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Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
How to file a homeowners insurance claim
Your home is more than just four walls — it's your sanctuary and your safe space. So when something like a wildfire or tornado happens, it's normal to feel overwhelmed or even hopeless. Fortunately, that's why you have homeowners insurance. It helps you recover your losses and start rebuilding the place you've worked so hard to make your own. This embedded content is not available in your region. Learn more: Homeowners insurance: What it covers and how much you'll pay Steps to file a homeowners insurance claim When you're already dealing with an emotionally draining and stressful situation, the last thing you need is confusion around the claim-filing process. Understanding how submitting a claim works beforehand can help you become more prepared and feel confident navigating the claim process if the unexpected happens. Here are the steps you should follow when filing a home insurance claim. Step 1: File a police report (if necessary) If someone breaks into your home, takes your valuables, or causes severe damage, call the police right away and file a report. Make sure to write down the names of any officers you talk to and note the important details of the crime. This information can help back up your insurance claim. For example, if your home is vandalized and items like your laptop and TV are stolen during a break-in, your insurer will likely ask for the police report to confirm what happened and move your claim forward. Step 2: Contact your insurance company Reach out to your insurance company or agent to report what happened right away. You'll want to share information about the incident and verify that the loss is covered under your policy. If you're covered and decide to file a claim, you can typically do so online, through an app, over the phone, or by mail. If you choose to file by mail, your insurance company will send you the claim forms right away. Make sure to complete them and return them as soon as you can to help avoid any potential delays. Step 3: Gather supporting documents and media When disaster happens, documenting the damage may not be the first thing on your mind. However, it's important to document the damage right away — as long as it's safe to do so. Take clear photos and videos of the damage. The more details you provide, the easier it will be for your insurer to understand what happened and process your claim. Remember that all of the documentation and records you keep will help support your claim, which can help move the process forward more quickly. Step 4: Make a list of what was lost or damaged In addition to photos of the damage, go through your home and write down everything that was damaged or destroyed. You'll want to be as detailed as you can. Then make a copy of that list to give to your insurance adjuster. If you have receipts for any of the items, include those since they can help support your claim. Expert tip: Having a home inventory can simplify this step. Many insurance companies offer digital inventory tools through their apps, so it's worth checking if your insurer does to simplify this step. Step 5: Take steps to prevent more damage If your home has fire, smoke, or water damage, it's a good idea to call a restoration company to get help with cleanup ASAP and make sure your home is safe. Depending on the situation, they might board up broken windows, start drying out water damage, or set up air purifiers to clear smoke from the air. Don't forget: You'll want to check with your insurance company first about what you're allowed to clean up or repair temporarily. That way, you don't tamper with what the adjuster still needs to inspect. When it comes to repairs, your insurance company may recommend preferred contractors within its network. However, you don't have to follow their recommendation. You're typically allowed to hire your own licensed contractor, which can give you more control over the quality of the work, depending on the details of your policy. Just keep in mind that your contractor's estimate may be higher than the adjuster's. If that's the case, you'll need to work with both the contractor and your insurance company to resolve the difference and ensure everything is fair and reasonable. Learn more: How to shop for homeowners insurance Step 6: Get ready for the adjuster's visit Your insurance company typically sends an adjuster to inspect the damage. The adjuster works directly for the insurer and helps estimate the cost of repairs to determine an appropriate settlement amount. The adjuster will carefully walk through your home to inspect the damage and ask questions about what happened. It's best to prepare for their visit in advance so you can point out any damage and share your list of damaged items. Step 7: Relocate to safety (if needed) Sometimes, your home may be considered unsafe and uninhabitable after a fire or other major damage. If that's the case, your insurance adjuster or the fire department may recommend that you stay somewhere else while repairs are done. Many policies include additional living expenses (ALE) coverage, which takes care of expenses like accommodations and meals if your home is unlivable due to a covered event. If you have to live elsewhere, make sure to keep all your receipts for things like hotel stays, meals, and transportation. Step 8: Collect your payment After you and your insurance company agree on the settlement amount, they'll typically send the payment within a few days to a few weeks. In some cases, you might receive more than one check, with the first serving as an advance on your total settlement to help with any immediate repairs. If you have a mortgage, your insurer may issue the check to both you and your lender. That way, the bank can make sure you use the funds to complete the necessary repairs. Keep in mind: You might not receive the full amount all at once. It's common to receive an initial payment to help you start on repairs and then receive the remaining amount at a later date. Learn more: Is homeowners insurance required? The answer might surprise you. Step 9: Advocate for yourself If you're unclear about any step in the filing process, make sure you speak up and ask questions. It's easy for details to fall through the cracks, especially when managing a large project, so stay proactive to