How to File an Insurance Claim
Your Quick Checklist for Filing an Insurance Claim (Without the Overwhelm)
When something goes wrong — a car accident, a kitchen leak, storm damage, or anything in between — your first thought probably isn’t, “Let me calmly review my insurance policy.”
It’s usually more like, “Oh no… what do I do now?”
That’s where a simple, clear checklist can make all the difference. Whether it’s your car, your home, or another insured item, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you handle an insurance claim with less stress and more confidence.
1. Make Sure Everyone’s Safe
Before you think about paperwork or policies, focus on safety.
Check yourself and others for injuries.
Call 911 if anyone is hurt or if there’s a dangerous situation (fire, gas smell, traffic hazard, etc.).
If it’s safe, take photos or video of the scene before anything is moved.
Your well-being comes first. You can always sort out the claim details afterward — but you can’t rewind a safety emergency.
2. Document Everything
Once everyone is safe, start gathering details while they’re still fresh.
Take clear photos or video of the damage from multiple angles.
Capture wide shots of the overall scene and close-ups of specific damage.
Note the date, time, location, and what happened in your own words (you can jot it in your phone).
If others are involved (like in a car accident), gather:
Names and contact information
Insurance details
License plates and vehicle descriptions
The more you document up front, the easier it is later when questions come up.
3. Prevent Further Damage (If It’s Safe to Do So)
Insurance companies expect you to take reasonable steps to protect your property after a loss. That doesn’t mean doing major repairs on your own — it just means stopping things from getting worse.
For example:
Turn off the water if you have a leak.
Put a tarp over a damaged roof area if you can safely reach it.
Board up a broken window to prevent weather damage or theft.
Always put safety first — if you’re unsure or it feels risky, wait for professionals. And remember: keep any receipts for emergency fixes; those may be reimbursable.
4. Gather Your Information
Before you contact your insurance company or agent, it helps to have a few key items ready:
Your policy number (or at least the company name and type of policy)
A brief description of what happened
The date, time, and location of the incident
Any police, fire, or incident report numbers (if applicable)
Having this information handy can speed up the process and reduce back-and-forth phone calls.
5. Contact Your Agent First (If You Have One)
Before you file a claim online or through an app, it’s a smart idea to reach out to your agent.
Your agent can help you:
Understand what’s likely covered
Review your deductible and out-of-pocket costs
Talk through whether filing a claim makes sense in your situation
Set expectations for timelines and next steps
Sometimes, after looking at the numbers, it might not make sense to file a claim for very minor damage. Other times, your agent may encourage you to file right away due to the type or severity of the loss. Having that guidance up front can save you money, time, and stress.
6. Stay Organized Throughout the Process
Think of your claim as a little project. Keeping everything together will make it much easier to manage.
Create a folder (physical or digital) for:
Photos and videos of the damage
Copies of estimates and repair invoices
Police or incident reports
Emails or letters from the insurance company
Notes from conversations, including dates and who you spoke with
Also keep all receipts related to:
Temporary repairs
Emergency services (like water extraction or board-up)
Hotel stays or temporary housing
Extra living expenses (if your home is uninhabitable)
Many of these may be reimbursable depending on your coverage.
7. Follow Up — and Be Patient but Proactive
Claims adjusters often work cases based on urgency and severity — total losses, major damage, and injury claims may be prioritized. That means your claim might take some time to fully resolve.
A few tips to help the process along:
Respond promptly to any requests for additional information.
Keep your communication professional, clear, and detailed.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions if something is confusing.
Check in periodically if you haven’t heard anything in a while.
If you’re working with an agent, they can often help you get updates, clarify what’s happening, and advocate for you if there are delays or confusion.
The Bottom Line: You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
Filing an insurance claim can feel overwhelming — especially when you’re already dealing with damage, disruption, and stress. But having a simple checklist can make everything more manageable:
Make sure everyone’s safe.
Document everything.
Prevent further damage if it’s safe.
Gather your info.
Contact your agent first.
Stay organized.
Follow up and stay patient.
And remember: you’re not supposed to be an insurance expert. That’s what your agent is for.
If something happens, call or text your agent first. They can walk you through the process, help you understand your options, and support you from that first “uh-oh” moment to final resolution.
Pro tip:
Bookmark or print this checklist and keep it with your key documents — or save it to your phone — so if life throws you a curveball, you’ll know exactly what to do next.