How to Speed Up Your Homeowners Insurance Claim

Most people need between 18 and 24 months to rebuild or repair their homes and possessions after a major disaster.[1] 

Your hard work can keep the claim time frame short and sweet. Best of all, planning steps you take now could reap big rewards when a covered event takes place. 

We’ll walk you through all the steps to take to speed up your homeowners insurance claim.

How to Expedite Your Homeowners Claim in 5 Steps

Homeowners insurance protects you against the unexpected. After a kitchen fire, massive windstorm, or other covered event, a claim can help you repair the damage and replace anything you can’t fix. 

Speed is critical for you. The homeowners insurance company may disagree. 

With a few reasonable steps, you can eliminate unnecessary delays and ensure you move your claim forward as quickly as possible. 

Here’s what to do:

1. Act Quickly 

Reporting delays can slow your claim. As soon as the event happens — and before you do anything else — report the claim to your insurance company. Get the process immediately before you (inadvertently) remove any evidence. 

For example, a windstorm could leave your furniture soggy and prone to mold damage. Don’t throw any damaged items away until an adjuster has seen them.[2] Ensure that the visit happens quickly by filing your claim. 

With your claim filed, take steps to mitigate further damage. For example, a tarp over your roof could keep more rain from falling into your home and triggering more claims. 

You’re required to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage. Get started as soon as your insurance company says it’s safe to do so. 

2. Understand Your Homeowners Policy 

Do you renew your homeowners plan every year without reviewing it? Take the time to read every line of your policy, so you’ll be ready when something happens. 

Pay close attention to how losses are configured in your plan. State laws may dictate how your plan can reimburse you for your home and possessions. Three common methods exist:[3]

1. Actual value, or how much the item costs after depreciation 
2. Replacement value, or how much it will cost to get a new version of something ruined
3. Extended replacement, or cost for something new with a specific percentage over that limit 

The more you know about how your plan works, the more confident you can be in pushing it forward quickly. 

3. Document the Damage

Insurance companies need documentation. Your company must know what you had, what can be fixed, and what must be replaced. 

Expert Take

After you purchase a homeowner’s policy, it’s a good idea to catalog your household belongings room by room. This way, you won’t have to wrack your brain to remember what you’ve lost in case of theft, fire, or any other catastrophic event.

Lisa A. Koosis – Insurance and Finance Subject Matter Expert

Every item damaged should include the following types of documentation:

• Photographs or videos: Take images of what the item looks like right now. Don’t clean it up first. 
• Receipts: Provide proof of what you paid when you bought the item. 
• Location: Describe where the item was when the covered event happened. 

Anything damaged in the covered event needs documentation. Your home, jewelry, electronics, furniture, and more should be described. 

If the items were damaged due to theft, you may need to file a police report. If you do, keep that case number available. Your insurance company may ask for that number to process your claim.

4. Submit Mistake-Free Forms & Documentation 

Most insurance companies require a document called Proof of Loss to start your claim. But your company may ask for special documents or forms. 

Ask your insurance agent to confirm the forms you need. Ideally, your agent will send online links to the current versions of the documents. Read each one carefully before you get started, and ask your agent questions about anything that seems confusing.

Remember that your insurance company uses your forms and documentation to assess the validity of your claim. Mistakes made here could delay your payments. 

5. Cooperate & Communicate With Your Insurance Company 

Clear communication can ensure your claim stays on track without unneeded delays. Reach out to your team regularly to check your status and ensure no one is waiting for something from you. 

Typically, you’ll work with an insurance adjuster.[4] This person inspects the damage and offers money for repairs. Meet the adjuster at your home to minimize complications and ensure you can answer questions quickly. Don’t let the adjuster tour without your helpful presence. 

Document every call, email, text, and visit with your insurance company on a spreadsheet. Highlight the date and time of the communication, whom you spoke to, and what transpired. These notes can be helpful during difficult moments when one party remembers a conversation differently than another. 

Expert Take

If you correspond by mail with an insurance agent, do so by registered or certified mail, and request a return receipt. This will help you document and accurately date your correspondence.

Lisa A. Koosis – Insurance and Finance Subject Matter Expert

Former claims specialist Lisa A. Koosis suggests, “If you correspond by mail with an insurance agent, do so by registered or certified mail, and request a return receipt. This will help you document and accurately date your correspondence.”

What Proactive Steps Can Speed Up a Homeowners Claim?

A bit of planning and persistence on your part can make your claims process even faster. The following steps can help:

• Create a home inventory. Close to half of all homeowners have an inventory to lean on after a covered event.[5] If you’re not one of them, start that today. 
• Get estimates. Obtain estimates for repairs quickly and check with the insurance company to see if they have a list of preferred or approved contractors to get the estimate from.
• Make copies of paper receipts. Recreating receipts after the fact isn’t easy. Duplicate important forms and documents, and keep them somewhere protected (like a safe).
• Keep digital copies. Maintain a digital folder with receipts and other important documents, and have them accessible on the cloud.

Getting a Homeowners Insurance Payout Following a Denied Claim

If you follow every step and aren’t happy with the outcome, you’re not required to settle with your insurance company. 

For example, if you believe the kitchen fire ruined your stove but the insurance company claims it was broken before the blaze, you can keep fighting. Ask for a second opinion from an adjuster or contractor. Take those findings back to the insurance company and appeal. 

Sometimes, homeowners must argue for their rights in court. If the insurance company won’t give you a fair outcome, look for a real estate lawyer. A court case could help you get the results you want. 

Frequently Asked Questions About How to Speed Up Your Homeowners Insurance Claim

We’ve compiled some of the most frequently asked questions about how to speed up a homeowners insurance claim. 

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Reviewed by Lisa A. Koosis

Lisa A. Koosis is an experienced content writer who has ghostwritten extensively for clients in the insurance and finance sectors. As a subject matter expert, she can explain complex financial topics in easy-to-understand language. Lisa is well-versed in topics ranging from life insurance to pet plans and specializes in medical insurance including Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial plans.