avoid potential delays or mistakes. When to file a homeowners insurance claim Just because you can file a home insurance claim doesn't always mean you should. And in some cases, you might not think to file a claim, but you would benefit from it. If you're not sure whether you should file a claim, check with your insurance agent. They can help you make the best decision for your situation, which will protect your coverage in the long run. But if you're still trying to decide, here are some suggestions as to when you should and when you shouldn't file a claim. Learn more: How much is homeowners insurance? A guide to lowering costs How soon should I file a claim? Homeowners insurance companies generally want you to file a claim as soon as the damage happens. In most cases, you have anywhere from a few months to a year from the date of the incident. That said, the exact amount of time you have to file depends on your policy and your state's laws. If something happens to your home, you're already dealing with enough stress. Waiting to file a claim can turn a manageable situation into a bigger hassle. Filing your claim promptly can help: Speed up the claims process Prevent more damage from happening Maintain a clear record of what happened Reduce the risk of delays (or having your claim denied) Expert tip: Check your policy or call your insurer to find out the specific deadlines that apply to you, so you can stay on top of the process. Learn more: Actual cash value vs. replacement cost: Understanding the difference in home insurance Is the damage well above your deductible? Your deductible is the amount you must pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. If the cost of repairs is much higher than your deductible, then filing a claim probably makes sense. But if the repair costs are close to or less than your deductible, you might want to cover the expenses yourself. For example, if your deductible is $2,500 and the damage is $35,000, it's a good idea to file a claim. But on the other side of that: If you incur damages that only total $2,000, you should consider skipping the claim as you won't get paid. Plus, your insurance rates typically go up when you file a claim. Was the damage caused by poor maintenance? Home insurance is meant to cover sudden, unexpected damage — not normal wear and tear. If the damage was something preventable (like a leaky roof from years of neglect), your claim could be denied. So, before diving into a claim, make sure it's not something the insurance company would view as your fault. Have you filed multiple claims in the last few years? Filing multiple claims in a short time can raise red flags with your insurer. It may lead to higher premiums — or even a cancellation of your policy. Insurance companies track this history using something called a Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (CLUE) report. The information can stay on your record for up to seven years and influence the rate you pay for coverage. Problems like flooding, earthquakes, or sump pump backups are common exclusions in standard homeowners insurance policies. You typically need separate coverage for these types of events. So if the issue isn't covered under your policy, filing a claim likely isn't worth the effort. Up Next Up Next Risks of filing a homeowners insurance claim One of the biggest risks of filing a homeowners insurance claim is that your premium could go up. Insurance companies look at how likely you are to file a claim in the future when setting your rates, so making a claim can make you seem like a higher risk. For example, your insurer may not raise your rate if something truly unexpected happens, like storm winds knocking a tree onto your roof. But if the damage is seen as preventable, like a kitchen fire caused by unattended cooking, you may notice a jump in your premium. The three-claim rule: It's also important to know that many insurance companies follow what's called the 'three-claim rule.' If you file three or more claims within five years, they may see you as too high risk to insure at all. That could result in reduced coverage, nonrenewal of your policy, or cancellation. What NOT to do when filing a home insurance claim Here are a few things you should avoid when submitting a claim: Don't wait too long. Failing to notify your insurer immediately or missing the deadline to file a claim can lead to the insurer denying your claim. Don't let your policy lapse. If your premiums aren't up to date, your claim could be denied, even if the damage is covered under your policy. Don't assume your policy covers everything. Not understanding the details of your policy and exclusions (like flood or earthquake damage) can leave you vulnerable and may mean you have to pay out of pocket for damages. Don't skip preventative steps after damage. After a loss, insurance companies expect you to take reasonable action to prevent further damage, such as boarding up broken windows or turning off water to stop a leak. For more severe cleanup or repairs, work with a restoration company. Don't forget to keep records of everything. You'll need detailed records like photos, videos, and an itemized list of the damage. Vague or incomplete claims are more likely to get delayed or denied. Learn more: How much homeowners insurance do you need? Can my homeowners insurance claim get denied? Homeowners insurance claims get denied more often than you might think. Of the nearly 9 million homeowner claims that were closed in 2023, 37.4% were denied payment, according to Weiss Ratings. In some cases, the denial is pretty straightforward, but in others, it might not be so obvious. Here are a few common reasons your claim can get denied: You missed the filing deadline. You didn't take steps to prevent further damage after the incident. You haven't kept up with your premium payments. You filed for something that isn't covered by your policy. You falsified documents or gave misleading information. You didn't include enough documentation to back up your claim. Understanding these reasons can help you avoid filing errors and improve your chances of getting your claim approved. What to do if your claim is denied If you believe your claim was wrongfully denied, there are a few steps you can take to try to reverse the decision: Find out what led to the claim denial. Home insurance companies are required to send a formal letter explaining why they denied your