An insurance claim is your formal request for the insurer to pay for a covered loss. While details vary by insurer and policy type, the process generally follows the same steps.
Step 1 — Report the claim promptly. Contact your insurer as soon as it is safe to do so after a covered event. Many losses have time limits for reporting, so do not wait.
Step 2 — Document the loss. Take photos or video, make a list of what was damaged or lost, and keep receipts and records. If it applies, get a police report (for theft) or an accident report.
Step 3 — The insurer reviews the claim. An insurance adjuster investigates — reviewing your documentation, and sometimes inspecting the damage — to confirm coverage and estimate the loss.
Step 4 — Settlement. The insurer determines the payout based on your coverage, your policy limits, and the loss. Your deductible is subtracted from the payment.
Step 5 — Repair or replace. You use the payout to repair or replace what was lost.
Tips for a smoother claim: know your coverage before you need it, document thoroughly, keep records of every conversation, and respond to requests quickly.
For RMO claims, see how to file an auto insurance claim or how to file a property insurance claim.