report damage as soon as you can, ideally within days.
Will filing a claim raise my premium?
It may. Claims are recorded on your CLUE report and can increase your rate or remove a claims-free discount, especially water and liability claims.
Should I file a claim for minor damage?
If the repair cost is close to your deductible, paying yourself is often better. File when damage is well above the deductible or extensive.
What if my insurer denies my claim?
Ask for the denial in writing with the policy language it relies on, then dispute it with evidence. You can also complain to your state insurance department.
How long does a home insurance claim take?
J.D. Power’s 2026 study found an average of 29.6 days to complete repairs and 40.7 days to final payment, but large or disputed claims take longer.
Sources
- NAIC – What you need to know when filing a homeowners claim
- NAIC – What should I do after a wildfire?
- Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner – Homeowner insurance guide (2025)
- Maryland Insurance Administration – Consumer guide to homeowners insurance
- Insurance Journal – J.D. Power 2026 Property Claims Satisfaction Study
- MoneyGeek – Homeowners insurance statistics (Triple-I data, June 2026)
Insurance prices, discounts and rules change often and vary by state. Figures were checked in October 2026; confirm details with the insurer or your state insurance department.