claim based on the details of your policy. If the reason isn't clear-cut or you feel it was denied by mistake, reach out to the claims adjuster (and your agent, if you have one) to gain a better understanding. File a formal appeal. If you disagree with the claim denial, you can file an official appeal. Just make sure you follow the appeals process closely and include plenty of documentation to support your claim. Consult with a public insurance adjuster. Insurance companies have their own adjusters who work for them, but you can hire a public adjuster to review your claim and look out for your best interests. They typically charge up to 15% of your insurance payout. However, some may offer a complimentary review to get started. Hire an attorney with insurance claim experience. If you continue to hit a dead end, but still believe you're entitled to a settlement, your last option might be to speak with an experienced attorney. Make sure they've successfully handled property insurance cases in the past and can provide solid references. Keep in mind, though, you'll usually have to pay out of pocket for legal fees, which can add up quickly. Report it to your state's insurance department. If your claim isn't being handled fairly and you've kept up with your payments, you can file a formal complaint with your state's Department of Insurance. Expert advice: Remember that reversing a denial isn't easy, but if your policy supports your case, it's worth speaking up. How to file an insurance claim FAQs How long do you have to file a homeowners insurance claim? How long you have to file a claim depends on your insurance company, your policy, and even the state you live in. But in general, it's best to file as soon as you can. Waiting too long can slow the claims process down — or worse, get your claim denied. Filing right away helps speed things up and gives you a better chance of getting the money you need sooner. Will a homeowners insurance claim affect my rates? Yes, your rate may go up, but not always. Whether your rate increases, and by how much, depends on your insurance company. Each home insurer calculates rate changes differently, using factors like the type of claim, how many claims you've filed in the past, and the laws in your state. So, if you're unsure how a claim may impact your rate, it's a good idea to ask your insurer before filing. How long does a homeowners insurance claim affect my rates? Typically, claims stay on your CLUE report for up to seven years. Some insurers, however, may only look at the last three years of your claim history to make this determination. Always ask your insurance company, so you know what to expect. What documents do I need to file a homeowners insurance claim? When you file a claim, you'll start by providing some basic information, like your policy number, name, address, and phone number. Insurance companies will also typically ask you to fill out a claim form, which includes attaching supporting documents. That means making a list of everything that was damaged or lost, and taking clear photos and videos of the damage. This step is key, since it helps streamline the claims process and ensure you're right on track. Jamie Young and Tim Manni edited this article.
CBS News
18 hours ago
- Business
- CBS News
Hill Country flood fund raises $60 million, but residents say help is slow
The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country announced Tuesday it has raised $60 million for those impacted by the catastrophic July 4 floods through its Kerr County Flood Relief Fund. Austin Dickson, CEO of the foundation, said about $9.4 million has been distributed to more than 35 organizations. On July 11, $5 million was granted to nonprofits, businesses, first responders, and crisis response groups. On Tuesday, the foundation announced its second round of grants, distributing another $4.4 million to local organizations, including $1.25 million to the Ingram Independent School District, one of the largest grants awarded so far. "The Ingram central administration level is a total loss; it's toxic to enter. I stood on the outside of it on Sunday, where the water level had risen 6 feet. All its technology, furniture, and fixtures are destroyed and inaccessible," Dickson said. "We made a $1.25 million grant so that the school district could meet some emergency expenses and work through the logistics it needs to be up and running for the first day of school in a few weeks." But some residents feel the funds aren't reaching those most affected. Mikaela Taylor, who lives in Kerr County, said many in her community still need help recovering, from basic necessities to debris removal. "I'm seeing people that are struggling that need help that don't know where to turn," Taylor said. "I know somebody that was sleeping on a floor that didn't have clothes until a couple of days ago." Despite the $60 million raised, Taylor believes it's not reaching the individuals and families who need it most. "There is a lot of money in our community sitting in a bank account that our residents should be able to tap into if they need to do so," Taylor said. The Community Foundation is one of several organizations collecting the bulk of donations meant for Hill Country flood victims. "We have existing relationships with these grantees, we know their staff, their volunteers, we know their advocates, and we all know their heart, and we know they are going to be able to deliver it for us," Dickson said. The foundation said it cannot legally give funds directly to individuals, which is why it distributes money to organizations that then provide aid through gift cards or supplies. CBS News Texas asked the foundation about the concerns. "We also feel that urgency, and we are working as fast as possible to stand up a professional, excellent, transparent process that's going to meet as many needs as possible," Dickson said. Dickson said the foundation is working to create a council to oversee the funds long-term. Of the $9.4 million already distributed, only $1 million has been set aside for families and individuals, according to the foundation's website. Taylor said that's not enough given the scale of the disaster. "We got to help the people, people before anything," said Taylor. "Nobody should have to suffer more than they already have, nobody." Taylor created to help individuals directly, by adding vetted crowdsourcing donation pages to the site.
CTV News
2 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
Better disaster recovery needed as frequency grows: insurance bureau
Workers continue to assess, repair and rebuild as some residents return to Jasper, Alberta on Monday August 19, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Amber Bracken TORONTO — The Insurance Bureau of Canada is calling for national discussions about how to better manage rebuilding after disasters as their cost and frequency grow. The bureau is asking the federal government to lead talks with provinces on disaster recovery as efforts to rebuild Jasper, Alta., encounter delays a year after a wildfire destroyed about a third of the town's buildings. The calls come as July 22 marks one year of the Jasper wildfire, which caused an estimated $1.2 billion in insured damage. It was just one of several disasters last year that caused about $8.5 billion in combined insured damage to make it by far the costliest year on record. Costs have climbed as climate change has helped make extreme weather events more frequent and damaging, while the cost of building materials and other factors have also contributed to the increase. The higher costs of rebuilding also comes as it's taking longer to get repairs going. Almost a year after the Jasper wildfire, IBC says officials have only issued rebuilding permits for 56 of the 358 buildings that burned down. The rebuild is going much slower than it did after the 2016 Fort McMurray wildfire, which saw much of the reconstruction start within the first year, despite it being the most costly wildfire event in Canadian history with some 2,400 structures destroyed. 'Delays that prolong the rebuilding process, like we are seeing in Jasper, are occurring more frequently in Canada after large catastrophic events,' said Craig Stewart, vice-president of climate change and federal issues at IBC, in a release issued ahead of the one-year anniversary. As delays in Jasper continue, the bureau is warning that some residents could run out of additional living expenses coverage and many businesses could use up their business interruption coverage. Part of the issue on delays is the added regulation from the town being in a national park and the extra remediation rules, but Stewart said a lack of co-ordinated and standardized response is also an issue. 'Canada needs a federal co-ordinating agency to guide emergency preparedness and recovery," he said. "Every other G7 country has an agency operating in this capacity – it's time for Canada to follow suit and take on a proactive approach to emergency management.' The insurance association also called for government to better support community wildfire protection initiatives such as firebreaks and limits to new buildings in unprotected high-risk areas. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 21, 2025. The Canadian Press
RNZ News
4 days ago
- Climate
- RNZ News
Government grants $50,000 to Student Volunteer Army for Nelson Tasman clean-up
Minister Meager is pictured with SVA founder Sam Johnson. Photo: Supplied A one-off $50,000 grant has been given to the Student Volunteer Army (SVA) to support youth volunteers in the Nelson Tasman clean-up, after two floods in two weeks hammered the region. Communities were facing millions of dollars worth of damage to roading infrastructure, farmland and properties. The grant will pay for region-wide activities over the next four-to-six weeks based on requests by those affected. Youth Minister James Meager said SVA's volunteers would be of "enormous" benefit to the communities . "Young people are ready and willing to get involved and support communities badly affected by recent flooding events. This region has been hit hard twice in the past fortnight, and these volunteers will offer valuable assistance while taking part in a youth development opportunity. "The youth volunteers that participate will be appropriately supervised and have access to mentoring and guidance to support their learning and development while doing this voluntary work." Image from Defence Force helicopter showing the Lower Waimea River area after Nelson floods. Photo: Tim Cuff / POOL SVA Founder Sam Johnson said involving young people in disaster response and recovery was "always a good idea". "They're fit, energetic and like to help. It also provides them the opportunity to learn first-hand about the complex issues extreme weather present." The SVA had provided assistance to 50 properties so far, Johnson said. SVA Founder Sam Johnson says the Student Volunteer Army has provided assistance to 50 properties so far. Photo: Supplied "I want to thank those who have helped enormously with the region's recovery efforts so far. "I encourage all young people who have seen the devastation and want to help to reach out to the organisation," he said. The funding was for volunteers aged between 12 and 24. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
One Year After Jasper Wildfire: Rebuilding Continues Amid Ongoing Challenges
Insurers calling for a national discussion on how to better manage catastrophic events EDMONTON, AB, July 16, 2025 /CNW/ - July 22, 2025, will be the one-year anniversary of the devastating wildfire that swept though the community of Jasper, Alberta, destroying 358 properties and causing an estimated $1.2 billion in insured damage. As rebuilding efforts progress, numerous residents are still experiencing delays in the reconstruction of their homes and businesses. In response, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is urging the federal government to lead a national discussion with provinces and territories on how to improve the management of disaster recovery moving forward. "Over the past year, the people of Jasper have shown tremendous resilience, and insurers will continue to be there every step of the way to support recovery efforts," said Aaron Sutherland, Vice-President, Pacific and Western, IBC. "Following large-scale disasters, insurers' priority is to rebuild and repair property as quickly as possible so their customers can return to their usual lives." Jasper is situated within a National Park, which means additional measures, including federal soil remediation and recovery requirements, were imposed following the fire. These additional steps have added time, complexity and overall cost to the rebuilding effort, costs which are not typically covered under standard property insurance policies. IBC has worked constructively with the Federal Government, including Parks Canada, on these issues and the Federal Government has committed that it will support the leaseholders by covering the extra remediation costs required to meet Federal remediation standards. The Government has further committed to an expedited process to ensure that the rebuilding process is not delayed further by soil remediation issues. As of July 7, 2025, only 56 of the 358 destroyed properties (15%) have received the necessary permits and approvals to proceed with the rebuilding process. In contrast, following the 2016 Fort McMurray wildfires – the costliest wildfire event in Canadian history, much of the reconstruction began relatively quickly and before the fire's first anniversary. In an effort to avoid additional delays in Jasper, insurers continue to actively engage with all orders of government to resolve outstanding issues. "Delays that prolong the rebuilding process, like we are seeing in Jasper, are occurring more frequently in Canada after large catastrophic events," added Craig Stewart, Vice-President of Climate Change and Federal Issues. "Canada needs a federal coordinating agency to guide emergency preparedness and recovery so that Parks Canada, and other jurisdictions, don't have to create unique playbooks after each catastrophic event. Every other G7 country has an agency operating in this capacity – it's time for Canada to follow suit and take on a proactive approach to emergency management." As delays continue in Jasper, IBC warns that some residents may run out of Additional Living Expenses coverage and many businesses could be exhausting their Business Interruption coverage. It is recommended that policyholders speak with their insurance representative to understand what coverage remains available given these unanticipated delays. The challenges faced during Jasper's recovery should serve as another alarm bell for governments across the country. That is why Canada's insurers are calling on governments to: increase support for communities to complete FireSmart's Community Wildfire Protection Plans, which include firebreaks and guards around at-risk communities; limit new building in unprotected high-risk areas, enhance building codes to mandate the use of fire-resistant materials; and improve wildfire response and suppression capabilities. Quick Facts The Jasper wildfire is estimated to have caused $1.2 billion in insured losses, according to initial estimates from Catastrophe Indices and Quantification Inc. (CatIQ). A one-year insured loss update will be released on July 25. For the most recent information on recovery efforts in Jasper, visit Immediately following the Jasper wildfire, insurers took several actions to help expedite recovery and reconstruction efforts. These actions include: Deploying representatives into the community to provide financial support to policyholders, and assisting them with the claims process; Coordinating and paying for a bulk appliance collection and disposal program of contaminated refrigerators and freezers; and, Hiring a contractor to facilitate the coordinated debris removal of damaged properties, a process that was completed at the end of April despite challenging logistics and unexpected added costs. About Insurance Bureau of Canada Established in 1964, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is the national industry association representing Canada's private home, auto and business insurers. Its member companies make up the vast majority of Canada's highly competitive property and casualty (P&C) insurance market. As the leading advocate for Canada's private P&C insurers, IBC collaborates with governments, regulators and stakeholders to support a competitive environment for the P&C insurance industry to continue to help protect Canadians from the risks of today and tomorrow. IBC believes that Canadians value and deserve a responsive and resilient private P&C insurance industry that provides insurance solutions to both individuals and businesses. For media releases, IN Focus articles, or to book an interview with an IBC representative, visit Follow us on LinkedIn, X and Instagram, and like us on Facebook. If you have a question about home, auto or business insurance, contact IBC's Consumer Information Centre at 1-844-2ask-IBC. We're here to help. SOURCE Insurance Bureau of Canada View original content to download multimedia: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
